The Cars of Jim Taylor

This coming Friday and Saturday October 14-15, 2022, Broad Arrow Auctions will be offering Jim Taylor’s extensive car and memorabilia collection for sale. Jim has great taste in cars and his love for Allards is notable. His collection contains a J2X, J2X Le Mans, and a JR – all three of which represent the most sought-after cars of the Allard marque. Below is a brief summary of each of the three cars. All three cars will be offered Saturday October 15.

JR-3406, Lot 839

The JR was one of the last JR’s built (fun fact: this car, along with 3407 were both exported on January 1, 1955). It was originally exported to Canada, purchased new by Norman Moffet and was painted black with tan interior. The JR was the brainchild of chief designer Dudley Hume and featured a number of upgrades over the J2X (to learn more, click here). 3406 was the only LHD model produced and it features two doors – other JR’s only had a single door on the drivers side.

J2X-3071 Le Mans, Lot 841

In 1952, the Le Mans organizers mandated that cars with cycle fenders would not be allowed to race. In a matter of weeks, Allards body shop put together the “Le Mans”, no doubt inspired by the Jaguar C Type. Fourteen J2X Le Mans were built, with 3071 being 4th built. The car was exported January 6, 1953 destined for Noel Kirk Motors in Los Angeles. The LHD car was painted red with red interior, Cadillac modifications and 3-piece DeDion axle tube (we are note sure if this is still in place). Most notably, the car was shipped with a standard Allard windshield, but the first owner, Gary Love changed it out to the very attractive curved windshield you see today. Body-wise, the car is very original and has loads of patina including the aftermath of a carburetor fire from 1969.

J2X-3048, Lot 859

This car was exported on April 2nd, 1952 to R/P (Perry Fina) Imported Motors in New York City. The LHD car was painted white with black interior and was configured for Chrysler power. Prior to Jim’s acquisition of 3048 in 2013, the car resided in Australia, where it was converted to RHD. The auction writeup is a bit misleading stating that the car was raced extensively by Tiny Gould – that car was actually Tiny’s J2. As an homage to Tiny, Jim had the car painted white with a red hood and interior to match Tiny’s racing colors – along with converting the car back to LHD.

If you’d like to bid on any of these cars, visit the Broad Arrow web site at https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/events/event/the-cars-of-jim-taylor

Auction: Allard JR 3408

OPINION…I’m honestly shocked that the Allard family’s continuation Allard JR 3408 has not sold yet. It is a faithful nut & bolt FIA accredited recreation of the JR…built by the Allard family. At a time when Jaguar, Aston Martin, and others are selling million dollar recreations of their classic cars, the JR is struggling to find a home. Don’t people understand what a monster this thing could be on the track? With some tuning, you have a car that could easily run at the front of the pack at Goodwood or the Le Mans Classic. Do people forget that Dean Butlers navy blue JR won the Goodwood Earl of March race back in 2003? I wish I had video of that race!. In the mean time, you can enjoy this video of the same car storming up the hill at Goodwood (turn up the volume):

When most people think Allard, they think of the J2 or J2X, which were still largely based on the late 40’s Allards, which used a lot of technology dating back to the ‘32 Ford; the JR however was an all new development from Allard Engineer Dudley Hume (who also had a hand in 3408 before his passing). The JR features a twin tube chassis that was both lighter and stiffer than the old channel ladder frame. The car is also shorter, lower, and far more aerodynamic than even the J2X Le Mans.

If you’d like to bid on this amazing machine, click here: https://www.silverstoneauctions.com/sa077-lot-17310-1953-allard-j2-continuation?el=17310&pn=1&pp=100 . The presale estimate is a very affordable £120,000 - £140,000 ($164,000 - $191,000). If you are a vintage racer looking for something unique and fast…look no further than JR 3408.

-Colin Warnes

PS: If you don’t believe me, go ask Tony Dron what he thinks about the JR. He raced (and won with) Syd Silverman’s JR a few times several years back here in the States.

Even More JR History...

We’ve been going through our archives and found few new interesting documents. First up is a description of the new Allard JR that appeared in the May 1953 Allard Owners Club Monthly Bulletin. Next up is a new car announcement for the JR that appeared in the July 1953 issue of Road and Track.

