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1946 Allard K1

Offered for Sale exclusively through Bring-a-Trailer's Spring Motoring Collection. A selection of 15 sports and touring cars, chosen by DriverSource in celebration of our 15th Anniversary! Bidding Now Live --> https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1946-allard-k1-2

1946 Allard K-1

Chassis No. 61K165
Engine: Cadillac 390ci
Gearbox: Richman 4-Speed
Rearend: Ford 9-Inch

One of the Earliest Allards Imported to the U.S.
Known History Since 1950
Prepped and Highly Versatile for Road Use or Vintage Racing
Over 20 Years of Extensive Mechanical & Servicing Records
Carries Two VSCCA Logbooks
Accompanied by Installable Road & Racing Equipment
Among the Great Anglo-American Hybrids

Sydney Allard was, in many ways, the British equivalent to Carroll Shelby, pioneering the construction of a lightweight European racer designed to accommodate American brute force under the hood. Left with a supply of surplus Ford engines and parts on hand after World War II, his London shop assembled them into profitable sports cars, the first of which was the K1, a two-seater on a box section frame with transverse leaf springing and split-axle independent front suspension developed by Leslie Ballamy. Designed for either Ford or Mercury flathead V-8 power, the lightweight K1 boasted road-burning acceleration. No surprise, then, that its success in privateer racing soon carried over to the United States.

According to the Allard Register, 61K165 is one of the earliest Allards brought to the US, as one of three cars exported on August 8, 1947 – chassis numbers 3, 4, and 5. Records indicate it was originally painted red with a brown interior. A written historical account of the K-1 by a previous long-term caretaker David Ward, states that by 1950, the Allard was towed to a garage in South Bend, Indiana - sans the original engine. The owner at the time abandoned the project and the car was acquired by the station's owner who installed a Cadillac V8. The station owner kept the car until he retired and sold it to another station owner in Buchanan, Michigan. Ward accounts visiting the Allard as a high school student in the late 1950's-60, complete but in disrepair, the station owner repeated denied Ward's attempts to purchase the vehicle. In 1960, the station shuttered and the car disappeared. On a whim, Ward cleverly traced down the owner and car – now resting under an apple tree and full of apples. Ward was finally able to purchase the car in 1963 for $175 and revive to road readiness. He recounts the K-1 always wearing green paintwork, with a small-mouth grill and a visual appearance more in line with a J Series, than a K Series. In 1970, the Allard was driven to Ward's new residence in Oklahoma, and later to Watkins Glen, NY in 1973, where it was displayed at the Watkins Glen Auto Museum in 1974. The Allard was eventually traded for a 1927 Willys Single Seater.

Subsequent ownership is also well recorded, highlighted with Marcel Perlman, who prepped and actively raced the K-1 in several East Coast VSCCA and VRG events, as tracked by two accompanying Log Books spanning 16 years. Its most recent caretaker, Mr. Maiuccoro of New York was introduced to this car and the sport after watching it perform at the Memorial Weekend at Lime Rock event. Since 2005, Maiuccoro continued to race, and “completely sorted the car out to a level that most Allards are not able to achieve - this is by far the best handling K-1 out there.” Proven at events such as: Lime Rock, Pocono, Watkins Glen, New Jersey, and New Hampshire.

Mechanical highlights include a 390 Cadillac engine, built by John Harden/Chris Campbell of The Vintage Connection in Oklahoma City. Fitted with JE pistons, Eagle forged connecting rods, Competition camshaft, nitrate crank, billet timing gears, ported and relieved heads, high torque starter, and is adapted to a T4 Richmond close ratio transmission. Custom headers, 350 CFM Carburetors, and dyno tuned between 362 hp at 6200 RPM and 401 hp at 6200 rpm. Over $23,000 was invested just in the motor and transmission. The rear end is a Ford 9-inch with drum brakes. The front brakes are Lincoln drums vintage 1946/48. The suspension has been fine-tuned with special rated springs and revised geometry. A large file recent work, photographs, history and documentation is included with the sale.

A truly versatile race on Sunday, drive on Monday car – it's said the Allard can be transformed to its race form within a couple of hours. Parts include a full windshield, Brookland's windscreens, lap belts, fire suppression plumbing, and a bolt in the three-point roll bar. Sorted and ready for road or track, this K-1 qualifies for nearly every worldwide vintage touring, racing, and display event. Bountiful options, now available for global purchase and delivery from our Houston, Texas showroom.

The above vehicle information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. It is provided 'as-is', without warranties as to its accuracy, whether expressed or implied, and is intended for informational purposes only. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated.

All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and shipping expenses. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. DriverSource is not liable for any errors, omissions, or mistakes.

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