1953 Allard

1953 Allard K3
s/n K3 6007 engine no. 536210313
Blue with Lobster Red Leather Interior

Compared with Allard`s earlier offerings, the K3 represented significant advances. In addition to the cleanly styled full-width bodywork, the suspension featured coil springs in the front and a remarkable de Dion rear suspension. The new chassis was both lighter and stronger than previous ones and the full bodywork allowed seating for three, provided that the driver was well acquainted with the middle passenger (if not, no worries because he soon would be after a drive!). Unfortunately, with a high price tag of $5,300 when new, very few people purchased them and just 62 were built.

As a result of this rarity, these cars are quite sought after today and of course very rare. Unlike most examples, which had lesser Mercury or Chrysler engines, this example is fitted with a Cadillac V8, topped by a pair of carburetors (each of which admits 500cfm on this car) rather than just one as many examples were. It is also fitted with wire wheels, which were a $224 option. The car was comprehensively restored including the chassis, body, suspension, drivetrain, and interior. There is much documentation, both from the restoration, and a few very neat pieces of paper from the 1960’s and 1970’s including two tickets from the Pomona Sports Car Road Races in March of 1960, which were found in the car during the restoration. There is also a period photograph depicting Clark Gable in this car or a very similar one. Given that this car was one of very few (if not the only one) in Southern California at the time. The current owner also reports that he was informed that the car had belonged to Gable by the previous owner. It is also believed to have competed at Pomona during the 1960’s. The more recent documentation outlines a thorough frame-off restoration between 2004 and 2007. The chassis was completely refurbished, powdercoated, and detailed to very high standards, and there are receipts for over $75,000 in restoration work.

As a result, the car is in stunning condition. The paintwork is extremely high quality and shows no noticeable irregularities or flaws to the finish. There are two chips on the car; one on the right door and another on the front left fender, and it is otherwise free of damage. The panel gaps are very good throughout and likely better than when the car was new. The metal trim and chrome are excellent, including on the two Talbot mirrors, and the glass and lights are also excellent.

The interior is stunning in its lobster red leather with contrasting black carpeting and leather dash. The dash insert is done in lovely engine turned aluminum and a full set of beautiful, restored Smiths gauges is installed as well. The carpets and upholstery fit extremely well and all metal trim has been replaced or restored.

The engine compartment and trunk have also been fully restored. Both show an extremely high level workmanship and are a pleasure to behold. The firewall and fender liners along with their accompanying plumbing and wiring are superb, and an alternator has been fitted for trouble free charging.

The underside is in beautiful detailed condition, and really speaks to the thoroughness and quality of the restoration. All components are extremely clean and well detailed and the car has clearly covered very few miles since the completion of the restoration.

The car drives well and while sporting, would be ideally suited to tours and events. The trunk is cavernous and the car makes excellent power and lovely V8 noise, which is not too obnoxious either.

This is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to acquire one of these very rare and desirable cars that has also been treated to a stunning restoration. The car has an overwhelmingly fresh feel to it and it has interesting technical specifications and a number of neat details as well. Despite these interesting features, the car is simple enough avoid any major headaches in terms of maintenance and service, particularly with its Cadillac engine.