LOT 51
1953 Allard K3 Chassis no. K3/3190
Sold for US$39,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
1953 Allard K3
Chassis no. K3/3190
Chassis no. K3/3190
390ci OHV Cadillac V8
Approximately 325bhp at 5,000rpm
T-10 Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Di Dion Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic operated Drum Brakes
* One of just 63 Allard K3's produced
* Excellent car for rallies and tours
* Offered with exceptional documents, and tools.
* Rare Anglo-American Sports Car
THE ALLARD K3
Sydney Allard founded Allard Motor Company in 1936, producing potent sports racing cars powered by Ford V8 and Lincoln V12 engines. Allard racing cars continued to prove themselves as capable competitors, with one example winning the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally piloted by Mr. Allard himself, narrowly defeating Sir Stirling Moss. That same year, Allard released a new touring car based on their venerable J2 racing car, the K3.
Featuring a reinforced chromoly-tube chassis, Allard's innovative divided front axle suspension system, racing steering ratios, and a host of potent American engines, The K3 is a racecar at heart, beneath an all-aluminum envelope body. While the racing attributes limited everyday practicality, the K3 offered undeniable performance along with some welcome luxuries, like seating for three, a spacious trunk, and a convertible top.
The concessions made for performance, along with the steep $5,300 asking price, made the K3's appeal as a touring car suffer. As a result, only 63 of these exhilarating roadsters were produced and just 46 remain today.
THE CAR OFFERED
All K3s were all sent to the USA missing their power plants, it was up to the dealership, or first owner, to choose. Choices for the K3 were either a Cadillac 331 or a Chrysler Hemi. This car, like many other K3s, was delivered with the 331 Cadillac, which many Allard enthusiasts feel is the better engine for the K3.
The earlier history of K3/3190, is unknown. Today it is in a semi-restored state. The body appears to be very straight and as its in raw metal it shows as a very honest example. The consignor who received the car without a drivetrain decided to use a Cadillac 390 from 1959, is equipped with some period speed parts, including a Weiand intake featuring 3X2 carburetors, and Offenhauser valve covers. It appears to have also been converted to run on an alternator and electronic distributor. Additionally, a hand-built stainless steel exhaust system with headers was added. At present, the engine and car are almost completely assembled, and test drives are reported to have been impressive. The car's power and speed make it a very exciting experience even though the restoration is not quite finished. The 390 was built with the view to be exercised with vigor.
The other appointments in the car appear to have been done to a similarly high standard. With Dynamat sound deadening in the passenger compartment, the beautiful machined turned dash wearing Smiths gauges, and sharp wire wheels with knock offs wrapped in new Pirelli Cinturatos. Also, the convertible top has been replaced but a new tonneau replacement will be needed. This presents as an extremely exciting opportunity for any antique car enthusiast. Allard are very good long-distance touring and rally cars. The large Cadillac V8 is very under stressed and durable. Likely with minimal effort, and with the next caretakers' tastes in mind. This car could very much be for a summer of country road enjoyment, or as a excellent participant on the Colorado Grand, or Copperstate 1000.
Additional information
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