1926 Armstrong Siddeley 14hp Chiltern Coupe

Registration No: PM 7646
Chassis No: 24359
MOT: Exempt

• Original coachwork by Holbrook Bodies Ltd. of Coventry, which was contracted to produce bodies for Armstrong Siddeley
• Long-term previous family ownership from 1963 until 2014
• Remarkably just six owners across its almost 100-year life!
• Purchased by the vendor in 2014 and widely improved including full engine overhaul

Armstrong Siddeley started in 1919 and was formed from Siddeley-Deasy and Armstrong Whitworth. Armstrong Siddeley introduced the 14hp in May, 1923, to add to the existing models of 18hp and 30hp. The 14hp had a four-cylinder engine, rather than the six-cylinder engines in the larger cars. It also had a flat radiator rather than a vee-shaped radiator. Armstrong Siddeley introduced the Mark II 14hp in 1925 with a number of improvements including a new chassis, four-wheel brakes and semi-elliptic springs front and rear. The engine is 1,852cc with overhead valves and the model has a three-speed gearbox with torque tube to the back axle.

Nowadays, a 14hp Chiltern is a near-mythical beast. The broad dickey seat, drop-down windows and leather-covered roof are reflective of Armstrong Siddeley’s reputation for solidity and quality, but all-weather body styles of this nature were not common even in period as they were a luxury offering and moderately expensive. At £425, the Chiltern was fairly priced, but still beyond the reach of the average motorist. It is worth bearing in mind that the 14hp was a large chassis, also offered with landaulette and limousine coachwork.

This charming example, one of a tiny handful of survivors, impressively comes with known history from new. It was originally sold through University Motors of Hove and registered on 8th December, 1926, and first owned by Dr. A. H. Copeman of 17, Brunswick Square, Hove. In May, 1928, it passed to Rupert V. Cobb of Dumpton Park, Broadstairs, and it is understood he used it until 1935, before storing it at the Cobb Brewery in Margate, where it remained until Alan White of Westgate-on-Sea purchased it in 1960. In 1963, E. Bruce Watson of Broadstairs bought it for his son Roger, who cherished it until his death in 2014.

Roger served for over 30 years as the Armstrong Siddeley Owners’ Club’s 14hp specialist. He painted the car brown and black in the early 1970s and the wings were refreshed c.2010. Throughout his ownership, he enjoyed many ASOC events and VSCC navigational rallies.

It has been in single ownership since 2014 with a consummate enthusiast who has completed much further work, with early jobs including the installation of flashing indicators and having new carpets made for the cabin and boot. Sadly, there was a major problem with the folding roof when he acquired it, so it was discreetly repaired as a fixed-head hardtop, and the vendor has enjoyed running the car with regular upkeep since 2015. According to his notes, it would rumble along happily at 50mph and the top was water-tight even in downpours. Recent work has included the reupholstering of the seats in 2023 and the refurbishment of the magneto for £420 in 2025. Only around 1,000 miles has been covered since the engine was resleeved to its standard bore in 2016, with new pistons and valves installed. A delightful and unusual way to enjoy vintage motoring, this Armstrong Siddeley is sold with the current V5C and history including maintenance notes, a buff logbook and the VSCC buff form.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452