The original Allard J2X was a limited production exotic featuring American V8 power and lightweight chassis. Only 83 cars were built in the UK between 1951 and 1954. In 2008, Canada-based Allard Motor Works revived the roadster with a new model named the JX2 MK II. Now, time has come for the roadster to make its way to Europe where it will be sold through the UK-based company, Premium Classic Cars.
The old car was quite a formidable racing machine, appreciated by the likes of Masten Gregory, Carroll Shelby and Steve McQueen.
It's clear then that Allard engineers had their work cut out, as the MK II had to be every bit as good or better than its predecessor. So, the new car is also handcrafted, while integrating modern build quality and safety technology into the retro lines of the two-seater's sheetmetal.
Under the hood, there's still American muscle, this time in the form of a GM Ram Jet V8, capable of 350 hp and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. All that power is transferred to the rear wheels using a Tremec TKO 5-speed transmission, a fully synchronized competition unit with an overdrive top gear.
The suspension is fully adjustable and features a coil over setup with aluminum shock absorbers, while stopping power comes from 330 mm cross-drilled disks.
The interior of the Mk II is based on the original, but it was stretched and the foot boxes have been widened for added comfort. The aluminum instrument panel also celebrates the 1950s model, alongside the Monza fuel cap. Buyers will get bespoke, fully adjustable seats as well, covered in hand-stitched leather.
Premium Classic Cars Director, Phil Dunmore says: "The Allard J2X MK II is an outstandingly good, high-quality, high-performance low-volume sports car, and its appeal will be obvious to anyone who sees or drives one. It is true to the original design but offers far greater levels of comfort, reliability and refinement. This is a bespoke, modern performance car with its roots in a glorious past and that's a recipe that will appeal to a lot of discerning European enthusiasts".
The Canadian company recreated the J2X with such attention to detail, that the Allard Registry grants official numbering to the MK IIs.
Full specifications and availability on the European model will be announced shortly, while pricing is expected to start in the UK from £95,000 (around US $152,124, at today's exchange rates).
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