Monterey Car Week 2023

/

I have attended the Monterey Historic Auto Races for the past 40+ years, and have witnessed the evolution from a three day celebration to its current ten day ‘car week’ commencing with the Pre-Reunion races at Laguna Seca, and concluding with the four day Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (RMMR) on August 20. The span between these two events is interspersed with at least 2 local tours, 5 auctions and countless car shows – including the world famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In short – a feast of car-related functions that are great to experience, but are more than one could witness in that ten day span of time.

Our celebration commenced with Thursday’s Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance when a couple hundred Concours entrants departed from Pebble Beach on a 70 mile tour along the Pacific coast down Highway 1. Back in the pre-COVID days they would then stop on Carmel’s Ocean Avenue for lunch, which gave us ‘poor folk’ an opportunity to admire these classics up close. As an alternative, we joined Martin Allard in his Allard K3 where we went about 20 miles down Hwy 1 to see the tour on parade. It was no surprise that hundreds of fans and photographers along the way presumed that we were also a part of the tour.

We still have fond 33 year-old memories of 1990 when Allard was the featured marque at the Monterey Historic Auto Races, with more than 60 Allards present. This gave us a chance to meet several Allard celebrities including Tom Lush, Zora Arkus-Duntov, Cyril Wick, Dudley Hume, Tom Carstens, and Bill Pollack. This year two Allards were on the roster at Laguna Seca. John Mote has done a remarkable job of refining his Buick Nailhead powered blue K2 (#1546), but a problem with his timing chain relegated this car to static display for the weekend. Bernard Dervieux again had his very early, original, and historic Cad-powered J2 (#1513) which – after sorting out some brake issues – participated in Saturday’s Race 12.

Three Allards were on the auction block this weekend. Bonham’s featured a well finished and original hemi-powered J2X (#3074) that was once owned by Steve McQueen. It is a very nice car, and we felt that its celebrity history would have had a positive impact on the price. So some of us were surprised that it went for $346,000 (including premium).

The other two Allards were for sale at Gooding auction. A very nice Ford flathead-powered K1 (#595) went for just under $118,000 (including premium), and the beautifully restored Ardun-powered J2 (#2121) did not meet its reserve. Overall, the sell-through rate was down 10% over last year, and many of those that did sell, were for prices substantially lower than the pre-sale estimates.

While there were not any Allards at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, many Allard owners were present including Wayne Carini, John Carlson, Donald Osbourne, Bob Weiner, Martin Allard, Geoff Hacker, and Tom Chandler. One car that grabbed our attention was a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet that received second place in its class of 6 Postwar Luxury cars. This car was the culmination of a six year project by students at McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. As we and our cars continue to get older, we take some encouragement that auto restoration is a key four year curriculum at McPherson.

-Charles Warnes

Monterey 2023 Auction Preview

/

Three very interesting Allard’s will be crossing the auction block in Monterey this year. Each car has a compelling story and look to be in very good condition. We plan to check out each car prior to their sale so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

J2X 3074 was exported on September 25, 1952 to California Sports Car Company in San Francisco. It was equipped with Chrysler modifications and interestingly shipped in primer (no paint) with black interior. It was equipped with wire wheels, a 3.78 differential, full size windscreen & wipers, and a top. The buyer was noted west coast enthusiast Bob Gillespie who had the car painted red and the wheels painted white. The car was on the October 1953 cover of Road & Track along with being featured in a road test in the December 1953 issue of Auto Sport magazine. The car was entered to race at Pebble Beach in 1953 and Mrs Gillespie raced it to 4th in the Women’s race at Stockton in June of 1953. The car’s most famous owner, Steve McQueen acquired it in 1962 and he kept it until his death in 1980. The car was then purchased by the Imperial Palace Hotel in Las Vegas where it was on display in their museum for many years.

At some point the car was repainted dark British Racing Green. From the photos, the car appears to be in very good condition and the parts appear to be original to the era. The only minor issue we can see are the small Stewart Warner gauges (which can be easily replaced with original Smith’s & Lucas gauges).

The car will sell on Friday the 18th with no reserve and is expected to go for $300-$400,000, although we believe it could go for significantly more if the right bidders are in the room. Honestly the estimate seems low for a car in this condition with such a significant history. To learn more, visit: https://www.bonhams.com/auction/28011/lot/88/1951-allard-j2x-chassis-no-3074/

The second Allard, RHD J2-2121 is another special car. It was delivered to distributor Nunn’s on August 27, 1951 who sold it to Bernard Scott-Wade on March 28, 1952. The car was painted metallic gray with a blue interior. The car was fitted with an Ardun-Mercury V8 which was the engine of choice in the UK since the Cadillac was unattainable. Unfortunately the UK Ardun’s weren’t very reliable and it was soon replaced with a Ford Pilot V8. In 1963, it was purchased by Gerry Belton, Allard’s former promotions manager, and was repainted in British Racing Green.

By 1968, the car was sold to Bob Judd of London. Mr. Judd took his newly purchased J2 to Allard’s Clapham workshop in London and received their blessing to install a new Cobra-specification engine into the car. With their blessing, a 289 Ford V-8 was installed. In the August 1969 issue of Autosport, Simon Taylor wrote, "With identical power and torque and similar weight to the AC Cobra, the (J2) is certain to be as quick as it felt. Once underway it just thunders forward, its snub green nose swallowing up the road and its Wagnerian exhausts seeming to blow everything else off the road."

The J2 was then relocated to the US having been purchased by noted collector Otto Bowden. While under his care, 2121 was featured in a Champion Spark Plug advertisement. In 2008, Dr. Stickley purchased the car and commissioned a significant restoration. The car was sold in 2013 and then again in 2016, where the new owner replaced the Ford Hi-Po V-8 with an Ardun-modified Ford flathead V-8 engine.