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The JR Allard

The new JR Allard, designed specifically for sports car races, continues that same successful theme which has characterized the marque in the past. In one important respect it has broken away from previous principles in that it is designed to take one engine only – the Cadillac V8 – instead of being adaptable for Chrysler, Mercury, etc. The Cadillac has been chosen in preference to the Chrysler unit because it is more compact and 130 lb lighter. The output can be increased from 210 bhp in standard form to approximately 300 bhp by employing certain parts produced by Detroit Racing Equipment. Amongst the modifications used are two, four-choke Rochester carburetors; only two chokes on each are operating on small throttle openings, the other two coming in progressively as the throttle is opened further.

A single dry-plate clutch takes the drive via a Cadillac 3-speed gear box with right-hand change, and a short open propellor shaft to a quick-change final drive unit produced in collaboration with H.W.M. The drive passes under the differential to a pair of spur gears and forward again to the crown wheel and pinion. A quick change of these spur gears is easily carried out and there are also four crown wheel and pinion ratios so that the car can be suitably geared for any circuit.

Continuing the J2X practice, a de Dion axle is used at the rear utilizing coil springs as the suspension medium. The fore and aft location of the axle beam is taken care of by twin radius arms on each side, but the method of sideways location is completely new. Two A-brackets are used, the base of the top-most being carried on the rear cross-member of the chassis frame above the axle beam, and that of the lower is pivoted on the axle beam itself. The two apexes meet in a universal joint behind the axle and Silentbloc bushes are used in the pivots. Fully-floating rear hubs are used, carried on twin taper roller bearings, so that wheel location is not affected by drive shaft breakage. The rear brakes are carried inboard on either side of the final drive housing and Alfin drums are used here as well as on the front.

Front suspension is by the well-known Allard system of split axle with coil springs and forward projecting parallel axis radius arms. Two leading shoes are carried in the front brakes and hydraulic telescopic dampers are used all around.

The chassis frame bears a strong resemblance to the Palm Beach model, and in fact the track and wheel-base are the same. Twin tubular side members are used liberally braced together by welded steel plates. The cross-bracing of box and tubular members serves to give an immensely rigid structure. Tubular hoops are welded to this frame and support the body immediately fore and aft of the cockpit, affording some protection to the occupants in the event of an inversion. The complete frame turns the scales at only 180 lb.

The aluminium body has the complete forward section hinged at the front, giving access to engine, steering, suspension, and brakes.

The main fuel tank holds 25 gals. But a removable auxiliary tank alongside the passenger seat gives a further 25 gals. With a load of and driver the weight distribution is roughly 50/50 front and back, but unladen this changes to 57% front and 43% rear. The engine is placed farther forward than has been Allard practice in the past, giving the greater preponderance of weight on the front axle. I.J.AB.

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More on JR 3408

The media blitz has started on the upcoming auction sale of JR-3408 (ready story below). The car is being offered by RM-Sothebys at its London Auction this coming October 31, 2020. The publicity photos by Matt Howell were nicely shot. If you are interested in purchasing the car or having one built, you should contact Lloyd & Alan at www.allardsportscars.co.uk or via email at info@allardsportscars.com.

Allard JR-3408

The list of car companies offering continuation cars seems to be growing every month. So far Bentley, Lister, Cobra, Jaguar, Aston Martin, and even Alvis are offering turn key ‘continuation’ versions of their iconic cars from years ago. The continuation cars from these companies all share a common trait that affects their authenticity…they have nothing to do with the original companies or founders that built those cars. However, there is one company that is different.

In 1929, Sydney Allard built his first special – a Morgan 3-wheeler converted to 4-wheels and started racing it. Sydney went on to create the Allard Motor Company which built a number of significant cars and helped transform the automotive market around the world. From there, son Alan joined his father in drag racing and went on to publish an early guide to turbo-charging in 1982. In 2005, Sydney’s Grandson and Alan’s son, Lloyd joined the family business offering a range of custom fabricated aluminum radiators, fuel tanks, and other components for a range of vintage and modern cars.

Alan and Lloyd stayed in close contact with the Allard community and through that, Lloyds fabrication skills were sought out in 2013 to help bring a variety of tired Allards back to new. Along this time, Alan and Lloyd were urged to bring one of the rarest and sought out Allards back to the market. The car below was been built in part, to test the market for the revival of Allard as a specialist car manufacturer once again, after a gap of some 60 years

What you see here, is JR chassis #3408, the result of over 90 years of automotive experience from a family that has history of building some of the most unique automobiles to ever turn a wheel. The bulk of the car was fabricated personally by grandson Lloyd while son (and father) Alan handled the fine details like panel fitment, trim, and dash assembly. Sydney was a very hands-on car builder and would have be very pleased to see what his progeny have created. The body was the only major fabricated assembly that was outsourced; with that work being trusted to Sean at Historical Motor Works using the original JR bucks.

