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1953 Allard J2X Le Mans

1953 Allard J2X Le Mans

Sydney Allard was a experienced racing driver who raced cars at LeMans and the Mille Miglia bearing his own name. Of all the cars he built, the J2 of 1950 received the most attention and reflected his racing background.

J2 was a limited production racing car, and since Allard didn’t manufacture their own engines, many were fitted with American V-8s. When combined with the 331 cu. in. Cadillac or Chrysler 331 Hemi Firepower the J2X was a very potent contender. Contributing to good handling was a chassis constructed using small diameter tubes, a de-Dion rear axle to help keep the rear wheels connected to the road and the large aluminum Alfin drum brakes.

Most J2 and J2Xs went to America where, between 1950 and 1954, they dominated SCCA racing. In 1952, the J2X LeMans was introduced to comply with new rules governing the 24 hour race. It featured an all enveloping body, of which only a handful of the 82 cars received.

The example seen above was sold at the 2005 Barret Jackson Auction for $399 600 USD..

1953 Allard J2X Le Mans

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
production 9-11
engine Cadillac V8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain OHV 2 Valves per Cylinder
displacement 5416 cc / 330.5 in³
bore 96.8 mm / 3.81 in
stroke 92 mm / 3.62 in
compression 10.0:1
power 201.3 kw / 270 bhp
specific output 82.96 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 225.0 bhp per tonne
body / frame Aluminum Body over Sheet Steel Chassis
front brakes Aluminum Drums
f brake size mm / in
r brake size mm / in
steering Wrom & Roller
f suspension Split Axle w/Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers
r suspension De Dion w/Coil Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
curb weight 1200 kg / 2646 lbs
wheelbase 2450 mm / 96.5 in
front track 1422 mm / 56.0 in
rear track 1321 mm / 52.0 in
length 3937 mm / 155.0 in
width 1727 mm / 68.0 in
height 1130 mm / 44.5 in
transmission 3-Speed Manaul
gear ratios :1