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The Pursuit of the WOW-Factor
Whether you’re a car designer, builder, restorer, detailer, collector, or buyer, the ultimate goal is the same: that elusive WOW-Factor—the moment when the finished product turns heads and stirs admiration. For any craftsman in the auto trade, the greatest reward is a thumbs-up from a collector, a high score from a judge, or a raised paddle at an auction.
Buyers may be motivated by nostalgia, peer influence, a long-held fantasy, or market research, but the final decision often comes down to that emotional spark. And getting there is usually a collaborative process—one that draws on the expertise of connoisseurs and craftsmen alike. Some may focus on the quality of the fit and finish, others on the upholstery, period-correct components, or even the cleanliness of the wiring harness. But the common thread is always the level of care and craftsmanship that transforms a vision into a show-quality reality.
Consistency Is Critical
In today’s world—facing high-tech disruption, labor shortages, supply chain delays, and a shrinking pool of skilled tradespeople—is the WOW-Factor still achievable?
That was a question we reflected on seriously when designing and producing the modern Allard Motor Works J2X®. As a low-volume manufacturer, our context differs from that of restorers or one-off builders. For us, the imperatives are repeatability, efficiency, cost control, and consistently meeting our customers’ expectations. If we build ten cars a year, each must be identical in every respect.
Years ago, I had the privilege of discussing this with the late David Hooper, a key engineer at the original Allard Motor Company. He noted: “Even with volume production, I can assert that only two J2Xs were truly identical—cars #13 and #14—because they were built on the same day.”
Where Craftsmanship Meets Technology
From the laser-precise metal cuts and bends to the detailed jigs used in fabrication, each J2X® component is designed from scratch using CAD. These designs are fine-tuned in a virtual reality environment, then prototyped via 3D printing. Once validated, final jigs are fabricated for production. This process allows us to resolve complex fitment issues and introduce new components—all while preserving period-correct aesthetics.
Has craftsmanship been replaced by technology? Not a chance.
What’s changed are the tools and materials. Today, we use technology to enhance reliability, longevity, safety, and comfort—without sacrificing soul. Every part and process is documented in a detailed database: specs, sourcing, labor, installation, and pre-delivery quality control are all logged. These ‘recipe books’ leave no room for interpretation.
At AMW, we blend old and new—craftsmanship and tech—to produce a modern, high-quality classic with all the cachet of its ancestors. This approach gives us not only precision and repeatability, but also the freedom to innovate.
Delivering the WOW-Factor
And the WOW-Factor? It’s alive and well.
Sometimes, it’s in the small details—like our one-piece solid aluminum grille. What once required hours of shaping, welding, and assembly is now carved from a 4” slab of aluminum using a 5-axis CAD router. That same tool also produces our one-piece engine exhaust ports—replacing the original two-piece units.
But traditional craftsmanship remains, too. Each mahogany shift knob and pistol-grip handbrake is hand-carved. Our door sills, knock-offs, and fuel caps are laser-etched with precision. And the engine-turned aluminum dash—cut from a solid ¼” sheet—is a concours-quality showpiece, crafted by a skilled artisan.
True to our motto—Rarely Seen. Never Forgotten.—the fusion of craftsmanship and technology continues to drive Allard Motor Works. The WOW-Factor isn’t just possible. It’s repeatable.