The car is in beautiful condition. As for originality, there are a few minor issues such as the tachometer (the other gauges appear correct), the custom armrest and the front brakes aren’t plumbed correctly - all of which can be corrected easily if so desired or left as is since most Concours judges wouldn’t know the difference! Please note the divers pedal box has been modified to allow for bigger feet - a welcome change! The car will be sold as Lot 56 and is expected to go for $275,000 - $350,000 which we believe is a solid price for a beautiful car with an interesting history. Click here to learn more: https://www.goodingco.com/lot/1951-allard-j2-1a/

PS: Previous owner Bob Judd put together the following ‘larger than life’ homage to his old Allard J2-2121 and the Allard Motor Company: http://www.allardregister.org/blog/2010/12/2/the-real-allard-story-hang-on-and-shut-up.html?rq=judd

The final car, K1-595 was honestly a bit of a mystery to us. Our database noted its status as unknown. The basic details we had stated the car was delivered on July 24, 1948 and was painted light blue with blue interior and a note stating “see export card-purchased S/H in 1953 and shipped to California 12/53. The few details had had on the car though did line up with the write up from the Gooding so we’re just going to plagiarize their description (below):

“This very special K1, chassis 71K 595, was built by the factory in early 1948 as a rally car, and its Engineers Instructions production tag on file features the handwritten note on the reverse: “Special Construction for Alpine Rally…light weight body, 6-7-48.” The tag further specifies 71K 595 as set to receive aluminum wings, cowl, and bulkhead, special radiator and petrol tank, and Girling shock absorbers. It was delivered to the noted Leonard Potter of the UK. Fitted with the renowned Ford flathead V-8 engine, Potter successfully campaigned this K1 over the course of the year, winning the Unlimited Cup in the Allen Trial, the Jeans Gold Cup, and placing 2nd Overall in the prestigious Alpine Rally. Upon the close of the 1948 season, the K1 was sold back to Allard Works and was used as a sales demonstrator. Potter would then run 71K 595 again in the 1949 Alpine Rally for the Allard Works team, winning five separate awards for various stages in the famed event.

Following its campaign history, the K1 would then be relocated to the US in 1953 under the care of A.F.M. Luscombe. Stateside, it enjoyed life on the West Coast for quite some time, including time in Harrah’s Automobile Collection of Reno, Nevada. William Harrah eventually sold the car in 1971 to Allard racer Pete McManus. Throughout its ownership chain, it remained remarkably original, and would not be restored until the mid-2000s by marque specialist Hoffman Vintage Racing. Following the restoration, the K1 would go on to win multiple awards at prestigious concours events at Greenwich, Radnor Hunt, and Lime Rock Park.”

This car also looks to be in very good condition with solid originality. The car will be sold as Lot 147 with no reserve and the estimate ranges from $180,000 - $240,000. This special K1 is definitely worth the estimate, but K1’s are not the most sought after Allards - hopefully it sells well. To learn more, click here: https://www.goodingco.com/lot/1948-allard-k1/

An Interesting Auction...

/

On July 13, 2023, UK Auctioneers Humbert & Ellis will be selling seven Allards from the estate of Tony Lockey. The auction is now (July 3) open to bidding and it will close on July 13th at 18:00 BST. The cars are available to view by appointment on the July 7, 10, and 12. Succesful buyers must pick up their spoils on July 18th & 20th.

The cars consist of (1) K1, (2) L’s, (1) P, and (3) J2 Replicas. Below is a quick summary of each car. The model # and photo link to the auction details for the corresponding car. Mr. Lockey definitely had a thing for Allards! Click here to view all the auction details.

The car was sold new through Dagenham motors (delivery date unknown) and was painted Grey with a Brown interior.

The car was sold new through Nunns with delivery on February 18, 1948. It was sold as an untrimmed chassis & body to avoid taxes.

This car was also sold new through Nunns, but with delivery a few weeks later on March 23, 1948. It was also sold as an untrimmed chassis to avoid taxes. We do not know if the body as shown was delivered that way from new or if the rear-end was modified by a coach builder in period or if was changed later to look like a K1.

This car was also sold through Nunns and delivered on May 9, 1951. It was painted blue with a blue interior.

This car started life as a P1, chassis # 1933. The car was sold through Bristol Street Motors and delivered on May 9, 1951. It is claimed this car was built on a P1 chassis which is reasonably common. We have not confirmed that the chassis is P1 (we have not inspected it).

This car also started life as a P1, chassis # 3132. The car was sold through Universal and delivered on July 31, 1951. It is claimed this car was built on a P1 chassis which is reasonably common. We have not confirmed that the chassis is P1 (we have not inspected it).

This is probably the most interesting car in the auction. The estate believes this car to be chassis 1911, the ex Peter Collins car. The claim comes with an asterix* as the Peter Collins car was wrecked and chassis remnants were used to create the Farrallac. We have no way of confirming how much or if any of this car came from 1911.

The J2 replicas are intriguing. I’d love to see photos of the chassis/undercarriage to see how authentic they are. They would without a doubt provide an affordable entry into the adventuresome life of J2 (replica) ownership. I’d also like to learn who built the bodies…one would assume Pitney had a hand in their creation as they appear to be pretty good. If these car weren’t half a world away, I’d consider buying one!

Note: These cars have been subject to restorative works some time ago, and as such, some recommissioning will be required. While some of the cars do run, they are not roadworthy in their current form, and all should be trailered away from the auction.

To learn more about the cars or to bid, email them at admin@humbertellis.com or 01327 359595.

The Last Checkered Flag: Andy Picariello

/

I had interfaced with Andy via phone calls and email for a number of years before our paths finally crossed at Monterey some 20 years ago.

I have since attended and participated in several Allard gatherings and tours where Andy played major roles in planning, organizing and leading. They include The Gathering of the Clan in Texas (2004), the Allard Northwest Tour (2006), the Southern Festival of Speed in New Zealand (2008) and The Glen in Ten (2010). Andy was instrumental in Allard being a featured marque at Amelia Island in 2011, and he helped to organize the second Texas Gathering in 2012.

Those experiences gave me a healthy appreciation for the work that Andy, Judy and other team members had invested in partnering with the event organizers – a process that often began a year or two beforehand. This included arranging for the on-track and paddock activities, promotion, lodging, banquets and finances. We especially appreciated how Andy and Judy did this all with their touch of grace and courtesy to assure that everyone had a grand time.

We appreciated how Andy facilitated bringing David Hooper over from England on at least three occasions to participate in the Northwest Tour and the Southern Festival of Speed, as well as serving as a judge along with Darell Allard and Brian Redman at Amelia Island. In the course of this David graciously shared a treasure of detailed and in-depth insight that he got from his years as an engineer with the Allard Company.

We were especially intrigued by Andy’s first-hand report of Tiller’s Bonneville Odyssey – 2000 (www.allardregister.org – issue #30). Andy’s report vividly described how he and Judy transported Jim Tiller’s heavily modified “Old Fella” Allard J2 and related equipment 2/3 of the way across the United States to Bonneville Utah. They then served as pit crew in support of Jim’s very innovative efforts to reach the 200 mph barrier with his Allard, before packing up and traveling back east to Massachusetts. Click here to read the story

Andy bought his Allard J2 sixty years ago in 1963, and his Allard K2 in 2003. Both cars received concours quality restorations, and they gave Andy much honor and respect as he toured and showed them at events around the country. But then Andy – like a lot of us – realized that he was not getting any younger. Since none of his offspring were ‘car guys’, he decided it was time to put them up for sale – without reserve – with RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island.

While the cars did not bring as much as hoped, Andy was gratified that his J2 went to one of his long-time friends who had become ‘hooked’ on this Allard J2 when Andy gave him an opportunity to drive it a few years earlier. Andy told me that the new owner is planning to use this car for its intended purpose.

