Monterey Preview...

Monterey Car Week is just a few weeks away so we decided to put together a brief preview of what to expect as an Allard enthusiast. The big news is that there will hopefully be six Allards on track at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (RRMR). This is the biggest group of Allards racing at Monterey in over 10 years. You should see (2) K2’s, (2) J2’s, a J2X, and a…GT. Not Bob Girvin’s GT (which now resides in Germany), but Sydney Allard’s Jag powered GT, which is now owned by Alan Patterson. Alan and Vince Vento (J2X) will be racing Saturday in Group 1A while Bernard Dervieux and Steve Schuler will be racing their J2’s alongside the K2’s of Jon LeCarner and John Mote in Group 1B on Sunday.

Photo courtesy Patrick Ernzen

On the auction scene, two Allard's, a J2 and a K2 will be crossing the block. First up is J2-2121 at the Bonham's Quail auction on Friday afternoon. 2121 is a very nice J2 with an interesting history; it features a Shelby Cobra 289 Hi-Po V8 and a top shelf restoration. To learn more about J2-2121 (Lot 8), click here; the auction starts at 11:00. Next up, RM Sotheby's will be selling a very nice K2, chassis 3017 as lot #101. This is the only K2 known to be equipped by the factory for the Chrysler Hemi, side mount spare, wire wheels, and the De Dion rear suspension (one of only a handful so equipped). The car will be first across the block (auction starts at 4:00) so get there early. Click here to learn more about this car.

Roger Allard will also be the Peninsula during Car Week with one his very nice Mk II’s. If you’d like to connect with Roger and test out a J2X Mk II for yourself, you can contact him at info@allardj2x.com or 514-866-9309.

Finally, you may recall that in years past we’ve had an Allard breakfast in Carmel on Saturday morning. Breakfast is off the table this year since we’ll have Allards racing on both Saturday and Sunday. The new plan is to meet up at 4:30 – 6:00pm in the bar of the Embassy Suites in Seaside (1441 Canyon del Rey, Seaside, CA 93955). This means you’ll have plenty of time to bid on the K2, then pop over to the Embassy Bar to brag about your new purchase.

See you in a few weeks!

Auction Preview - K1-249

On March 8, RM will auction off K1-249 at their Amelia Auction sale. 249 was originally sold by Dagenham motors to a Mr. Sandos on June 27, 1947. The car was originally painted green with black wings (fenders) and a red interior. The car is beiing offered as lot 177 and it has estimated value of $125,000 to $145,000 (no reserve). Please click here to learn more about the car.

Auction Preview - K3-3189

On March 8, RM will auction off K3-3189 at their Amelia Auction sale. 3189 was shipped on March 18, 1953 to Allards delership in NYC. The car was originally painted silver with a green interior. The chassis was set up for a Chrysler engine, 3.78 diff, and disk wheels. The car is beiing offered as lot 144 and it has estimated value of $160,000 to $200,000. Please click here to learn more about the car.

Scottsdale RM Preview: JR-3403

This is probably one of my most favorite Allards, JR-3403...just one of 7 built. The car was raced at Le Mans in 1953 by Zora Arkus Duntov and Ray Merrick for 65 laps before retiring. After Le Mans, the car was sold to Col. Reade Tilley of the Strategic Air Command. This JR (also called a J2R) is ready to race and it will likely gain the new owner entry into the most premier vintage race & rally events around the world. To learn more about the car, click here to view the RM post. The car will be sold as lot #115 on Friday January 18. The estimated selling price is $350-450,000, which I believe to be fairly modest. With the right bidders, this car could double that estimate and be worth every penny.

Photos by Scott Miller, courtesy RM Auctions

Here's a video of the car prepping for Le Mans, courtesy of Cadillac Engineer Frank Burrell:

RM Scottsdale Auction Preview

This year, RM will auction two Allards at their Scottsdale auction on Friday January 20. The first car is K3 3261, which was formerly owned by our late Historian, Bob Lylte. This K3 was originally sold through Noel Kirk Motors in LA to an engineer working on the Nike guided missle project. The car retains its original specification, including powder blue paint, Cadillac engine, and Hydramatic transmission. The car, Lot 244, is offered at no reserve and is estimated to sell for $85,000 to 125,000. Click here or the photo above to learn more about the car. AR Analysis: A very nice, powerful touring car that is perfect for vintage rallying.

The second car is K2 3019 which is ready for the track. The car features a DeDion rear suspenion (rare option for a K2), two fender mounted spare tires (another rarity), and a race prepared 600-HP Chrysler Hemi V8. The car carries FIA Historic Vehicle identity paper (#94/1571) and was invited to race in the Goodwood Revival. This car, Lot 220 is offered at no reserve and is estimated to sell for $175,000 to $215,000. Click here or the photo below to learn more about the car. AR Analysis: Great buy for anyone looking for a very competative car that can get into virtually any vintage race meeting.

 

RM Amelia Island Auction Preview - Allard K2-1808

On Saturday March 12, RM will auction off Allard K2-1808 as lot #188. This K2 is equipped with a Olds "Rocket" V8 featuring an Edmunds intake manifold and Mercury transmission. From the photos, the car appears to be in very good condition. The pre-sale estimate is listed as $120-$130,000. For more information and photos on this K2, please click here.