Lot details
Registration No: CVX 418
Chassis No: 100347
Mot Expiry: Sept 2011

Armstrong-Siddeley was a new make in 1919 from existing major players in vehicle and allied engineering firms. The Coventry company established a fine reputation with their various models and this was maintained until the marque's demise in 1960. Never seduced by the racetrack or by launching exotic sports cars, the closest that Armstrong-Siddeley came to celebrity status was with their Siddeley Special, an expensive and advanced 5-litre luxury chassis available for two years from 1935. In that same year, all their range of 5 basic models had 6-cylinder engines. The 1666cc, 45hp engine of the Fourteen had appeared during the previous year in the Twelve Plus, a larger bore (by 4.5mm) version of the 1932 season `Twelve', and was the next to the smallest Armstrong-Siddeley model. Specification included push-rod overhead valves, a Claudel-Hobson carburettor and a preselector gearbox. Styling of Armstrong-Siddeleys had flair, but at the same time retained that hint of conservatism that the firm's rather upmarket clientele expected. Comfort and distinction were their priorities.

`CVX 418' carries the firm's standard saloon body of excellent quality, its well-balanced lines suggestive of the bespoke coachwork fitted to the most expensive chassis of the day. Completed late in 1935 and first registered (in Essex) very shortly afterwards, the car's history is known since 1952 through a surviving old-style registration book. Records of maintenance and of use are with the car, which was featured in the 1988 BBC detective series, `The Franchise Affair', which starred Patrick Malahide. Recent use has included further film work and weddings, for which it is ideally suited. The car comes with a range of documentation including the original maintenance manuals and wiring diagrams. The Armstrong-Siddeley Owners' Club offers spares and technical support. The vendor states that the engine was "overhauled by the previous owner with new pistons and water pump". The radiator is stated to have been refurbished, and although an SU carburettor is at present fitted, the original instrument is available. The gearbox is in "good working order", the car is stated to have been rewired and "all the electric system functions are currently 100%". The chassis is "absolutely sound" but "the caster angle needs setting up". The interior is upholstered in leather and is stated to be in "good" condition, including the unusual tubular steel-framed bench front seat. The body is "original" and the two mudguards have been replaced, as have the running boards. Paintwork is stated to be "good, but not concours". The Armstrong Siddeley is an eminently usable 1930s saloon with much more than just a touch of class.