The ex-Steve McQueen
1951 Allard J2X

331ci OHV Chrysler Hemi V8 Engine
Single 2-Barrel Carburetor
250bhp at 4,000rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Independent Front Suspension - De Dion Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes


*Owned by Steve McQueen from 1962 through his passing in 1980
*Older restoration in proper British Racing Green
*Sold out of the McQueen estate at the 1984 Imperial Palace Auction
*Only two subsequent owner's since 1984


THE ALLARD J2X

Sydney Allard was a racer and small bespoke car builder very much in the spirit of Enzo Ferrari and Carroll Shelby; among their prime distinctions is that Ferrari of course was Italian and Shelby equally all American, while Mr. Allard was a True Born in London Brit, through and through. Mr. Allard raced cars, motorcycles and all manner of motorized vehicles, including road racing and the early formational days of drag racing in Europe. He formed his Allard Motor Company in 1945/6 about the time that the Ferrari and Porsche marques came into being. As with Mssrs Ferrari and Shelby, Allard also built sporting road legal machines, but his real means to an end was to design and construct racing machines so he could continue and advance those pursuits. Another trait that Allard and Shelby American had in common is that neither company chose to design and construct their own engines, instead relying on the plentiful and hassle free power offered by a variety of primarily American V-8s

The fledgeling company's first clearly targeted racing machine was the Model J1 of 1946/47, soon followed by much more advanced J2. The racing versions of these cycle fendered machines were mostly devoid of exterior bric-a-brac, and plush interiors, roll up windows, and padded folding tops, all in the name of primarily weight savings. The aluminum-bodied J2 roadster weighed just over 2000 pounds, even running a largely cast-iron American V-8 powerplant. Available both in street trim and stripped down for racing, the J2 proved successful in competition on both sides of the Atlantic. Including what is assuredly an Allard's most notable race finish ever, a third place overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1950 (co-driven by Tom Cole and Allard himself) at an average 87.74 mph (141.20 km/h), powered by a Cadillac V8.

Racing car design and technology was advancing at ever quickening pace during the early 1950s. Thus Allard introduced an updated and meanintfully improved model arrived in late 1951, the J2X (X for Extended). The chassis remained primarily unchanged from the previous J2, but in an attempt to improve handling, the front suspension's rear attaching radius rods were redesigned with front mounting ones, which required a forward cross member and extending the nose past the front wheels. This, in turn, allowed the engine to be moved ahead 7½ in (190 mm), yielding more cockpit room. The nose was lengthened some 6½ in (170 mm) to accommodate this. In standard form, the spare wheel was carried hidden on top of the rear-mounted fuel tank, but either version could carry one or two side-mounted spares. This allowed the use of a 40 gallon long distance fuel tank.

In as much as Allard never produced its own engines, a variety of American V-8s found their way underneath the J2X's long hood panels, including Ford Flathead V-8s, Cadillac overhead valve (OHV) V-8s, and early versions of Chrylser Corporations Hemispherical combustion chamber head V-8s, even then called the Hemi. It is also true that some number of finished, yet engineless Allards made their way into the United States, and presumably other world markets, allowing the dealer or ultimate purchaser to equip the car with their engine of choice. Ford's venerable flathead was by then a legendary design, but generally less powerful than the other two more modern, OHV V-8s were the more popular choice among racers. The Cadillac version may be slightly more well known, yet the Chrysler Hemi was more powerful, depending upon final state of tune.

Arriving later during a time when sports racing car design was developing rapidly, the J2X was not as front-line competitive compared to more advanced Jaguar C- and D-types, alongside Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Maserati factory team entries. No matter, of 199 documented major race starts in the 9 years between 1952 and 1960, J2Xs garnered 12 first-place finishes; 11 seconds; 17 thirds; 14 fourths; and 10 fifths -- still earning a properly prepared J2X an invitation to nearly any major vintage race meet or Concours d'Elegance one can name.

THE CAR OFFERED

Steve McQueen is well known not only for his enigmatic style and Academy Award nominated acting, but also his love of fine automobiles and motorcycles. He was also recognized for his considerable driving and riding talent competing in many professional level racing events, including SCCA club racing, a variety of motorcycle racing, hare-and-hound, motocross, and endurance programs; likely the highlight of which was his hard earned and well deserved 2nd place overall finish in the 1970 12 Hours of Sebring, partnered with Can-Am, Indycar, and F1 pro driver Peter Revson. Cars and bikes were many times significant plot elements and cast members in many of McQueen's film, often with him at the wheel or the handlebars.

Steve McQueen would never cop to being a "collector" of cars and motorcycles. Although it is for certain he was a gatherer. His considerable income allowed him to acquire nearly anything he desired, although his taste was distinctly eclectic, seldom preferring the "flavor of the day" for brands and models that otherwise appealed to him. As of his untimely passing at age 50 in 1980, he owned dozens of cars, several vintage aircraft, and hundreds of motorcycles. He owned and drove what he loved, and loved and drove what he owned. This Allard is one such case in point, even though it was no longer a front line competitive road racer at the time he acquired it in the early 1960s to drive on the street. It was cool to look at, fun to drive, and delightfully loud – reasons good enough for Mr. McQueen. Even after gifting many of these two- and four-wheeled jewels to friends in his final days, and willing some to his children, his estate still consisted of garages, buildings, and aircraft hangers filled to the brim with automobiles, motorcycles, spare parts, tools, furniture, art, weapons, and other ephemera.

His family and estate contracted with the Imperial Palace Hotel, Casino & Auto Museum to assemble and stage "The Auction" as it was nicknamed, held at the Imperial Palace property in Las Vegas on November 24-25, 1984; three years and a few weeks after his passing. Each lot was vetted for provenance, and came with a Cerfiticate of Authenticity signed by daughter Terry, and son Chad.

Powered by what is believed to be its original 331 cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi, in single carburator form, estimated at 250 horsepower, with mountainous torque giving the lighweight car all the power out of corners that its chassis, and 1950s tire technology could handle, and that nearly any driver could wish for. Its barking exhaust note is among the many charms that make Allards popular with race drivers and attendees. McQueen acquired the car in 1962 and kept it until his passing.

The car on offer here was listed as lot number 546, and sold into private hands at this event. It has only been resold once since then, which means that it has had but two owners post Steve McQueen's ownership, which is fully documented herein. At the auction, it was listed, displayed, and sold wearing factory knock-off wheel with wide white sidewall tires – the car now currently sits on another set of identical wheels, wearing modern blackwall rubber. Although the original whitewall tires are no longer safe nor legal for road or racing use, these wheels and tires, as driven on by Steve McQueen are included in the sale, and may be displayed on or with the car.

The original Allard Motor Company fell defunct into bankruptcy in 1958, and has since been reorganized and returned to vehicle production as Allard Motor Works, founded by Roger Allard, based in Montreal, with a primary North American dealer in Florida.

Any Allard J2X is a rare and special automobile to own, drive and/or race; the Chrysler powered models being particularly desirable. Approximately 90 were constructed in period. Any vehicle of any marque or model that includes documented, legitimate, long term ownership by Steve McQueen takes it into the Blue Chip collectible category.

Amazingly Allard Chassis 3074, as offered here today, qualifies under both categories, making it a prized – and absolutely unique -- addition to any private or museum collection.