Hey Guys, I hope you can help me, or point me in the right direction. I am restoring a 1951 Allard J2 #1971. This racing car was fitted from the factory with a Cadillac 331 motor and a 3 spd LaSalle transmission. The transmission is long gone , but the motor is still running strong.
This awesome vehicle runs in the Milla Miglia every year and is entered into Le Mans this year. It's first outing since 1951 when it was driven by Sidney Allard himself.
Anyway, I'm sure you don't want me waffling on, so I wondered if anyone could help me locate a period correct transmission. I would be so grateful.
Thank you, Martyn Izod (403) 684-3731
Stick or column change? Why would Sydney use such an old engine in 1951? The last La Salle engine was fitted in 1940, and the last floor change was in 1937??
They were fitted with the new OHV 331 engine. If it actually had a true LaSalle floor shifter then it must have been the 37. Otherwise I can think of no reason not to use the 331 standard Cadillac transmission, which of course was column shifted as were the later LaSalles, unless there is a ratio difference I am not aware of.
I used to admire one sitting outside in the rain in Arcata, California in the late 60s. The owners father used to race the car in the 50s. I am sure I remember three two barrel carburetors on it, but I don't recall if it was a true floor shift or not. By that time the floor was gone so it would have been visible.
Jim Stamper CLC# 31470
To answer the question, there are Cadillac/ LaSalle transmissions on Ebay most any time as well as floor shifters for the column shift transmissions. " Vintage car parts" " LaSalle transmission" check often, they pop up regularly.
Jim
Those cars had the Floor Shift Trans, and they were beautiful cars. The grunt of the new-for-the-time V8, and a robust Manual.
The heading is actually incorrect, as the car is a '51 Allard, but made up of different parts. A true Hot Rod.
Bruce. >:D
Sorry guys, I read that first post too quickly and assumed it was a La Salle engine and box.
As Jim said these box's do pop up on eBay from time to time but for big money, thats probably why this one was removed, at some time the box worth more than the car.
Allard's were fitted with a variety of different engines. I went to look at one in Bristol in the 60s with a view to buy, it was in very rough condition and had a V12 engine, these cars were considered very troublesome back then and I thought the build and the look of the car pretty awful, I may have been a lot more sympathetic had it had a Cadillac engine, but most here were Fords.
Martyn,
To pick up on what Jim said, yes 37 was the last year for the floor shifter in the LaSalle, but the years prior used the floor shifter. You might want to post a picture of the back of the bell-housing as I know that later years (after 37) actually had some different configurations to accommodate the shift rods etc.
So there is a possibility that you need to get a specific year of tranny and/or come up w/ a compatible bell-housing.
Mark Lowery, CLC#25216
Martin- I will try and attach a picture of a repro of a 1951 ( I think) Healey Silverstone ( in process). It has much of the equipment you are probably seeking, including the use of a 37 Cad-LaSalle trans, probably from a big Cad given the long tailshaft. They apparently used a hydraulic throw-out bearing , an uncommon touch.. Depending on the length of your driveshaft, you can decide which style tail shaft you need.
If you use a later side-shift, pick up a Hurst-type adaptor shift kit to make your own floor shift.
Mike Simmons