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The last of a total of 90 J2 Allards built, J2179 was ordered on August 15, 1951 with special instructions for Black paint, Red leather upholstery and a “bulge in the bonnet to take Cadillac.” It was then shipped to Texas and fitted with a 331 cubic-inch Cadillac V-8, after which it was purchased by its original owner Charles Brown of Monroe, Louisiana. Records show that J2179 was twice driven by Fred Cook, and then raced at least three times in SCCA competition by Carroll Shelby to three wins.

Next came fitting the AC sports car with a Ford V-8. The rest is history.

I knew Charles Brown slightly. Besides the Allard, he also had a 4.5 liter Ferrari. There was a funny story about him calling the factory in Modena to get help on adjusting the valves. Of course, they had to find someone to talk English to him.

Racing in those days was mostly on the old Mansfield, LA airport. I still have a slide (and mental image) of Carroll Shelby driving someone's big Ferrari, one hand on the wheel and the other arm propped on the door rim.