In 1949, long before stuffed a Ford V-8 engine into a tiny British AC Ace, a Brit named Sydney conceived the Allard J2. Aimed primarily at the American , the J2 showcased bodywork that had a burly, purposeful look, with cycle-style front fenders and nothing in the way of creature comforts.

The model could be fitted with a variety of V-8 engines from Mercury, , Chrysler, , and Oldsmobile, since each car was shipped stateside sans power plant. At less than 2,100 pounds in street trim, and even lighter for the track, the car saw much success in motorsport, placing third overall at in 1950, and taking 40 first-place finishes out of 313 races from 1949 to 1957.

Allard’s subsequent J2X, with improved front suspension and chassis geometry, continued until 1954. For those seeking a car with icon

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