Sadly, the JR designer, Dudley Hume passed away on May 31, 2019 unable to see the finished product. However, he was instrumental in helping Lloyd and Alan as he had assisted Sydney some 65 years ago. Dudley retained virtually all of the original build drawings which the family used in recreating the JR. JR 3408 was not built from 3D scans or CAD models of donor cars like other ‘continuation’ cars utilize. This car was built from the original velum paper drawings that guided the construction of chassis’ 3401-3407.

The car utilizes as many original components as possible including the spindles, brake back plates, Lockheed brake parts with Alfin drums, Marles steering box, Bluemels steering wheel, Smith’s gauges, and even the spare wheel spigot in the boot. The only modern upgrade is a ‘Period E’ bolt in roll cage to meet FIA regulations.

3408 is powered by a Cadillac 331 V8 producing 300 bhp at 4500 rpm. The engine breathes through two 4-throat Carter carburetors. Drive is transferred through a stout LaSalle 3-speed transmission to a Halibrand quick change differential. The car rides on 600 x 16” wire wheels with Allard knock-offs. 3408 is equipped with only a driver side door, matching the build of the 1953 Le Mans cars (if you want your own JR, it can be equipped with a passenger door as non-Le Mans cars were similarly built).

This JR has been approved by the FIA which means that it is eligible to compete in FIA sanctioned events throughout the world.

We’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes a car a ‘replica’ or a ‘continuation’ and how JR 3408 should be categorized. Really, this car defies attempts to categorize it as it was physically built by the family whose name it wears on the bonnet with the help of the designer that created it. What is JR 3408? It is an Allard.

JR 3408 is being offered by RM-Sothebys at its London Auction this coming October 31, 2020. If you would like to learn more about this car or enquire about having a JR built to your needs, please visit www.allardsportscars.co.uk or email Alan and Lloyd at info@allardsportscars.com.

The Allard JR

The Allard JR was first conceived by designer Dudley Hume in early 1952. In 1952, the Le Mans organizers dictated that cars could no longer race with motor cycle-style fenders; an iconic feature of the popular J2. In late 1951, Allard started delivering the new J2X, which notably featured Dudley’s revised front suspension with parallel pivots. The goal was to race the J2X at Le Mans in 1952, but they had to create a new enveloped body car by the mid-June race. Dudley wanted to race the new JR model that he was designing, but the car would not be ready in time. The decision was made to quickly adopt a C-type style body to the J2X and thus the J2X Le Mans was born.

Dudley continued to work on the JR, incorporating a number of features that he had implemented on a variety of Allards he had developed. Most notable was the chassis, which used the P2’s twin tube chassis concept that increased rigidity significantly over the old formed channel design. Dudley also incorporated his revised split axle front suspension from the J2X that brought the design more in line with creator Leslie Ballemy’s intent. Additionally, the JR adopted the new Palm Beach’s 96” wheel base and narrower 51” track. Finally, the JR was specifically designed to use the Cadillac V8 which was more compact and lighter than the Chrysler Hemi that Allard raced in 1952. Arguably the most significant feature of the new JR was the stunning aluminum body that cut a slim profile and looked just plain fast.

The first JR (chassis 3401) was exported essentially as a prototype with virtually no development work to American Erwin Goldschmidt in March of 1953. Goldschmidt found the overall handling quite unruly and struggled to come to grips with the car.

It’s no secret that Americans loved big and powerful V8’s. It should be no surprise that the leadership of the US Air Force loved agile sports cars with powerful engines – and Allard was the leading supplier of that alluring combination. In early 1953, General George Griswold, General Curtis LeMay, Colonel Schilling, and Colonel Reade Tilley agreed to buy three JR’s if the team’s 1953 Le Mans entry was accepted. Fortunately, Allard’s entry was accepted, and in June the company fielded two JR’s; #4 (chassis 3402) was raced by Sydney Allard and Philip Parker while #5 (chassis 3403) was driven by Zora Arkus Duntov and Ray Merrick.

[Note: Although General George Griswold did not purchase a JR, he commissioned the creation of the Allard K3. He wanted an open sports car that would accommodate him and his three daughters sitting side by side!]

[Note: Did you know that Duntov snuck away from his new job at GM in Michigan to race for Sydney? Management was furious when they found out, but Zora somehow turned it into a teaching opportunity and instructed the GM brass about Le Mans and what it took to be competitive – tools that would help refine Zora’s Corvette into what it is today.]