As Allard prices have ratcheted upward over the years, it can be tempting to entertain illusions about impending wealth. On the other hand, we respect and support Andy’s philosophy about the real value of the Allard ownership experience – and the doors it opened in terms of developing friendships and experiences beyond his wildest expectations

Chuck Warnes
The Allard Register

For twenty-four years, Andy has been my guiding light into the world of Allard cars. For his friendship, his guidance and his support, Andy will always be remembered by me. His wit, his humour and his generosity were contagious. Andy’s devotion to the AOC knew no bounds and his inclusive nature provided venues and opportunities for new members and veterans to join in events, exchanges and forums that reenforced the bonds between them.

Andy, you have joined your life partner, Judy and have closed a chapter of life that will be fondly remembered by all of us. To Andy and Judy’s family, I extend my sincere condolences and would like you to take solace in the fact that your parents have left behind them large community of people that were touched by them and will never forget them.

Roger Allard
AOC member

I first met Andy and Judy in person at the 2010 ‘Allard returns to Watkins Glen’ event which he organized. Had only corresponded with Andy via email prior to that. Communicated with Andy regularly throughout the years, often in search of various parts for my Allards. In fact, recently had purchased some parts for my upcoming J2 restoration from him, so was really shocked when I heard of his passing. Andy was always generous with his time and knowledge, and we have lost a true patron of the Allard marque. Hew will be missed but not forgotten.

Peter Bowman

Andy's Allards @ Amelia

/

This coming March at Amelia Island will mark the end of an era. Andy Picariello, an Allard enthusiast like no other, will be selling his prized Allard J2 and K2 at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island Auction on Saturday March 4. 

Allard K2-1704

This early K2 (7th built) was exported on July 5, 1950 R&P Motorcars in NYC. The car was originally painted blue with a blue interior. Andy acquired the car in 2003 in a disassembled state and then worked with noted Allard restorer Barry Parker of Vintage Metalcraft in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania to bring this K2 to concourse condition. To learn more about 1704, click here

Allard J2-1738

J2-1738 was Andy’s vehicular pride & joy since 1963. This J2 was exported to August 25, 1950 to Moss Motors in Los Angeles, arriving October 3rd. The order for this J2 was very unique, likely being a rush order. This right hand drive J2 was painted red with red interior and was shipped in a crate without the engine, transmission, exhaust, wheels, wiring, and gauges. This was odd because many LHD J2’s had already been built and the majority of US bound J2’s were configured for Cadillac engines, while this J2 was configured for Ford/Mercury power. Side note: some may criticize this car because it doesn’t have Smiths/Lucas gauges, however this car was shipped without gauges so Moss Motors had no choice but to install the Stewart-Warner gauges that remain on the car today.

The team at Moss worked quickly, allowing new owner Colonel Steinmetz to race the car at the inaugural Pebble Beach road races in 1950. Unfortunately the car suffered mechanical issues and had to retire, but Steinmetz was back in 1951 finishing 14th. The car then passed on to Dale Duncan, a buddy of Carroll Shelby who also raced Allards. Duncan shoe-horned in a Chrysler 331 and raced the car at least once placing 2nd at Caddo Mills.

Andy acquired the car in 1963 and proceeded to make the car his own. He converted from steel to knock-off wire wheels - ordering the parts directly from Allard! After refurbishing the car for 3 years, he vintage raced the car from 1966 to 2000. In the early 2000’s, Andy commissioned noted Allard restorer Barry Parker to repair the body that had corroded over years of use. At this time, Andy had the car painted this beautiful deep maroon and upholstered in tan leather. 

Since its restoration, the car has earned numerous accolades including Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) National First Junior and First Senior prizes, AACA historic race vehicle certification, an Amelia Award at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, and the Road & Track "Car We Would Most Like To Drive" trophy at the Vanderbilt Concours in 2007. To learn more about 1738, click here:

Both of these cars will give their new owners a rare opportunity to show at any top concourse or enter the vintage rally or tour of their choice. These cars reflect Andy’s passion for the Allard marque and we hope that they find new homes that care for and enjoy these Allards as much as Andy has. 

Bucket List Item #1

/

by Mellette Pollack (aka Mellette Hawksley-Smith)

This is a tale of the magical and amazing things that can happen to you just when you think you'll never get out from under the black cloud that seems to have descended upon everyone for the past couple of years.

In July David Carte, who takes care of the J2 Allard owned by Bill Marriott, contacted me. That beautiful Allard 14B was going to Pebble Beach. Dad drove that car to victory in the 50s, most famously at Pebble Beach in '51 and '52. Not a lot of people know that when my dad, Bill Pollack, passed away in 2017, Bill Marriott sent the car from Maryland to our home in Sherman Oaks, California for dad's memorial. The Allard would be at the Concours d'Elegance most likely one last time on August 15, 2021. OMG...tickets were $500 each. I contacted Kandace Hawkinson (a big fan of dad's) at the Concours' office in Monterey hoping for some help. Thankfully, she arranged for tickets to the event but I still had to find accommodations - tripled hotel rates and on top of that people had booked a year ago. Good luck finding anything. On my third online search suddenly the Martine Inn popped up. Dad was old friends with Don Martine. I couldn't believe my luck. Someone must have just cancelled. Wow!! The best place ever and right across the street from the ocean and the otters.

I asked Colin Warnes (Allard newsletter editor and longtime friend) what else was happening that weekend besides Quail Lodge and the Jet Suite parties, both of which if you have to ask how much they cost you can't afford to attend. He contacted Rob Manson (Del Monte Trophy Race Team) and they gave me two tickets for the races at Laguna Seca. There was a beautiful Pebble Beach Race display which included the J2 Allard 14B and Phil Hill's Ferrari. I was to meet in front of the Allard and next to the Rolex drivers' lounge. Well, as luck would have it David Carte invited me to do a few laps in the Allard around Laguna Seca. OMG...Hard to wave, take pictures and hold on all at the same time. One of my life's highlights but I can only think that dad had something to do with it. Colin sent a short video of my ride -

My friend Lori and I wandered over to encounter the Del Monte Group Racing Team. Rob Manson could not have been more charming - introducing me to all the owners and racers. What a great group of people. Stu Hanssen was getting his Baldwin ready to race. We were invited back later to hand out their Del Monte Trophy. What an amazing Saturday. One I'll never forget.

Sunday, Lori and I had another delicious breakfast which is included at the Martine Inn. Castroville eggs and sweet cantaloupe and berries. Their complimentary coffee is also a winner. At night they provide wine and an appetizer platter for each room. Can't wait to stay there again. It's just wonderful. No wonder the Fabulous Fifties spent so much time there! (Editor's note: For many years Don Martine hosted a Fabulous Fifties' reception on the Friday of the Historics' weekend.)

