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This Allard J2X, chassis number J2X2138 was the very first J2X produced by the works. It was registered as number MGT 850 (RHD) upon delivery in September 1951 G.P "La Trobe" Shea -Simonds.

The original engine was a Mercury V8 with the Ardun OHV conversion. The car was finished as it is now, in British racing green with black trim, aero screens and black wire wheels.

The known competition history started in 1952 with the Silverstone 6-hours team race - 4th place, then a long list of events in the hands of Shea-Simonds but primarily with Peter Farquaharson, who acquired the car in 1954. With the car being prepared by Downton Engineering's Daniel Richmond, a fairly extensive program of events was undertaken over the next 4 years including many circuit races and hill climbs also the very first Wiscombe Park hill climb, where the Allard was 2nd FTD behind a single seater.

Over the winter of 57/8 Downton removed the troublesome Ardun engine and transmission and fitted a 331 Cadillac modified with Isky cam, ported heads and Downton fabricated 4xSU carburetor setup. At the same time an Alvis Speed 25 gearbox was also fitted (a popular Allard modification of the day.)

The current owner has owned the car since 1981, having completed a ground up restoration in 2006. Currently a '62 Cadillac 390 block powers the car, but the 331 fitted in 1958 is available (but it's in poor condition). The Cad/LaSalle transmission in the car actually came from a UK delivered 1952 Cadillac. The original Alvis transmission and fittings will also go with the car, along with the 4X1 1/2" SU carb set-up and early 331 heads ported and flowed by Downton Engineering. The car was also fitted with an Isky solid lifter cam and adjustable rockers at that time and is still running a similar set up. The 2 Holleys are modern 350cfm units on a nice 2X2 Detroit Racing intake. The original pair of 2bbl Carters will go with the car.

Wheels are all rebuilt by MWS 5X16 72-spokes with Blockley road/race tires. All the Alfin drums are those that were on the car. The diff is as original, the torque tube was removed '58 for the installation of the Alvis transmission.

After a spell of sprints and hill climbs in the 80’s, the car has resumed a more modest career of sprints and hill climbs in the last few years, including a 1st in class at Wiscombe Park 50 years after its last success there.

There is a large record of original period photos of MGT 850 in the hands of the first four active campaigners of the car. When restored the owner decided to fit the period Cadillac LaSalle 3 speed gearbox and more modern Holley carbs on a period manifold.

The car is available for £365,000. Interested parties should contact Richard White Vintage Cars via email or phone at 0116 259 5291. http://www.richardwhitevintagecars.co.uk/