Seventy-two years ago, in September 1951, British entrepreneur and racer, Sydney Allard, founder of the Allard Motor Company, introduced an extended version of his successful Allard J2 competition roadster. Called the J2X (X for extended), the upgraded racer was designed to improve handling and to provide a much-needed cockpit extension to accommodate tall drivers like himself. The 83 J2Xs built between 1951 and 1954, proved to be the best performing Allards in Sydney’s stable of 15 models and 1900 cars. The J2X was primarily a left-hand drive export vehicle destined primarily to America. Most were shipped without engine (or even paint), then retrofitted to the new owner’s specification with the meanest and most powerful engines available at the time – the 331 Chrysler Hemi and the 331 Cadillac. The ‘Allard Legend’ was built on the track in the capable hands of iconic drivers like Sydney Allard, Zora Arkus-Duntov, Carroll Shelby, Masten Gregory, John Fitch, John Pollack and Steve McQueen. In the mid to late 1950s, larger factory race teams introduced new technology that overshadowed the Allard’s capability to hold its ground on the track and the Allard marque fell off the motoring world’s radar.

Since the end of its heyday, some seventy years ago, the J2X has generally been forgotten. Today, what is left of the 83 originals linger in collections or museums and are carefully escorted to occasional car shows and events. An even smaller number continue to participate in vintage races. But, as any car of this generation, most J2Xs are mechanically challenged and rest in a perpetual car ICU ward. Their owners compulsively labour for years hoping to bring their prize roadsters back to their original glory (ultimately in someone else’s collection for a good price).

Unsurpassed ‘Wow-factor’

So, where does the new Allard Motor Works J2X® MkIII fit into today’s classic car market? The answer becomes clearer when we sample the public’s reaction to the new roadster on The Bund in Shanghai, Rodeo Drive in L.A., K’Road in Auckland, Crescent St. in Montreal or Calle Ocho in Miami. With over two dozen new J2X®s delivered to customers on four continents, it is clear that nostalgia and a quest for exclusivity and uniqueness are alive and well. Faithful to the original British design, Allard Motor Works (AMW) has spared no effort to eviscerate the quirks from the seven-decade old and mechanically-challenged J2X. Guided by the feedback from today’s classic automobile enthusiasts, AMW has morphed craftsmanship, new technologies, functionality and aesthetics into a modern classic roadster that meets all of the safety, reliability, comfort and agility expectations of today’s aficionados.

Title and registration

Using the latest technologies and performance components, AMW can now provide its customers with assemblies that meet the strictest engineering standards. Each component for an AMW J2X MkIII is new, carries manufacturer warranties, meets current NHTSA safety requirements and is designed to ensure ‘show quality’ fit & finish.

AMW ships its roadsters to four continents in the regulatory configurations that meet our customer’s regional and state requirements.

AMW also provides its customers with all of the technical information and support required to ensure a long and hassle-free journey in his AMW J2X MkIII.

A Driver – Not a Collector Bookend

Engineered to provide the drivability of a modern car, AMW extended the wheelbase by six inches (from 100 to 106”). Not only does this provide additional stability at speed, it fulfils an essential objective – to provide more comfort for the driver and passenger. The addition of fully-adjustable leather bucket seats to replace the original fixed bench seat, the lowering of the centre of gravity, as well as deeper and wider foot wells provide occupants, short and tall, with a comfortable and enjoyable ride regardless of the distance travelled.

The AMW J2X® is designed to drive. Powered by a modern emission-compliant engine, the J2X® delivers a hassle-free ride – road or track. A smooth 5-speed overdrive transmission provides the low-end torque for easy passing and the fuel economy required for a long haul. Week-long road trips are supported with a huge trunk that will pack all of your belongings. If you are a golfer, you can take along your partner and two sets of golf clubs!