Off we went to Pebble Beach and the Concours d'Elegance. After parking down at the beach and checking out all the unbelievable cars people drove to the event to see even more fabulous cars, a shuttle picked us up and took us to Pebble Beach Resort. Wear your tennis shoes because you are going to be doing a lot of walking. We covered at least 5 miles. Some poor people must have thought they could just walk from the beach to the event. A very, very long walk up hill.

And there was the beautiful Allard on display with the ocean in the background. Of course, it had a judges winning ribbon on it. It was so worth the trip. We walked around for a couple of hours checking out Derby-style hats and seersucker suits complimented by the most beautiful cars in the world.

Thank you everyone who made this trip possible.

Photo: By Steve Johnson of Mellette & her father, Bill Pollack, at Pebble Beach in 2012

Racing in the Rain

/

This is a really cool video of Tim and Ollie Lewellen (there’s a driver change) racing their J2-2018 in the wet recently. They had to start from the back due to a lack of practice laps, but that didn’t really get in their way! The footwell camera adds a unique perspective on the difference in driving in driving styles between Tim and Ollie. Not sure what track they’re at but it must have been miserable!

Monterey Car Week - 2021

/

Words: Chuck Warnes & Rob Manson
Photos: Colin Warnes

RMMR21_CAW_Sat_13.jpg

The 70th Anniversary celebration of the Pebble Beach Road Races and Concours d’Elegance kicked off with a press conference in the Concours Village before the start of the annual Tour d’Elegance. The backdrop was all five of the 50’s era Pebble Beach Road Race winners positioned in front of a 50-foot Celebration Display.

Sandra Button, CEO of the Concours opened this year’s event. Derek Hill, Phil Hill’s son, moderated and spoke of his father’s recollections of the inaugural 1950 race and his win in the Jaguar XK-120. Robert Devlin, motorsport historian, continued with details about the Bill Pollack Allard J2 (’51, ‘52), the Phil Hill Ferrari 250 MM (’53), Sterling Edwards’ Ferrari 375 MM (’54), and the Phil Hill and Carroll Shelby Ferrari 750 Monza (’55,’56) – as well as commentary on the historical importance of those early road races.

The Del Monte Trophy Race Group created two sets of Celebration Displays, the first for the Concours d’Elegance. The second was located in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion exhibit area at Laguna Seca. The Pebble Beach Road Race winners were on display in front of it on Saturday, and they did a few demonstration laps at the lunch break. Bill Pollack’s daughter Mellette was passenger in the #14 Allard.

A traditional highlight of Monterey’s ‘car week’ is the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance when about 150 of the Pebble Beach Concours entrants embark on a 60 mile tour around the Monterey Peninsula and the Big Sur coast before gathering for lunch on Carmel’s Ocean Avenue. Over the years this has become a true crowd pleaser where the general public is able to spend more than an hour mingling among the cars – right up close and personal. While the tour did resume this year, the cars could not gather on Ocean Avenue due to valid COVID concerns.

Out at Laguna Seca Raceway two Allards were again pitted with our friends at the Del Monte Trophy Race Group – a number of post WWII California-engineered hot rods that were built and raced in the spirit of Allard. They were – and still are - fast, and quite able to hold their own on road courses against the sophisticated cars from post-war Europe.

The track sessions were well-fought, exciting racing. Pollack, Hill or Shelby would not have driven those cars any harder when they were new - some 70 years ago. All the racing was done in a respectful, no-contact experience. Fun on a race track in a great old car is what vintage racing is all about. These ‘junkyard dogs’ raced against John Mote’s Buick powered Allard K2 and Bernard Dervieux’s Cad powered J2 in Group 4A at this year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. John continued his rivalry with three Jag XK120’s to cross the finish line in 9th place, with Bernard taking the checkered flag in 15th spot.

The auction scene saw three Allards cross the block with no reserve. A J2 sold at R&M Sotheby’s for $224,000, Bonham’s sold a J2 for $207,200, and an interesting J2X at Goodings brought $201,600. These prices, or course, led to some discussion about an apparent ‘softening’ of the market – and whether this is the beginning of a pattern, or a temporary phenomenon. On the bright side, one might speculate that this might signal that more Allards are becoming ‘affordable’ to younger folks who would want to put these cars to their intended purposes.

Sunday morning started off early with a trip to the Pebble Beach Concourse. Our credentials allowed us early entry (we arrived 4:45 am!) to kick-off Dawn Patrol where we got to enjoy donuts, coffee, free commemorative hats, and the best part…watching the cars drive onto the lawn. The best part of the show for us was getting to see the Pebble Beach Road Race winners lined up overlooking the ocean; most prominent (to us) was Tom Carstens and Bill Pollacks #14 J2-1850. It can’t be forgotten that without those five race cars, there would be no Pebble Beach Concours, RMMR, or the myriad of car events that make up the week-long spectacle that is Monterey Car Week.

The 2020 Allard Global Online Concours, The Winners

/

As the world heads back in to lock down, we wanted to take a look back at the award winners from our 2020 Allard Global Online Concours. We asked all of our winners to send in a photo of them with their trophies - here are the results!

We’ve received a lot of requests to do this again in 2021, so we’ll give it another go. We’ll announce the details in February or March, with the plans to mix things up a bit. Thanks again to everyone who participated!

200 in 2000

/

We’re a bit ashamed to admit this, but we just found the video below documenting Jim & Sheila Tillers attempt to run their ‘Old Fella’ J2 #1784 200 mph at Bonneville in 2000. The footage was well shot by Sheila on her hand held camcorder with commentary/banter provided provided by her colorful husband…with a guest appearance by Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear fame. Overall the documentary was very informative, interesting, and entertaining. I have no doubt that Sydney would have approved of the Tillers Bonneville adventure and their many modifications to their trusty J2.

I wonder where I can get one of those ‘Wacky Racers’ shirts with the Tillers J2 on it…

The 2020 Allard Global Online Concours Class Winners!

/

We have been blown away by the positive response to the 2020 AGOC! Many owner-exhibitors have written in to say how much fun they’ve had seeing their cars in the Concours…and several non-exhibitors have written to ask us if we can do it again so they can enter.

Before we announce the AGOC class winners, we want to thank our judges who had the challenging task of evaluating the 73 entries. They did a great job and we can’t thank them enough for sharing their time and expertise with us to make this event a success. THANK YOU JUDGES!

