Chassis No. J2X 2193

As an evolution of the earlier J2, the J2X was designed as the pinnacle of Sydney Allard's vision for a dominant, American-powered British sports car-years before the Shelby Cobra rose to prominence. It incorporated critical improvements for both road and competition use. The most significant change was moving the engine forward by 7.5 inches, which improved weight distribution and allowed for more legroom, making the J2X a more accommodating machine for larger American drivers.

The front suspension geometry was also extensively revised, requiring a six-inch extension of the forward frame resulting in the model's distinctive front-end bulges. Like the J2, the J2X retained a de Dion rear axle and powerful inboard drum brakes, ensuring formidable stopping power. Buyers could specify their choice of potent overhead-valve V8 engines from Cadillac or Chrysler, which delivered immense torque in a chassis that weighed just 2,300 pounds. The J2X was a formidable competitor on tracks worldwide, capable of exceptional performance in the hands of a skilled driver.

The Allard Owner's Club U.K. and U.S.-based Allard Register, record that J2X chassis number J2X 2193 was one of the first to arrive in the United States. The car was completed on 2 November 1951 and shipped to Motor Sport, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It arrived about a month later in a light powder blue with a red leather interior, equipped with a black convertible top and red wire wheels. The build order includes chassis modifications for a Chrysler engine and drivetrain, which Motor Sport, Inc. installed when the car arrived in Pittsburgh. The car's earliest history is unknown, yet by at least the early 1970s the car was owned by Rodger Morello of Mason, Ohio. As recorded in The Allard Register in 1981, Morello cheerfully recounts the conclusion of his years-long restoration of 2193, thanking many of them for their help along the way with the rare car. He notes the color as yellow with black trim and white wire wheels. Morello was clearly a die-hard Allard fan, something his 37-year ownership can attest! After health issues in 2010 he parted ways with the J2X, passing it to a new caretaker who would conduct a cosmetic freshening with light refurbishments and a color change to black. In 2023, the car underwent comprehensive photo-documented restoration by Manns Restoration of Festus, Missouri. The concours-level restoration was all encompassing. The lightweight aluminum body work was massaged, and the car received fresh black paint, a new dark green leather interior, and restorative work to nearly all the car's mechanical systems including the 354 cu-in Chrysler "Fire Power" Hemi V8 under the hood. After over a year's worth of effort the car emerged triumphantly, capturing first place in the European Sports class at the 21st annual Keenland Concours d'Elegance that summer.

Perhaps even more important than its potential for further concours victories, Allard J2X 2193 is one for the committed driver. It is eligible and would be welcomed at many of the world's finest touring and road rally events including the Colorado Grand and California Mille as well as competition events from the Monterey Historics to the Goodwood Revival. For those seeking a captivating post-war Anglo-American hybrid to show and drive, this restored Allard J2X should remain at the fore-combining raw power with enhanced drivability in the most refined and coveted model.