Allard

Year of foundation 1936-1966

The history of the Allard Motor Company is a fascinating tale of a British automotive company that, despite its short existence, left a significant mark on the world of racing and sports cars.

Origins and the Postwar Period

The history of Allard begins with its founder, Sydney Allard, a racing driver and automotive engineer. Even before the war, in 1936, Allard built "specials" based on Ford cars, combining robust American engineering with lightweight, self-designed bodies. This philosophy became the company's trademark.

The Allard Motor Company was officially founded in 1945, immediately after the end of World War II. During the conflict, Sydney Allard specialized in repairing Ford trucks, accumulating a significant stock of mechanical components. This availability of Ford V8 spare parts, combined with his vision of performance cars, formed the basis for the production of his first postwar models.

Iconic Models and Racing Success

Allard's postwar production focused on three main models:

Allard J: A racing sports car, characterized by aggressive styling and high performance.

Allard K: A slightly larger, road-oriented roadster.

Allard L: A four-seater.

Real success came with the Allard J2 model, launched in 1950. This sports car was a winning combination of British lightweight construction and American power, thanks to the use of V8 engines sourced from Cadillac or Chrysler. The J2 achieved great results in racing, particularly in North America, where its power and power-to-weight ratio made it extremely competitive.

Another notable model was the Allard P1, which in 1952, driven by Sydney Allard himself, won the famous Monte Carlo Rally, a feat that remains in motorsport history.

The End and the Legacy

Despite its racing successes, Allard's series production of automobiles ended in 1958. The company struggled to stay afloat and subsequently focused on selling brake conversion kits and other components. Sydney Allard, considered the father of British drag racing, continued to pursue his passion for motorsports until his passing in 1966.

The Allard legacy, however, did not end. The brand was acquired, and since the 1990s, modern replicas of its most famous models, such as the J2X Mk II, have been produced, continuing to celebrate Sydney Allard's original philosophy: a winning combination of lightness, power, and sporting spirit.

In short, the Allard Motor Company was a perfect example of how passion, bold engineering, and a winning strategy (such as pairing American V8 engines with lightweight chassis) can lead to success, even if only briefly. His classic cars are still highly prized today and represent a fascinating and iconic chapter in the history of motoring.