  • Alan Allard: Son of Sydney Allard and co-owner of Allard Sportscars

  • Tony Adriaensens: Head of Corsa Research & author of many fine books like “Weekend Heroes 1 & 2”

  • Chris Campbell: Head of The Vintage Connection, Allard Restoration Specialist

  • Colin Comer: Author, Shelby Expert, Car Nerd

  • Mike Dicola: Retired Allard Restoration Specialist

  • Mel Herman: Allard Owners Club Member, Allard Showman

  • David Hooper: Retired Draughtsman for Allard Motor Cars

  • Chris Lowth: Mr. Allard, Australia

  • Stefan Marjoram: Automotive Artist

We also want to thank all of the owners that took the time and shared their Allards with us, they all looked fantastic…THANK YOU!

Without further ado, here are the class winners:

(Best of Show will be awarded the weekend of May 9 after the class winners are reviewed with our judges.

Allard J-series Class

  1. J2X-2221

  2. J2X-3041

  3. J2-2086

Allard Specials Class

  1. J2-1911 - Farrallac

  2. J2 Model

  3. Dragon Dragster

Allard Restoration Class

  1. J2X-LM-3149

  2. K3-3171

  3. K1-458

The 2020 Allard Global Online Concours

/

Welcome to the 2020 Allard Global Online Concours! It’s something we dreamed up while sitting around waiting for Covid-19 to pass. As the weeks went by, we learned of more and more car related events…races, concours, rallies…all being canceled for 2020. Then we heard that Andy Reid and Bill Warner created the ‘Isolation Island Concours’ for for homebound car enthusiasts and their scale model cars. It sounded fun and it inspired us to do something similar for the Allard community. We put the word out on our web site, Facebook page, email list, and to the Allard Owners Club. We were going to host a Concours on our web site that was open to all Allards…100-point Concours cars, race cars, daily drivers, replicas, specials, and even a toy…wherever they were in the world.

Below we are pleased to present the 73 entrants to the 2020 Allard Global Online Concours, which is the largest gathering of Allards since the 1990 Monterey Historics where over 100 Allards gathered (in person). Thank you to all of our entrants for taking the time to submit your photos and descriptions. Based on the submissions, we changed up the original plan and decided to divide them into five classes below:

  • L, M, and P-types

  • K-series and Palm Beach’s

  • J-series

  • Specials

  • Restoration class

We’ve selected nine experts in their respective fields to judge the cars. They include Allard employees, restorers, artists, historians, and a few knowledgeable enthusiasts. Keep in mind most concourses have 10 cars per class…in this case the judges had to review 73, so they definitely had their work cut out for them.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Allard L, M, and P-series Class

(Click the photo or headline to view the entrants for this class)

Allard K-series and Palm Beach Class

(Click the photo or headline to view the entrants for this class)

Allard J-series Class

(Click the photo or headline to view the entrants for this class)

Allard Specials Class

(Click the photo or headline to view the entrants for this class)

Allard Restoration Class

(Click the photo or headline to view the entrants for this class)

Monterey, 2019

/

Four Allards made up a part of the thirty-car race group 1B for 1947-1955 Sports Racing and GT Cars. The Allards were up against a strong group of California Specials, Jaguars, Mercedes, MG’s, Triumphs, Porsches, and a few flyweight H-Mod specials.

Sunday’s morning race was action packed. As the green flag waived, John Bowe rocketed past the third and second place cars and was challenging Rob Manson’s GMC Tatum Special for the lead by the first corner! After a few laps of trying to get past the Tatum, Bowe dropped back a few places with fading brakes. John Mote in his Buick K2 held his own starting and finishing 11th. Jon LeCarner had a good race in his K2 moving from 21st to 16th. Bernard Dervieux put on a show in J2-1513 (one of the first J2’s built) demonstrating the finer points of Sydney’s divided axle front suspension finishing 26th.

Sunday’s afternoon race was another thriller. While two of the race’s nine laps were run under a full-course yellow, drivers and fans were treated to a tight contest among the five leaders – the Allard J2X against four California specials; the Parkinson Jaguar Special, a Chevy-powered Austin Healey, a Kurtis Dodge, and the Streets Manning Special.

John Bowe of Melbourne Australia was first to take the checkered flag at the wheel of Joe Calleja’s Allard J2X-3146. This is the very same ex-Carroll Shelby Allard that has been a familiar sight at Laguna Seca for the past 20+ years at the hands of Peter Booth and Augie Grassis. Joe has been working diligently to bring this Allard into FIA specs, with plans to race it in Europe and Australia in 2020. Driver John Bowe has some previous racing history in Australia having won the infamous Bathurst 1000 twice; needless to say, Shelby’s old J2X was in good hands. The J2X had a close race with the Parkinson Jaguar, but in the end the John Bowe made it to the checkered flag first - another Allard victory!

John LeCarner finished in 15th spot with his Cad-powered K2, and Bernard Dervieux’s J2 crossed the finish line in 23rd place. John Mote ran strong until lap 5, when his oil pressure gauge suggested that he prudently ‘call it a day’. All three cars will be undergoing refurbishment over the next year and we hope to see them back on track in 2020.

The Allards were pitted among a wide array of cars of similar vintage. Foremost in this group were a number of California-engineered built by names like Hagemann, Tatum, Baldwin, and Kurtis – cars that were not only fast, but quite able to hold their own on road courses against the sophisticated cars from post-war Europe. One could argue that many of the California Specials owe their existence to the production hot rods built by Allard.

The cars of Group 1B have adopted the moniker, Del Monte Trophy Race Group – cars that either raced in the Pebble Beach Road Races in the early ‘50’s, or would have been eligible to have raced there.

The entrance to this paddock area is fittingly decorated with rows of snow fencing and hay bales which were deemed to serve as protection for spectators back in the day, along with several historic black and white race photos from the early ‘50’s. This provided an ideal setting for a gathering after Friday afternoon’s practice, with all 38 cars from Group 1B on display. A more casual affair was held Sunday afternoon where the Del Monte Trophy was awarded to Tim Barnes (over 2L) and his 1951 Jaguar XK120 and to Kaiden Marouf (under 2L) and his 1951 supercharged MG TD.

Monterey’s ‘Car Week’ formally starts with Thursday’s Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, when more than a hundred rare and elegant competitors in Sunday’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance embark on a 70-mile tour on public roads around the Monterey area. This provides a unique opportunity for the general public to witness these show cars mix with Highway 1 traffic down to Big Sur, before returning to gather for along Carmel’s Ocean Avenue for lunch.

We again welcomed the opportunity to join Martin Allard in his biscuit-colored Allard K3 as we enjoyed the show cars along Highway 1. A part of this included a special surprise to see Ted Springstead at the wheel of his green Allard K3. Ted was one of the thirty Concours entrants to participate in the ten-day, 1500-mile Pebble Beach Motoring Classic run from Kirkland Washington to Pebble Beach. Aside from a minor fender-bender along the way, it was a great and memorable trip.

