1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346

Lot details
Registration No: VPF 35
Chassis No: SM346519
Mot Expiry: Aug 2005

One of the most active Armstrong Siddeley enthusiasts was the late Bob Cryer, the former MP for Keighley and later for Bradford South, and the founding Member of the ASOC. This Sapphire 346 was acquired in 1996 by the current vendor directly from his widow Mrs Anne Cryer. Cryer owned it for thirty-two years, the sports-saloon being his daily driver for most of that time, the 120,000 recorded miles including two General Election campaigns. He maintained it himself, keeping detailed records in a huge file, which includes MOTs, handbooks, workshop manuals, letters and photos. For two years after his death, it lay unused in his garage along with his beloved A-S Hurricane and a Star Sapphire, which the family still have.
Since acquisition, the vendor has carried out minor chassis repairs, replaced the seats (the originals are included) with an early pair of XJ6 recliners and fitted Wilton carpets and a period radio converted to FM. Upgrades include Star disc brakes, new steering, gas-flowed unleaded head tuned six-branch, twin exhaust in stainless steel with 80mph cruising potential, powder-coated wheels with 16ins radials and stainless trims, period Marchal spot and fog, and new headlamp reflectors and halogens. The badge bar still carries the first ASOC enamel badge that Cryer designed.
Only driven 120 miles and dry stored during the last three years apart from annual MOTs, the latest valid until August 2005, this 125,444 miler has just been serviced and only requires careful cosmetic tidying. The boot contains many spares including a rebuilt preselector gearbox.
PLEASE NOTE: This car comes with the original seats, a set of twin carbs, various new chrome pieces and assorted spares. These are either in the boot of the car or in the foyer fuel store by the entrance.