The Dolomites, a V8 and the Spirit of the Barchetta

There are certain moments in this life where the numbers, the auction values, and the market trends simply cease to exist. They are replaced by the smell of unburnt fuel, the thin air of a mountain pass, and the physical effort of manhandling a 70-year-old racing car through a hairpin bend.

For me, few events capture this purity quite like La Leggenda di Bassano.

I have owned my Allard J2 for over twenty years now. It isn't just a part of my collection; it’s a part of my identity as a driver. This particular car, originally campaigned by Sydney Allard’s friend Colonel Rupert de  Larrinaga, is a visceral reminder of what post-war racing was all about.

The J2 originally started with the Ford Mercury engine but in the pursuit of more power added the Ardun heads before adding the massive Cadillac V8s that dominated the US scene. 22 were built with the upgraded engine, of which few remain, of which mine is one of those rare beasts. It provides massive torque through the original 3-speed gearbox and a soundtrack that honestly makes even the most exotic modern supercar sound a bit polite.

Conquering the Dolomites

The Leggenda di Bassano is unique. It is reserved exclusively for "Barchetta" style open-top sports cars built before 1960. Taking the Allard into the heart of the Dolomites is a test of both stamina and machinery.

The Route: We covered over 400km of the most spectacular, twisty roads on Earth, crossing ten mountain passes.

The Challenge: Climbing the mythical Gavia Pass in an Allard is not for the faint-hearted. Between the heavy steering and the sheer torque of the Ardun engine, you don't just drive the car, you wrestle it.

The Consumption: As I’ve learned on rallies like the Mille Miglia, the J2 has a prodigious thirst but when you’re pulling cleanly from 600 revs and accelerating through an Alpine valley, you don't mind the bill.

Why Bassano Matters

My professional life at Hope Classics is built on providing "unfiltered experience" and "unbiased advice". You cannot give that advice unless you truly understand these cars under pressure. In Bassano, you aren't just a collector, you're a "Legend" alongside the likes of Miki Biasion, facing unpredictable weather and arduous climbs.

The camaraderie in the Piazza Libertà at the finish line is what makes this industry special. It’s a shared respect for those who keep these "Sport-Competizione" machines on the road, rather than behind glass.

The Verdict

The Allard J2 was once described as the "finest sports motor bike on four wheels". After another successful run through the Italian peaks, I’m inclined to agree. There is no better way to refine your perspective on the classic car world than from the cockpit of a screaming V8 in the Italian sun.

If you're thinking of buying, selling, or perhaps starting to build your own collection that reflects your own definition of “supercar", please remember that I'm here to offer impartial advice.