Three Allards were ‘on the block’ at two of the six (yes – 6!) auctions underway during Monterey’s Car Week. The Carroll Shelby J2 from his 1952 racing season was for sale at Mecum’s, and two Allards were consigned to Goodings. One was the red, Chrysler-powered J2X LeMans veteran of the Pebble Beach and Golden Gate races in the early ‘50’s, and the other was a very nice black K2. Neither the J2 nor the J2X LM made their reserve, while K2 was sold for a very reasonable $84,000.

We’re looking forward to 2020 which will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Pebble Beach Road Races. We hope to see you there!

Sunday morning race for Group 1B

Group 1B Sunday afternoon race

2019 Monterey Auction Preview

/

By Colin Warnes

The Monterey Car Week is almost upon us. Last time I checked, there was something like 54 auctions planned for the weekend. I also just read an article online about the 20 most expensive cars expected to sell at Monterey this year, none were estimated at less than $3,000,000. I’m sure you’ll be shocked to hear that none of them were Allards. That being said, there are three Allard’s slated to cross the blocks this year; here’s a brief look at each.

Allard_2179.png

Mecum: Allard J2 #2179, Lot F121

This J2 was exported on October 17, 1951 to Custom Automotive in Dallas, Texas and was sold to Charles Brown of Louisiana. It was ordered with Cadillac engine modifications and was painted black with a red interior. 2179 was the last J2 to leave the Allard factory.

Mr. Brown wanted his car to go racing so he asked an up and coming young driver by the name of Carroll Shelby to drive for him. From what I could find, Shelby is known to have raced it at least twice …running at the Pottsboro hill climb and the SCCA National at Turner AFB. By late 1952, the J2 was struggling to remain competitive, so Shelby moved on to drive Roy Cherryholms J2X-3146 (which will be racing that same weekend). [Ed: As an Allard enthusiast, you are required to know that Carroll Shelby’s legendary Cobra was inspired by his time racing Allards]

From the Mecum catalog…

“Charles Brown sold the car to Wilfred Gray from Indianapolis. During the mid-‘50s, he raced the car in SCCA events at such venues as Elkhart Lake and the remarkable Mount Equinox. What makes Mount Equinox so spectacular is its 3,000-foot elevation change in a span of just 5 miles; it is perhaps the steepest hill climb in North America. The next owner, Dan Saunders, raced the Allard at Wilmot Hills in southern Wisconsin, Wilmot Hills doubling as a ski hill in the winter and serving as a race track while the snow was gone.

In 1972, Chris Leydon acquired J2179. It was about this time that the older race cars, long viewed as uncompetitive, started to be considered part of automotive history. This warranted recommissioning. In the case of J2179, this included period colors of a red exterior and black interior, a full windscreen and wire wheels.

The winning Sir Stirling Moss and J2179 were featured together in a program titled, “The Great Classic Cars.” From there, the car continued to be enjoyed and treasured over the years. The next big event was the 1997 Monterey Historic races, the significance of that event being that Carroll Shelby was the honoree on which the weekend’s festivities were centered. The idea of Shelby being reunited with the car that launched his career is remarkable for any enthusiast of historic racers. In 2005, J2179 was part of the “Gotta Have It” television program. Its most recent event was the 2015 Allard Reunion at Elkhart Lake.

J2179 has been restored to its original color scheme of black with red leather upholstery and is equipped with its believed-original Cadillac V-8 along with the proper transmission. The Cadillac engine is fitted with triple Stromberg 48 carburetors on a vintage Weiand intake manifold, a Crane Competition camshaft and the custom exhaust originally built and installed by a young fabricator who would go on take his own place among the giants of racing, Mickey Thompson. The period-correct wheels and tires are in place along with the numerous other details expected of a racer of this importance.”

J2-2179 is slated to be sold Friday afternoon and should be the ideal addition to any Shelby enthusiasts collection. The car is estimated to sell for $800,000 to $1,200,000. To learn more, visit Mecum’s web site: https://www.mecum.com/lots/CA0819-380994/1952-allard-j2-roadster/

1953_Allard_J2X_Le_Mans_0044a.jpg

Gooding & Company: Allard J2X Le Mans #3066; Lot 171

This J2X-LM was exported on December 2, 1952 to Captain Leslie who was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. The car was soon resold to Bob Peterson of Piedmont, California. The car was raced extensively by Carl & Fred Block in California from 1953 through 1955.

3066 was ordered with Chrysler Hemi engine modifications, metallic blue paint, and a red interior. The J2X Le Mans was created in a rush in order to comply with the new 1952 Le Mans regulations that required fully enclosed fenders. In all, our records indicate fourteen J2X Le Mans were built.

From the Gooding catalog, “Around 1953, Bob Peterson of Piedmont, California, purchased the Allard and with drivers Carl and Fred Block, campaigned it extensively in SCCA races across their home state, competing at fabled venues and against the premier sports car racers of the day, including Phil Hill, Johnny von Neumann, and Pete Lovely. At the 1954 race at Golden Gate Park, Carl Block hit a row of hay bales, damaging the Allard’s front bodywork. It has been suggested that renowned car customizer Jack Hagemann, whose shop was near Carl Block’s car dealership, likely sculpted the restyled aluminum front end it wears today, and painted the car red.

Golden Gate Road Races Track action scene Car Number 71 an Allard J2X Le Mans Carl Block driver (helmet seated)_cropA.jpg

In 1958, Bob Peterson sold the car to John Tilton for $2,500, and it has since remained in the Tilton family’s care for more than 60 years. In the mid-1970s, the Tilton children retrieved the J2X Le Mans from long-term storage and persuaded their father to restore it, an operation completed by Vic Russum of Racing Dynamics West in Los Angeles, with paint and bodywork by the acclaimed Eddie Paul.

After its restoration, the car appeared at the 1977 and 1978 Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca and was invited to the 1977 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. The Allard J2X Le Mans was recently recommissioned by the Tilton family and stands ready to continue its proud legacy as a formidable competitor from the golden age of sports car racing.”

I’ve spent a lot of time inspecting 3066 while restoring our J2X Le Mans. Overall, the car is largely original, which is unique among Allards, especially those that raced. It features what could be the original Hemi engine, including a Ford 3-speed which we assume must have Zephyr gears. Some may balk at the modified body, but it’s a unique and integral part of the car’s history.

It looks like 3066 is slated to be sold on Saturday afternoon. The car is estimated to sell for $450,000 to $600,000 and has a reserve. To learn more, visit the Gooding & Company web site: https://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1953-allard-j2x-le-mans/

1952_Allard_K2_Roadster_053a.jpg

Gooding & Company: Allard K2 #3127, Lot 132

This car was exported to Noel Kirk Motors in LA on October 7, 1952. It was fitted with Cadillac engine mounts and painted Beige with Brown interior. From the catalog, “Presenting in black paint with a red interior, this K2 was owned by William Avery of Pennsylvania, who hardly drove the car but commissioned a light restoration in 2012. He assigned Lamborghini of Orlando to repaint the bodywork and refurbish the interior, renew the electricals, and install a roll bar. In 2012, the Allard was purchased by the consignor, a private East Coast collector, who has used the car sparingly. Never raced and always meticulously maintained, this Allard comes with the promise of a great motoring experience.”

