1952 Allard J2X

First a bit oh history of our slightly unusual and non-Jaguar classic car. The Allard J2 is a sports roadster that was made by Allard Motor Company in Clapham, south-west London . The J2 was mainly intended for the American market and in 1952 Allard replaced the J2 with the J2X and only produced until 1954. In an attempt to improve handling, the J2X had redesigned front suspension arrangement that allowed its engine to be positioned about 18 centimetres further forward than the J2 engine had been. This did a few things beside improving the weight distribution: it gave the driver more leg room, and also facilitated easy identification between the two models J2 and J2X ("X" for extended). The longer nose sticks out beyond the front wheels (unlike the J2 where the nose stops even with the front of the front tires) and this is the easiest way to differentiate between the two. The J2X also had side access panels for the engine and most models came with a standardised wide flat hood scoop, unlike the J2s where each one has a different custom built hood arrangement. Also offered as an option was a differential with quick-change ratios, and a larger fuel tank. Its 170 hp engine could propel the car from 0-60 in 10 seconds and gave the J2X a top speed of 111.6 mph.83 J2Xs were built. The interior remained basic with only a few gauges. Arriving later, during a time when sports racing car design was developing rapidly, the J2X was not as successful in international racing as the J2, as it was not as competitive compared to more advanced C- and D-type Jaguars, alongside Mercedes, Ferrari, and Maserati works entries. Thus, it headlined less often in major international races and of 199 documented major race starts in the 9 years between 1952 and 1960, J2X's garnered 12 first-place finishes; 11 seconds; 17 thirds; 14 fourths; and 10 fifths.

Chassis J2X 3063 was configured in right-hand drive and fitted with a 3.9 Mercury side-value V8 motor. Exported new in June of 1952 to George Lee Motors in Singapore, this was the only Allard delivered new to Singapore. The car has the following specifications from the factory; bronze paint, brown interior, wire wheels, full size windscreen, wipers and luggage rack. In 1972 the car was purchased by a collection and the car lived in Hong Kong where the Mercury engine was swapped out for a Studebaker OHV V8. In 2014 the car was registered in the UK and used occasionally

Photography by Thomas Stoner.

We have been entrusted with the comprehensive mechanical refresh including the front suspension restoration, fuel tank recommissioning and engine service. The front drum brakes air intakes were designed and coach built in house to replicate the originals that were missing. The leather straps holding the spare wheel in place where also missing and we went to the extreme lengths of matching the patinated leather with texture and colour. Our Vixen aquablaster was put to good use when rebuilding the Aluminium drum brakes housings and we further adjusted the drum shoes to now use the brakes with confidence. The original radiator was recored and pressure tested so the old J2X won’t overheat during a spirited summer drive.

If you would like to discuss the rejuvenation of your classic British sports car, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the contact form below or via our usual contact details :

0115 9262266 or info@thorntonrestorations.com