Allard M2 Explained

Allard M2 / M2X
Manufacturer:Allard Motor Company
Production:1951 (M2)
1951-1952 (M2X)
Predecessor:Allard M
Engine:3.6 L V8
4.4 L V8 (M2X only)
Wheelbase:112inches
Length:186inches
Weight:2200lb
Sp:uk

The Allard M2 is a sports car manufactured by the British Allard Motor Company during 1951 and replaced the M. The M2 was often called "the Whale" due to its new front design featuring an "A" grille and large one-piece bonnet and integrated wings.[1] Only seven were built before it was replaced at the end of 1951 by the M2X.

Launched in 1951 to replace the M, the new M2 was not well received and only seven were sold. The M2 is a two-door, four-seater convertible, powered by the same Ford 3.6 litre (3622 cc) engine as the precious M. The M2 is equipped with a three-speed gearbox, and could reach a top speed of 85 mph.[2] The body is constructed with aluminium panels.

Allard M2X

Poor sales of the M2 resulted in the updated M2X being released at the end of 1951. The M2X is in effect the convertible version of the P1 coupe.[3] New front suspension, shared with the J2, allowed more space in the cockpit.[4] The M2X offered the same 3.6 V8 but with the gear change moving back to the centre.[5] A larger 4.4 L V8 was also available.

In production until 1952, 25 M2X were built.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: M2 Coupe "The Whale". Allard Register. 13 August 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130929020038/http://www.allardregister.org/m2-coupe-the-whale/. 29 September 2013. dead. dmy-all.
  2. Web site: Saloon and Drophead Coupe brochure. Allard. 13 August 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20111101024500/http://www.allardregister.org/storage/brochures/Allard_Brochure_P1-M2_4pg_LR.pdf. 1 November 2011. dead. dmy-all.
  3. Book: Gillies, Michael Sedgwick, Mark. A-Z of cars, 1945-1970. 1993. Bay View Books Ltd.. Bideford, Devon. 1870979397. 15. Rev. pbk. ed. / by Jon Pressnell..
  4. Web site: M2X Coupe. Allard Register. 13 August 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130929023512/http://www.allardregister.org/m2x-coupe/. 29 September 2013. dead. dmy-all.
  5. Web site: Allard range brochure. Allard. 13 August 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20111101024120/http://www.allardregister.org/storage/brochures/Allard_Brochure_M2X-J2X-K2_LR.pdf. 1 November 2011. dead. dmy-all.