3127 will be sold Saturday without reserve; the price is estimated at $100,000 to $130,000. To learn more, visit the Gooding & Company web site: https://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1952-allard-k2-roadster/



Memories of Equinox and a Great 2018

/

Photos by Hyman

Michael and I took the two Allards to Equinox for the 2018 running and we did the marque proud. We finished 2nd and 4th out of about 30 with Mike in 2nd with the K2 and yrs trly 4th in the J2.

After thirty-five plus years Mount Equinox has left myriad memories. The first run to the top in the Allard left me forever tied to the mountain and its miles of twisties and ever changing sights.

Breaking the six minute mark was a memorable milestone. I danced a jig at the top when I got the news from the time keepers. Five minutes, after nearly thirty years of trying, was even more satisfying.

Sharing the event with my son the last years now has been a joy that very few fathers get to experience. It’s even better than breaking the fabled five minute barrier. Having him beat me has been the icing on the cake. Thankfully - at least until now - he hasn’t improved upon my best time. That will, no doubt, come.

There are memories of individual races and individual years. Of the many runs up the mountain the memory that always comes to mind is a run DOWN the mountain. It was sometime in the nineties I think. Kim Eastman in his Kurtis was fighting to break five minutes and yrs trly in the Allard K2 was getting down into the low five minute area. We were among the fastest that weekend, Kim was second behind Bob Girvin in the magnificent Allard GT. My Allard K2 was a place or two behind him. Late in the afternoon on Sunday we were taking a last run ahead of incoming rain. At the summit we could see the rain coming in from the west. There were no more cars to come up. Wisdom had prevailed at the bottom. Given the word to come down we figured we would have to hurry to beat the rain. The ensuing race to the bottom was amongst the most exciting drives on Equinox that I’ve ever experienced. The sound of those two unmuffled V-8s echoing from the trees and reverberating off of the rocks was nothing short of glorious.

This year’s runs and relaxation at the top will stick in the memory for other reasons. The top part of the mountain was pretty well shrouded in mist and rain on most of Sunday so the hairpins were getting a bit slippery. Visibility was less of an issue for the last mile as some of us have done this for so long we know what’s coming.

We should note that, while the Allards were second and fourth, another father and son team took first and third in a couple of hot SAABs.

The Allard Team expects to return next year with a focus on getting first and second. Time will tell. Meanwhile, we have a winter of sitting by the fire ahead of us to relive the joy.

jimdonick

For Sale: 1951 J2-2123

/

Chassis 2123 was special ordered by Delvan Lee on 7th. June, 1951 through for Wood Motors, Detroit, MI. Wood Motors only imported one Allard, which was done as a special favor to Mr. Delvan Lee. Del had raced Allards previously at Sebring and Giants Despair so he knew what he wanted. He ordered the car specifically to be similar to Sydney’s 1950 Le Mans mount, including silver wire wheels, left hand spare mount, Lucas lamps with stone guards, and a special metallic blue paint job with bright red interior.

Delvan raced the car on the ice at Lake Orion and then Bridgehampton and Thomson speedway in 1952. In 1953 & 1954 the car was raced at Watkins Glen. In 1953, the car won the Giants Despair Hill Climb.

In 1954 Fred Lavell acquired the Allard and took it to the Bonneville, Utah speed events. He drove the car to a speed of 127 mph. After the 1954 event, the J2 body was removed and a Sorrell streamliner fiberglass body with a stock DeSoto V8 and TorqueFlight transmission were installed. It ran this setup in 1955 and 1956, attaining a top speed of 150.75 mph on gas. 2123 was featured in its Bonneville Sorrell configuration in the December 1957 issue of Motor Life magazine.

The car led an uneventful life after Bonneville until the current owner acquired the car over 25 years ago. The aluminum Allard body was not installed and a Chevrolet small block mated to a Moss 4-speed provided the drive. 2123 was restored by Tivvy Shenton who installed a 390 in3 Caddy engine, three Stromberg 97 carbs, a Muncie transmission, and Harden safety hubs. The car retains the Halibrand quick-change rear that was installed before the Bonneville runs. After restoration, 2123 was vintage raced at Pocono and Watkins Glen.

The seller is the 5th owner of 2123 and notes that the history of the car is fully documented. Included is a 3-ring binder history supplied by Barry Burrell, son of Frank who was the Cadillac engineer who went to Le Mans with Sydney Allard in 1953. The car is also pictured in Joel Finn’s book titled, “Bridgehampton” on page 99. 

The J2 is located in Naples, Florida and is being offered for $275,000 OBO. Interested parties should email us at allardregister@outlook.com.

The Last Checkered Flag - Bill Pollack

/

It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to the last of the great Allard racers. Bill Pollack took his last checkered flag in July 16 at the age of 92. Bill was born on July 7, 1925 in New York to Lew and Helen Pollack. The family moved out west when Bill was ten, as his father became a noted Hollywood songwriter.

Bill lived a life of adventure throughout his youth – riding his horse all over San Fernando Valley, joy riding in bulldozers, and getting into all sorts of mischief. He joined the Army Air Corps at the age of 18 where he learned to fly in an AT-10, and then graduated to B-24, B-26, and B-29 bombers. Bill never made it overseas and he was sent home after the atom bombs were dropped on Japan. He had hoped to turn his flying experience into a job with TWA, but that was not to be. Bill’s father fell ill and he went back to Los Angeles to be with him. During that time, Bill started courting the love of his life, Bobbi Jean Yoder and he started college at Loyola.

Bill found his next love in 1949 – in the form of a brand new red MG TC. However his family’s limited budget forced him to be satisfied with of a used TC. This car awakened the racer in Bill, and he was in the right place at the right time. The Southern California racing scene was in its infancy and the early drivers became fast friends who would later become legends – Roger Barlow, John Edgar, Johnny von Neumann, Jack Early, Al Moss, and Phil Hill. Much like the AT-10, the MG served as Bill’s trainer before he transitioned into some faster wheels.

Bill heard through Al Moss that a guy named Tom Carstens from Tacoma, Washington had bought an Allard and wanted to go racing as an owner. Bill called Tom and somehow convinced Tom that he would be the perfect driver for his J2. In reality Bill had never actually driven an Allard, but he had ridden in an Allard, for a test drive around the block with Allard distributor Noel Kirk. Bill was lucky to connect with Tom, as he and his team really knew how to prepare a thoroughbred sports racing car.

