Allard JR (1953 – 1955) Review

Despite being based largely on the mechanical package of the Allard Palm Beach roadster launched a year earlier, the new JR series had been conceived clearly with competition use in mind – and that meant the use of austere-looking windscreens and a lack of bumpers. However there were improvements - instead of the rigid rear axle used in the Palm Beach, the JR used the J2's De Dion set-up at the rear to provide better handling and traction on the track.

A wide range of engines was available to fit the JR's chassis, but the most popular with owners was the 5.4-litre Cadillac V8. That mighty engine pushed the car to a top speed of 140mph and gained Sydney Allard provisional pole position in the 1953 Le Mans 24-hour race. Allard's fortunes waned as more sophisticated competition from the likes of Jaguar's stunningly successful XK120 hit the market – and the company ceased production in 1962. However, the Allard name continued, being associated with aftermarket tuning – and after Sydney Allard's death in 1966, his son, Allan, became involved in the business, opening a factory in Daventry, before moving to Ross-on-Wye.