Allard J2X Le Mans

This is chassis 3055, one of two works Allard J2Xs built for the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hours. Sydney Allard and Jack Fairman shared it in the race. It ran as high as fifth overall before the big-end bearings failed in the morning. The all-enveloping body was Allard's answer to a new rule banning cycle-wing bodywork, and the car was timed at more than 150mph on the Mulsanne Straight.

After the race the car went to American racer Paul Pfohl, who kept it for more than 50 years. It later returned to Le Mans for the 2014 Le Mans Classic and the 2015 Le Mans Legends race. The page puts recorded mileage at about 4,000, most of it covered racing in period. The bodywork has been resprayed to match a section of original paint found in a door panel, and the 1952 warning-light system is still fitted.

The current Chrysler V8 has been overhauled to 1952 specification and produces 417bhp through four twin-choke Rochester carburettors. The car has a Ford/Lincoln three-speed racing gearbox with Jensen remote change and a Halibrand quick-change limited-slip differential. What is believed to be the original Le Mans engine, the factory-fitted Cadillac V8 and a spare gearbox stay with the car. It is road-registered, and it comes with a history file of period photographs and correspondence. Price is on application.