Andy's Allards @ Amelia

This coming March at Amelia Island will mark the end of an era. Andy Picariello, an Allard enthusiast like no other, will be selling his prized Allard J2 and K2 at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island Auction on Saturday March 4. 

Allard K2-1704

This early K2 (7th built) was exported on July 5, 1950 R&P Motorcars in NYC. The car was originally painted blue with a blue interior. Andy acquired the car in 2003 in a disassembled state and then worked with noted Allard restorer Barry Parker of Vintage Metalcraft in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania to bring this K2 to concourse condition. To learn more about 1704, click here

Allard J2-1738

J2-1738 was Andy’s vehicular pride & joy since 1963. This J2 was exported to August 25, 1950 to Moss Motors in Los Angeles, arriving October 3rd. The order for this J2 was very unique, likely being a rush order. This right hand drive J2 was painted red with red interior and was shipped in a crate without the engine, transmission, exhaust, wheels, wiring, and gauges. This was odd because many LHD J2’s had already been built and the majority of US bound J2’s were configured for Cadillac engines, while this J2 was configured for Ford/Mercury power. Side note: some may criticize this car because it doesn’t have Smiths/Lucas gauges, however this car was shipped without gauges so Moss Motors had no choice but to install the Stewart-Warner gauges that remain on the car today.

The team at Moss worked quickly, allowing new owner Colonel Steinmetz to race the car at the inaugural Pebble Beach road races in 1950. Unfortunately the car suffered mechanical issues and had to retire, but Steinmetz was back in 1951 finishing 14th. The car then passed on to Dale Duncan, a buddy of Carroll Shelby who also raced Allards. Duncan shoe-horned in a Chrysler 331 and raced the car at least once placing 2nd at Caddo Mills.

Andy acquired the car in 1963 and proceeded to make the car his own. He converted from steel to knock-off wire wheels - ordering the parts directly from Allard! After refurbishing the car for 3 years, he vintage raced the car from 1966 to 2000. In the early 2000’s, Andy commissioned noted Allard restorer Barry Parker to repair the body that had corroded over years of use. At this time, Andy had the car painted this beautiful deep maroon and upholstered in tan leather. 

Since its restoration, the car has earned numerous accolades including Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) National First Junior and First Senior prizes, AACA historic race vehicle certification, an Amelia Award at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, and the Road & Track "Car We Would Most Like To Drive" trophy at the Vanderbilt Concours in 2007. To learn more about 1738, click here:

Both of these cars will give their new owners a rare opportunity to show at any top concourse or enter the vintage rally or tour of their choice. These cars reflect Andy’s passion for the Allard marque and we hope that they find new homes that care for and enjoy these Allards as much as Andy has.