Allard returns for first time in 60 years with a 300bhp racer

Would you spend £200,000 on a new car that’s been built to the exact specification of its 1953 drawings? Even if it was built by the same family who came up with the idea in the first place?

It's not often you get a continuation model of an old sports car being offered by someone with the same surname as the car, but the Allard JR (1953–55) is set to live again thanks to the efforts of the founder’s grandsons, Lloyd and Alan Allard. 

Just seven of the original sports cars were built by Allard Motor Company, and the eighth chassis has also been put together by hand, using some original Allard parts, drawings and body bucks, presumably found in grandad’s shed. It’s the first new Allard to go on sale in over 60 years. 

The drop-head JR is based on the original specification using the 1953 body buck (the frame that the bodywork is formed over) created by the car’s designer, Dudley Hume. It has aluminium bodywork, divided front axle suspension and a twin tubular chassis that all help to maintain the car’s 998kg dry weight. It’s like still being able to fit into your wedding suit. 

In tribute to the original car’s racing spec (the previous model built by Allard came in third at Le Mans in 1950), the newest JR is designed for competition, with a re-engineered version of the original-spec 5.4-litre V8 Cadillac 331 engine that produces 300bhp at 4,500rpm. 

The JR will be offered with a choice of three- or four-speed gearboxes and a differential final drive with selection of quick change transfer gears for top speed, with the option to vary the ratio for different events you might be racing at.

The JR continuation model is set to be sold via RM Sotheby's in London, which is eBay for posh people. It is expected to sell for between £180,000 and £240,000 at the sale on 31 October. Further cars will be available to buy directly from Allard Sports Cars. 

Lloyd Allard, who put the new JR together, said: “It’s been important to stay true to our roots and passion. We see this car as a tribute and we’d love to see the JR continuation model car follow in the footsteps of my grandfather’s legacy and get back to Le Mans. Likewise, it would be a pleasure to see our creation on the historic and competition car circuit.”

The Allard Motor Company was established in Clapham in 1932 by Sydney Allard, and produced over 20 different models, with 1,900 cars sold before the firm ceased trading in 1958. The new firm, Allard Sports Cars, is based in Gloucestershire and run by various members of the Allard family.