Leading up to Le Mans, the USAF provided significant aid to help develop the two cars. On two separate occasions, USAF airfields in the UK were opened to Allard so they could test gear ratios, acceleration, and top speeds. Additionally, in practice just days before the race, the #4 car blew an engine. Never fear, the USAF saved the day by sending a new engine overnight from the US by military transport to a nearby French airfield!

At the start of the race, famously Sydney jumped to the lead on the first lap. Unfortunately, Sydney came in on the 3rd lap with a destroyed differential. The #5 Duntov-Merrick car pressed on running 560 miles at an average speed of 98 miles per hour before the engine gave up on the Mulsanne Straight. Sadly, this would be the last time Allard raced at Le Mans.

In total, seven JR’s were built and all are accounted for today. Below is the brief status of each car:

Chassis #3401; Completed March 28, 1953; LHD

Originally sold to Erwin Goldschmidt. Soon resold to Bob Bucher who raced the car (nicknamed “Big Jake”) in the Northeast with much success. The car is currently being restored

Chassis #3402; Completed July 25, 1953; RHD

Sydney’s #4 race car at Le Mans. Purchased new by Col. Schilling who sadly crashed in the car and died. Currently in a private US collection

Chassis #3403; Completed August 5, 1953; RHD

Duntov’s #5 race car at Le Mans. Purchased new by Col. Tilley and raced extensively in the US. Currently in a private German collection

Chassis #3404; Completed early 1954; RHD

Intended to be Le Mans backup car, but not finished in time. Purchased new by General Le May and raced extensively in the US. Currently in a private UK collection

Chassis #3405; Completed early 1954; RHD

Purchased by Tommy Sopwith. Fitted with an Armstrong-Siddley Sapphire engine and rebodied and called the “Sphinx”. Currently in a private UK collection

Chassis #3406; Completed early 1955; LHD

Purchased new by Norman Moffat of Canada and raced. Currently in a private US collection

Chassis #3407; Completed early 1955; RHD

1956 Earl’s Court show car, fitted with aero head rest, raced by Sydney. Currently in a private UK collection and recently restored by Allard Sports Cars

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

2015 Allard Sports Cars News Update...

Things are heating up at Allard Sports Cars, the business endeavor of Sydney’s son Alan and and Grandson Lloyd. In effect, the Allard family name hasn’t left the automotive world since they first started building cars in the late 30’s. The family business has evolved over the years from building cars to manufacturing and selling performance automotive parts. If you haven’t heard already, Alan and Lloyd have started building cars again, with assistance from Allard Engineers Dudley Hume and David Hooper. They got started by buying and restoring the first Palm Beach Mk2, Chassis #72/7000Z. While restoring the Palm Beach, they fabricated another chassis, destined to become a Palm Beach Mk3. This car is an evolution of MK2, and included double wishbone front suspension; a much needed departure from the split axle suspension. They also intend to offer a continuation of the Allard JR sports racing car. Read more below from Lloyd Allard…

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The New Allard Palm Beach MK3:
You may wonder, why build an Allard Palm Beach MK3? Well, the answer is simple, during the restoration of the Palm Beach Mk2 we had the opportunity to copy the chassis while it was available, a chassis jig was fabricated following an American design which I knew would be suitable. The new Allard chassis was assembled in only a basic form initially, then put to one side while my father and I pressed on with the restoration project ahead. Once the Mk2 was nearing completion, we started to make progress on the MK3 chassis once more, a Jaguar 3.4 with Moss gearbox was secured, along with a rear axle. All the other parts, which include both rear trailing arms, panhard, front suspension mountings, both front and rear bulk head rails were all fabricated in house. This was the most convenient way to have a prototype rolling chassis available for people to view at any shows we wished to attend. The debut of the new chassis tool place at the NEC Classic in November 2014. The response was very uplifting. 
The chassis for the new Allard PB Mk3 is essentially the same as the original apart from the suspension design, the front suspension is now a double wishbone affair, the rear suspension we will offer two formats, either live axle or De Dion, to be honest the De Dion is the preferred as we intend to offer the Palm Beach Mk3 in race trim. 

