1953 Allard K3 Roadster

1953 Allard K3 Roadster
Sold for $220,000 Including Commission
RM Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2014
Chassis no. K3/3189





Amelia Island

8 March 2014


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Lot 144

1953 Allard K3 Roadster

To be auctioned on Saturday, March 8, 2014

Sold for $220,000

Chassis no. K3/3189





325 bhp, 331 cu. in. overhead-valve Chrysler Hemi V-8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors, four-speed manual transmission, semi-independent swing axle front and de Dion-type rear axle suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 100 in.

•Sydney Allard's rare British-American grand tourer
•One of 62 built
•Documented in the Allard Registry


While most credit Carroll Shelby with being the first person to put a big American motor into a small British sports car chassis, Sydney Allard was stuffing eight- and twelve-cylinder engines into British cars before Shelby even started racing. Allard's frighteningly quick sports and racing cars proved to be quite successful on tracks around the globe until well into the 1950s.

In 1952, the K3 was introduced as Allard's attempt to offer a more civilized variant of the J2 and J2X models seen at the track. A single front bench seat could accommodate three adults on its 56-inch width, and the use of twin fuel tanks in the rear fenders allowed for more room for luggage in the trunk. A cloth-covered folding convertible top provided protection from the elements, which was a luxury considering that the J2 and J2X were not equipped as such.

Fifty-seven of the sixty-two examples produced were destined for North America and most were installed with engines of their owner's choice once they arrived stateside. Many were fitted with Cadillac power, but several were equipped with engines from other American manufacturers.

According to the Allard Registry, this 1953 K3, fitted with a 331-cubic inch Chrysler Hemi V-8, was finished in silver and had a green leather interior and a fawn-colored convertible top. It was destined for New York City upon completion, and it was delivered new to Leonard D. Henry, of New York City, on March 18, 1953. Afterwards, this K3 made its way to Ohio, where it was owned by Mr. Emil Sermen, of Ohio, before it was purchased by Mel Belovicz, who resided in Michigan. In the mid-1990s, the car was fully restored by RM Auto Restoration. This Allard then passed through the hands of another noted collector, Jim Taylor, of Gloversville, New York, before being purchased by its current owner. It remains in excellent condition to this day, as it has been the subject of a recent mechanical freshening, which included having the carburetors, brake lines, and wheel cylinders rebuilt.

This K3, equipped with Wilton wool carpets, a Stayfast canvas top, and side curtains, is just as comfortable as it is fun to drive, and it would be ideal for vintage tours or rallies. Allards have always been exciting to drive, and this example would certainly not disappoint in that regard. This K3 is a fantastic example of a British-designed automobile with American horsepower, and it would be an interesting addition to any collection.

Robert Myrick Photography