Car: Allard K3 Roadster
Year: 1953
What makes it special: Allard Motor Company Limited was a low volume car company that was out of London, England, that almost ended in just a decade. They produced about 1900 cars before they stopped trading in 1958. These lightweight British- bodied cars featured large American V8 engines before the likes of the Sunbeam Tigers or the famed A/C Cobra’s of Carroll Shelby. Both Shelby and Zora Arkus-Duntov, known for being the chief engineer of the Chevrolet Corvette both raced in Allards in the early 50’s.
What made it famous: The 1953 Allard K3 Roadster was basically an adaptation of the famed J2 and J2X models that were used on the race tracks of the time period. They were exported to the U.S. in attempt to take down Chevrolet’s Corvette, for Dodge. They were equipped with Chrysler’s most potent V8 of the time, the 331 cu in Hemi. The 331 V8 was fitted with dual 4-barrel carburetors. Unfortunately it failed to make it in the U.S. market despite it’s killer performance.
Why I would want one: If you are a fan of the lightweight British bodied, large American V8 cars like the Sunbeam or the Cobra’s, then the Allard K3 is right up your alley.
Fun fact: Today, an Allard K3 Roadster can garner big bucks at auction, around $250 K and upwards.
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