Allard Palm Beach Mk3, a car planned and discussed in 1959 can now be purchased as a 1959 model, authentic Allard with continuation chassis number and built by members of the Allard family once more, offering good investment potential. The car can be built to road or race specification with a Jaguar 6 cylinder engine. There are a few changes from the original which include disc brakes arrangement, improved trimming options and a hinged bonnet design much like the JR model. 
Allard Palm Beach Mk3 Specifications:

• Engine: Jaguar 3.4 XK engine 
• Rear Axle: Choice of De Dion or live axle arrangements 
• Brakes: Disc front & rear (assisted) 
• Gearbox: Jaguar Moss box (various ratio options) 
• Steering: Rack & Pinion (assisted and non assisted options) 
• Body: Fully aluminium construction (including some body design changes) 

Allard JR continuation HTP FIA Specifications:

• Engine: Cadillac 331 
• Rear Axle: De Dion 
• Brakes: Drum 
• Gearbox: Lasale 4 speed 
• Steering: Marles 
• Body: Fully aluminium construction

Andrews AFB, 1954

Very cool color racing footage from the 1954 Andrews AFB races. You'll see a number of Allards including Fred Wacker and his  8 Ball.

Allards in Scale

As Allard enthusiasts, one of our pet peeves is that is that there are so few scale models of our beloved cars. Sure there are a few models from Kenna (K1 & K2) and Bizarre (J2), but nothing that's really unique. Recently we were contacted by a scale model enthusiast Niek van der Mark from the Netherlands about the paint colors of the Abbott Special (a special coupe based on the Palm Beach). After some digging (and help from David Hooper), we were able to confirm the lower body was light green with a cream roof.

We were pleased to check our email the other day when we found an email from Niek with photos of his latest creation. Also included were photos of a number of Niek's other Allard creations including a GT, JR, K1, K2, K3, P1, and L-type. If you're wondering where you might pick one of these up...they might be kind of hard to come by. The Abbott and GT were made by a small company TW, who made small batches (5-6) of cast metal (body in white) 1:43 classic sports cars back in the 80's. As you can see Niek has an impressive eye for detail.

Hopefully with the advent of 3D printing, we'll start to see more Allard scale models. 

Video: Allard Stand @ Classic Motor Show 2013

Below are a few videos of the 2013 Classic Motor Show in Birmingham. Special thanks to Graham Clark for shooting and posting these videos!

The Duntov Memo

We are very pleased to present to you this exclusive document...The 1953 Le Mans Duntov Memo. To our knowledge it has never been seen in public. Back in January, we shared a map of the Le Mans course with Zora Akus Duntov's notes on the speed zones around the track and that it was a part of a larger report that helped set the performance transformation of the Corvette. You may also recall that Zora was almost fired by GM for racing at Le Mans for the Allard team...saved only by the grace of Ed Cole.

The report is fascinating in that he provides an analysis of the competition, along with a scathing review of the Allard JR's handling...while remaining steadfast that the Allard team had the best engines in the field (which happened to be Cadillac V8's...was Zora kissing up to the GM brass?).

Click here or the image below to view the complete memo. Special thanks to Allard owner Steve Schuler and his mole within GM for sharing this important memo.

Back in time...

Our good friend Kerry Horan sent in the clipping above from the July 1967 issue of Road & Track. By digging through our chassis database, we believe the P1 is chassis 1720. Basically it's the only RHD P1 with black paint and a maroon interior that ever made it to America...that we know of at least. The JR is chassis #3407 that resides in the Mallya Collection. Our records indicate that the car shipped to the US in September 1962 after leaving the car of long time Allard enthusiast Rupert de Larrinaga.

Zora's Notes

The image below is from Zora Arkus Duntov's technical report on the 1953 Le Mans race. This is the race that almost got Zora fired from GM, which means the Corvette as we know and love today...almost never was.

Reminder: The car that Zora raced to help create this report is up auction this Friday at RM in Scottsdale, lot #115.

Scottsdale RM Preview: JR-3403

This is probably one of my most favorite Allards, JR-3403...just one of 7 built. The car was raced at Le Mans in 1953 by Zora Arkus Duntov and Ray Merrick for 65 laps before retiring. After Le Mans, the car was sold to Col. Reade Tilley of the Strategic Air Command. This JR (also called a J2R) is ready to race and it will likely gain the new owner entry into the most premier vintage race & rally events around the world. To learn more about the car, click here to view the RM post. The car will be sold as lot #115 on Friday January 18. The estimated selling price is $350-450,000, which I believe to be fairly modest. With the right bidders, this car could double that estimate and be worth every penny.

Photos by Scott Miller, courtesy RM Auctions

Here's a video of the car prepping for Le Mans, courtesy of Cadillac Engineer Frank Burrell:

Allards @ Amelia Island - The Photo Galleries

Click here or the photo above to view our five photo galleries from the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance on March 11 in Florida. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Colin Warnes

Video - Practice, 1990 Monterey Historics