1935 Armstrong Siddeley 17 Sports Saloon

Lot details
Registration No: CLG 364
Chassis No: 68646
Mot Expiry: None

Armstrong-Siddeley Motors Ltd was founded in 1919 as the result of a merger between existing car manufacturers Armstrong-Whitworth of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Siddeley-Deasy of Coventry. Based in the latter's home city, its products - readily identifiable on account of their raked V-prow radiators, multi-stud disc wheels and distinctive Sphinx mascots - soon garnered a reputation for quality workmanship, comfort and refinement. Introduced at the 1934 Olympia Motor Show, the 17hp was available in three wheelbase lengths to cater for the needs of the sporting motorist, owner-driver and carriage trade (though, the majority were bodied by Armstrong-Siddeley's in-house coachbuilder 'Burlington'). Based around a sturdy ladder frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes, the newcomer was powered by a 2394cc OHV six-cylinder engine allied to four-speed Wilson pre-selector transmission. Marketed as "A Car of Aircraft Quality" (a nod to its parent company's vital role within the aero industry), the 17hp was notable four its stiff four-bearing crankshaft, integral block / crankcase casting and advanced water pump design. Credited with developing some 70hp @ 3,300rpm, it was reputedly capable of circa 70mph. Remaining in production until 1939, just 4,260 17hp cars are thought to have been made. However, survivors are comparatively scarce.

Finished in light green over black with green leather upholstery, this particular example is said to have been in single family ownership from new. Off the road and garaged for much of its life, the saloon is understood to have covered a mere 35,000 miles. Recommissioned for a brief period during the mid 1970s (a process that saw it treated to resprayed wings, new running board rubbers and a replacement petrol tank), the 17hp has apparently stood on its own jacks ever since. Describing his charge as being "in need of restoration", the vendor adds that "the trim and fittings (including the long hair floor mat) reflect the mileage rather than the age of the car". Only being offered for sale due to the loss of its lodgings, this timewarp 1930s saloon is worthy of close inspection.