1952 Allard J2R
British sports car manufacturer Allard created one of the rarest and most powerful roadsters of the early 1950s with the J2R. Only seven examples were constructed by the factory (six complete cars and one additional chassis) making this among the most exclusive production sports cars ever built.
The J2R featured bodywork derived from the successful J2X Le Mans racer, wrapped around a new tubular frame chassis. The design was built specifically to accommodate the large Cadillac engine, resulting in a lighter and more compact package than its predecessors.
Each side of the car features a single exhaust pipe exiting just ahead of the rear wheels, a distinctive Allard hallmark.
Power came from a 331 cubic inch Cadillac V8 engine producing approximately 270 horsepower, installed in a chassis weighing under 2,200 pounds (about 998 kg). This combination delivered acceleration from 0 to 50 mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed exceeding 140 mph, making the J2R one of the fastest Allards ever produced.
Unfortunately, the J2Rs were built too hastily for Le Mans competition and proved unreliable in racing.
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