"Although crude, this J2 Allard ruled the roost on the racetrack for 20-plus years!"  John Carlson completed his racer’s restoration in 1989 after buying it from a casino designer in Reno, who had last raced it in 1970.  “I never touched the racing decals—which are from the ’50s–’60s—when I purchased the car in the early ‘80s.  I left the body completely original, dents and marks and many scrapes.”  However, he says the car’s 331 c.i. Cadillac engine is a different story.  “It’s a full race motor with everything one can do to make it ‘go fast’: balanced, fully blue-printed with flowed heads, custom hydraulic camshaft with anti–pump-up lifters and upgraded pistons.”  Three different induction set-ups are available depending on conditions.  “Dual-fours for Laguna Seca, Hilborn fuel injection for dry lakes stuff and three Stromberg 97’s for playing on the street.” The car, previously owned by Alyn Moss and driven by Michael Graham, won the 1^st Monterey Unlimited Race at the Pebble Beach Races on November 5, 1950.
 
Like many, John’s lifetime interest in the automobile began as a 14-year-old dreaming of obtaining his driver’s license.  He was born in Spokane, Washington, but now resides in the seaside community of Belcarra, British Columbia.  A ‘52 Oldsmobile hot rod was driven to work after his arrival in Canada in the ‘60s.  By 1970, he’d become fully involved in the restoration of antiques.  “I still have a great affinity for hot rods, but an equal love and passion for restored-to-original cars,” he says.  In addition to the J2 Allard, Carlson’s collection now includes an unrestored, original ’32 Ford three window coupe, ’29 Model A Ford (his first major restoration and a three-time ISCA National Class Champion), L78/L89 ‘68 Camaro SS 396 375 HP which set an NHRA record in 1968, ’47 Cadillac convertible, ’70 Buick 225 Electra, ’62 MGA Mk II, 1999 NSX Zanardi edition previously owned by Paul Walker and Roger Rodas and a blown Ardun ’32 Ford hot rod roadster that is under construction.
 
“My personal philosophy is that you will get as much out of this hobby as you are willing to put into it,” John explains.  “The people in the hobby are what is really important.  We are only caretakers for the vehicles that we restore and hopefully they will be here long after we are gone.”  Thus, he keeps a watchful eye on Canadian governmental actions as president and CEO of the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC).  This organization plays a vital role in connecting our hobby to issues of importance—helpful on both sides of the border.  Among other efforts of the NAACC are proclamations issued annually by the provincial governments to officially declare Automotive Heritage Month.  This special occasion is held concurrently with “Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD)” every July. 
 
Keep the pedal to the floor, John!  After more than a decade of partnership, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) is grateful that you continue to encourage enthusiasts across the Great White North to get involved with the cause.