In 18 years of journalism, no car has put a bigger smile on my face than the Allard. I don’t know if it’s my passion for classic cars igniting, but driving a roadster whose origins trace back to the English countryside of the early 1950s — yet fitted with a modern engine — is unlike anything else. Utterly intoxicating, I had the pleasure of test-driving the 2026 MkIII version.

Pros:

A timeless car
Built in Quebec
Unmatched driving pleasure

Cons:

Not for every budget
No roof
Spartan equipment

The Allard Motor Works J2X has been with us since the Allard brand was revived by Quebec native Roger Allard, whose workshops are currently located in the Laval region. Since AMW’s return, we’re now on the third evolution of the model under his leadership. As it should be, to preserve the purity of the lineage, the changes are aimed at connoisseurs — and those connoisseurs need to know the details.

Frozen in the Early 1950s

Every time I see a J2X, excitement, joy, and frenzy well up inside me. True to its 1951 roots, it’s changed very little, and that’s exactly the point. Keep in mind that the J2X sat dormant for more than 50 years before the MkII debuted in 2007. It’s been evolving steadily ever since, and over the past 20 years, the latest updates have been subtle.

2026 Allard J2X Mk III (Picture by Luc-Olivier Chamberland)

Along the seemingly endless hood, the solid aluminum side vents feature a centre aerodynamic element that adds a lovely touch of refinement. In profile, the spare wheel can now be fitted with its own cover, and unsurprisingly, its leather straps echo those on the hood. There’s a whole collection of details to take in — the grille, the tubular bumpers, and the 72-spoke Dayton wire wheels are undeniably classic — not to mention those sexy side pipes!

As for what’s new, buyers can now choose from three windshield options. The regular Brookland has two very small panes, the Maxi — fitted to our test car — has two larger panes, and the Mega is a single sheet of glass.

Around back, the resemblance to the AC Cobra is no coincidence. The Cobra, launched in 1962, “borrowed” its rear end and hips from the J2X. Today, the purity of those lines still holds up beautifully from every angle.

Honouring Tradition

Since there’s no roof (for now), it’s a proper radster in the purest tradition. Getting inside means reaching in from outside. Just pull the cord inside the door, and you’ll hear the reassuring sound of solid engineering releasing the latch.

The gorgeous, adjustable steering wheel — riveted aluminum and wood — draws inspiration from 1950s racers. The dashboard is fully customizable, but our test car, chassis No. 22, wore a stunning engine-turned aluminum finish. The gauges are spartan: the tachometer sits in front of the driver, while the speedometer faces the passenger. All finish with classic details, making it looks even more special.

The seats, like everything else on this car, are handmade and offer endless finishing options — you can even have your family tartan stitched in, if you like. Legroom is generous, especially since the seat sits on a slider. Luxury features are limited, but you do get a console with storage, cupholders, a phone mount, and charging ports. There’s even a charmingly British touch: an umbrella tucked between the seatbacks. Golfers will be happy to know the trunk holds two bags. In the MKIII, the inner face of the trunk is now beautifully finish.

A V8, Naturally

Mechanically, the AMW J2X MkIII sticks to the same formula it used in the 1950s: an American V8. These days, most models are built around GM engines, either the LS3 (430 hp) or the LT1 (455 hp), both displacing 6.2 litres.

One example exists with an automatic transmission, but it’s not the one to go for — not when a 5-speed Tremec manual is on the table. All that power heads to the rear wheels, staying true to tradition. With a curb weight of 2,574 lb split 50/50 across both axles, it’s a perfectly balanced machine that delivers outstanding driving pleasure. Add in the V8’s guttural growl and a faint whiff of gasoline, and purists will be in heaven. I know I was!

On the road, it’s a genuinely comfortable experience. The independent suspension, tuned with adjustable dampers, lets you really enjoy the car — even on our roads. Power steering makes it easier to live with day to day.

Conclusion

I love this car deeply, and if I could afford one, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. The Allard Motor Works J2X MkIII offers a one-of-a-kind experience and unmatched style — it’s exclusive, and above all, it’s built right here in Quebec. Sadly, price-wise it’s not for everyone, as its base price is about $320,000. Would I take this over a Ferrari or a Lamborghini to parade on Crescent during the Grand Prix weekend? You bet I would. It’s more exclusive, and there’s no doubt this is a head-turner — even my own head is still spinning in excitement after driving it.