1951 Allard K3 Roadster Hits the Auction Block

One of just 119 Allard K3 roadsters ever built is to be auctioned at Amelia Island on March, RM Auctions revealed. The vehicle in question, estimated at $120,000-$130,000, comes fitted with a 330 cu. in. 1951 Oldsmobile OHV V-8 engine with Edmunds intake manifold and dual carburetors, 1950 Mercury three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, independent front suspension with split I-beam swing axles and coil springs, live rear axle with transverse leaf spring, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

Finished in red and fitted with beige leather upholstery, this 1951 Allard K2 has been fully restored. Other highlights include a set of chrome “knock off” wire wheels, Brooklands-type windscreens, a tachometer and a “banjo” steering wheel.

“If hot rods were invented in England, Sidney Allard would surely have created them. Allard’s first production models appeared in 1946 with “flathead” Ford V-8 power. Soon after, Allard shoehorned the new OHV V-8s into his J2 and K2 models. The first Cadillac V-8 to be obtained from the U.S. was immediately installed into Allard’s own J2 racing car that he entered into the 1950 Tour of Sicily and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Allard finished third overall. Allard also scored highly at Monte Carlo, Watkins Glen, Pebble Beach and Sebring, where his J2s finished first and second in 1950,” a statement from RM Auctions reads.

“Building upon the success of the road-going K1, Allard launched the sleeker K2 in 1950. A 3.6-liter Ford V-8 was standard, but buyers could also specify Mercury, Cadillac, Chrysler and even Oldsmobile “Rocket” V-8 engines. The K2 was produced until 1952, with just 119 built. The few imported to the U.S. were quickly adopted by road racers and were exceptionally successful,” it continues.