Italian title

Chassis No 99J-1696 Engine No 8M-216

From a family of major collectors from Brescia

 

- One of the first two J2 models fitted with a Cadillac V8 engine

- Fascinating history, exceptional documentation

- Only five owners since new

- Rare model, eligible for the most prestigious events

 

 As well as maintaining its original integrity, this Allard J2 is one of the first two examples to have been fitted with a lightweight and compact 5.4-litre Cadillac V8 engine with overhead valves, instead of the Ford engines typically installed by Sidney Allard, who was then agent for the brand in England. Furthermore, this J2 comes with exceptional documentation that enables its history to be traced precisely. When Frederic Gibbs (a naval architect based in New York) contacted Allard in April 1950 to purchase a J2, he requested it to be fitted with a Cadillac V8 engine which he had to order directly from General Motors and get it shipped to England so that Allard could install it for him. The car was then sent to the United States and delivered to its owner on the 10th August 1950.

Frederic Gibbs’ choice of engine must have convinced Sydney Allard, as he partnered with Tom Cole to race at the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans with an Allard-Cadillac, finishing in third place. Subsequently, all Allard J2 examples were equipped with a Cadillac V8 instead of the previous Mercury lateral engine. Combining an English chassis with an American V8, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds and boasting an exceptional power-to-weight ratio for that era, the J2 is sometimes referred to as the predecessor of the AC Cobra.

Extremely meticulous, Frederic Gibbs recorded every work done on his J2 in a small notebook until October 1964. It is evident that he did not use it much but carefully serviced it with frequent oil changes.

In 1979, the car was purchased by Paul Pappalardo from Gibbs’ heirs before joining the collection of Paul Sharp in England from 1983 to 1997; it then entered the prestigious collection of Vijay Mallya. Since the late 1990s, it’s been in the hands of a collector family in Brescia. This ownership chain features only a limited number of owners, all of whom are knowledgeable collectors.

When it was purchased, the car was very well-preserved and following some work done to get it running again and make it more reliable, both the owner’s sons paid tribute to their father by participating in the 2018 MIlle Miglia.

With a low mileage, this Allard J2 is certainly one of the most authentic and best preserved survivors. It has been featured in several articles in the specialist press as well as in the book dedicated to the Allard Portofolio brand. It comes with all its related correspondence and invoices since new, as well as a FIVA identity card and a certificate from the Automotoclub Storico Italiano. With its vigorous performance, impeccable original condition, fascinating history, rarity and original design, this car brings together criteria rarely found in one car, which will not go unnoticed by enthusiasts. 

Photos © Mattia Bortoluzzi