On May 27, 1951, the world was introduced to Tom Carstens’ gleaming black Allard J2 #14 – and driver Bill Pollack – at the Pebble Beach Road Races. Ironically, Bill was only introduced to #14 the day before during the test drive when he punched it and almost drove it off of HWY 1 into the Pacific Ocean. What power! Bill easily won the race and continued winning at Reno, Pebble Beach again, Golden Gate, and Madera.

Bill and #14 finally lost to Phil Hill at Pebble Beach in 1953. The car was experiencing trouble with the left front brake which limited Bill to third place. After the race, Bill and mechanic Charles Drucker took the car out to diagnose the problem when an axle snapped, sending #14 and its occupants into a pine tree. Bill and Charles survived, but #14 was a ‘goner’. Bill and #14 were so famous that Auto Sportsman Magazine eulogized the end of this racing partnership (August ’53, see below). From there Bill moved on to successfully race Jaguars, Ferraris, Alfas, Corvettes, and Maseratis – along with a variety of specials. Bill was good and he could have been great, but he had a family that he loved, and he enjoyed his life as an amateur racer.

While #14 was deemed a ‘goner’ – this part of the story does have a postscript. David Brodsky found #14’s remains sometime in the 1980’s, and gave the car an accurate and painstaking restoration. He thus proceeded to re-introduce it at the 1989 Monterey Historics with none other than Bill Pollack at the wheel. Bill also given the honor to serve as pilot for this iconic Allard at the 1990 Monterey Historics, when Allard was the featured marque.

As a child, Bill used to build elaborate racetracks for his toy cars in the dirt of the family ranch. Bill later got to live out one of his childhood fantasies when he was asked to design the new Willow Springs Raceway just north of LA in 1952. Bill’s family revealed that he later admitted he didn’t really know what he was doing. The course was basically limited to where they could get the bulldozer to on the various hills around the track. Willow Springs may not have the prestige of Laguna Seca or Watkins Glen, but it’s believed by many to be one of the best tracks in America – and its layout has never been altered. 

Bill worked a variety of jobs relating to advertising and marketing. He actually got his start in advertising with the legendary Pete Peterson who hired Bill to do advertising for the new magazine Auto Speed and Sport. One of Bill’s racing connections liked what he had done for the Cal Club and other media, so his old racing buddy Jack Nethercutt hired Bill as Vice President of Marketing at Merle Norman Cosmetics.

Bill’s advertising experience must have led to a passion for writing. Over the years, Bill has written numerous short stories and two books. The first book was the self-published novel, “Tanager” – about a whale and a man fighting to save the world. You would be forgiven if you have never heard of this masterpiece – when asked about the book, Bill’s daughters laughed for a good minute. The second book, Bill’s autobiography “Red Wheels and White Sidewalls: Confessions of an Allard Racer” is a must read. This book is an absolute joy to read and it gives a lot of insight into Bill’s amazing life, his humor, 50’s sports car racing, and of course #14.

Sometime in the 80’s Bill, along with Art Evans and Phil Hill, created a non-club called the “Fabulous Fifties”. This unofficial group brought together the racers, mechanics, owners, and enthusiasts from the 1950’s Southern California sports car racing scene and beyond. They would gather periodically at a variety of interesting automotive locations around the LA area and Monterey to bench race and tell tall tales. Allard Register historian Bob Lytle allowed my dad and I to attend some of these events as long as we didn’t make damn fools of ourselves. As a 20 year-old, mechanical engineering student with aspirations of becoming an automotive engineer and Allard racer – I was in heaven!

It’s interesting that Bill really only raced an Allard six times. However those six races had quite the impact on Bill and his life. Bill was a good husband to wife Bobbi, loving father to daughters Mellette and Leslie, friend to many, businessman, author, and story teller. But for most people, he will be known as the guy that raced the black Allard with red wheels and white sidewalls*.

God Speed Bill!

*Why did the car have white sidewall tires? Post WWII, most tires were made from hard, artificial rubber. Prior to WWII Tom Carsten’s bought a warehouse full of white sidewall tires for his travelling salesmen (Tom owned a successful Pork company in the Pacific Northwest). These tires were made from soft, natural rubber which made them very grippy – it was one of the team’s many secrets to their success.

Auto Sportsman, August 1953

Auto Sportsman, August 1953

Auto Sportsman, August 1953

Auto Sportsman, August 1953

Model Models

/

One of our creative readers recently shared one of his latest creations, a 1/43 model of JR-3404. Rodney writes, “I have built models of all types of cars for collectors over the years and confess that I have been looking to build a model of General Curtis Le May’s Cadillac engined JR since seeing it race a few times at the Goodwood Revival. I just love the appearance and sound of this beast of a car.
The only model of the JR that I am aware of was produced by Echoes in 1/43 scale. This has long since been discontinued and despite searching for several years I never managed to find one. That is until a customer mentioned that he had one and kindly gave it to me. The body has been extensively modified and very little of the original kit was used. I didn't have any reference photos of the dashboard so my interpretation is mere guess work. So, after much modification and the help of a great decal printer, I finally had a model of one of my favorite cars. I would be more than interested in purchasing another kit if any of your members have one tucked away (if you have a model that you’d like to discuss with Rodney, click here to contact him).

The model of J2-1578 raced by Sydney Allard & Tom Cole at the 1950 Le Mans car was produced by my very good friend Tim Dyke under the name of M.P.H. Models. Tim is a stickler for accuracy and goes to great lengths to research his projects. These were offered in a very limited edition “as builts” only. They are very, very collectible.”
We reached out to the owner of 1578 to see what he knew of this model. Steve replied, “I helped Tim with the details for the model while I lived in Indonesia.  I also visited him in the UK while there on business for a few months and he gave me a couple of these models.  I also gave him a piece of the original alloy boot cover to cut up and give with each model he sold.  His workshop is the size of my trailer, had a few pints with him at the local pub and road around the countryside with him for a day, neat guy.”
Rodney, thanks for sharing your handy work!

“The J2 was built by me, not Tim. I did a couple of jobs for him in exchange for a kit of parts. I am a lucky man as kits were never offered for sale.
At 75 years of age, I generally do not take on new commissions but, if I can help any of your members I will be more than happy to discuss any requests.
In my youth here in the U.K. Allards were not exactly plentiful but secondhand examples were inexpensive and generally not much in demand. I bought my first Triumph TR at the age of 22 and have remained true to the marque ever since. They were practical, easy to maintain and always turned a profit when sold.
Nonetheless, the appeal of big Yank V8s was always a passion for me. I subscribed to Hot Rod Magazine for many years and attended the first two Dragfest in the U.K in the mid 60s. Obviously I saw Sydney Allard race on a few occasions but found the car a little uninteresting compared to those of Garlits, Tommy Ivo etc. The memories of those events will live forever.”
— Update from Rodney