Allard J2X Cadillac LH Le Man
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Automobilhersteller : |
Allard |
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Modell: |
J2X Cadillac LH Le Man |
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Jahr: |
1951-1952 |
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Art: |
Roadster |
In an effort to extend a line growing obsolete in the face of advances in sports car design, Allard introduced an 'improved' model in late 1951, the J2X (extended). In an attempt to improve handling, the front suspension's rear attaching radius rods were redesigned with forward ones, which required a forward cross member and extending the nose out past the front wheels. This, in turn, allowed the engine to be moved forward, yielding more cockpit room. There is often confusion when it comes to identification of J2 and J2X types because they are seemingly very similar. However, the most obvious differences are that the J2 nose does not extend past the front tyres and has two vents below the grille, while the J2X nose has a more protruding chin with a single vent below the grille, which, as explained extends out past the front tyres. Allard historian Tom Lush, who was Sydney Allard's Personal Assistant and Allard employee from the beginning, said in his definitive book "Allard: The Inside Story" that the chin was the most obvious difference between the two models. In standard form the spare wheel was carried hidden on top of the rear mounted fuel tank but either version could carry one or two side mounted optional spares. This allowed the use of a 40 gallon long distance fuel tank.
By the early-1950s, larger American OHV V-8s like Cadillac and Chrysler Hemis became available, so in true hot rod fashion, Sidney wasted no time shoehorning these into his J2X and JR sports racing models. The first Cadillac engine obtained from the U.S.A. was immediately installed into Allard’s own J2 racing car, which was entered in the 1950 Tour of Sicily. It also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans that same year, where Allard finished 3rd overall. The J2, J2X, and JR Allard models were also extensively raced in the U.S.A. in the early-1950s, scoring convincing road racing victories over the latest Ferraris and Jaguars at the hands of such legends as Tom Cole, Erwin Goldschmidt, and Fred Wacker.
Arriving later during a time when sports racing car design was developing rapidly, the J2X was not as successful in international racing as the J2, as it was not as competitive when compared to more advanced C and later D type Jaguars, alongside Mercedes, Ferrari, and Maserati works entries. Thus, it headlined less often in major international races and of 199 documented major race starts in the 9 years between 1952 and 1960, J2X's garnered 12 first place finishes; 11 seconds; 17 thirds; 14 fourths; and 10 fifth places.
