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Allard J2X Le Mans Re-Creation Offered in UK with FIA Historic Passport
A hand-built alloy-bodied re-creation of Allard's 1952 Le Mans works car, constructed by marque specialist Dr. Jonathan Rose and campaigned at Goodwood and the Le Mans Classic, is now offered for sale in the UK with an FIA Historic Technical Passport valid to 2031.
By Charlotte Redford · 4 min read
A hand-formed alloy-bodied re-creation of the Allard J2X Le Mans works car that contested the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans has been offered for sale in the United Kingdom, complete with an FIA Historic Technical Passport valid through 2031 and UK V5C registration.
The car was commissioned by its seller in 2016 and built over several years by marque specialist Dr. Jonathan Rose, who fabricated the bodywork by forming alloy panels over a plywood buck. The project used a modified P-series chassis, to which tubular steel supports, suspension components and other parts accumulated by Rose over many years were added.
The Le Mans variant of the J2X Competition was developed specifically for the 1952 running of the endurance classic, which required barchetta bodywork fully enclosing the wheels. Allard's works entries featured a forward-tilting front clamshell with covered headlights and a mesh screen over the carburettor scoops — details carried over to this re-creation.
After initial assembly, the car was prepared for vintage racing by Project Heaven near Peterborough, England, using components sourced from Hot Heads Research in the United States. An FIA Historic Technical Passport was issued in 2021, and the car has since been driven at the Goodwood Revival, the Silverstone Classic and the RAC Woodcote Trophy. A timed speed of 157 mph was reportedly reached along the Mulsanne Straight during the Le Mans Classic.
Power comes from a blueprinted and balanced 331ci Chrysler FirePower Hemi V8 featuring forged pistons and connecting rods, ported-and-polished heads, quadruple Rochester 2G carburettors and wrapped headers. The seller reports output in excess of 400 horsepower, with fewer than 10 hours of racing completed since the most recent rebuild. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch and an Allard quick-change differential.
The car is finished in green with number 29 roundels applied for its Le Mans Classic participation. Exterior details include a single windscreen, a grey roll hoop, a Le Mans-style fuel filler, bullet-style side mirrors, an LED racing light and dual exhaust outlets. Turrino 16-inch alloy wire wheels are secured by two-eared spinners and shod with Dunlop Racing tyres.
The suspension combines a split front axle with a de Dion rear end located by a Panhard rod, and LEDA adjustable dampers at all four corners. Braking is by hydraulic drums. The right-hand-drive cockpit is trimmed in green leather and fitted with a fire-suppression system, HANS-compatible harnesses, a VBOX camera, a Racelogic lap timer and toggle-switch controls. A wood-rimmed steering wheel sits ahead of a 150-mph speedometer with an inset oil pressure warning light, a tachometer and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 20,000 miles.
Recent updates have included the hydraulically actuated four-speed manual transmission, the Allard quick-change differential and the adjustable dampers. The seller notes that the current transmission and shock absorbers do not conform to the FIA Historic Technical Passport.
The vehicle is being sold on its registration, which serves as the ownership document in the UK. That registration lists the car as an Allard under the VIN 91P1876, matching the identification plate, with a first registration date of 1984. Photographs taken at various stages of the build accompany the sale.
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