Armstrong Siddeley 12/6 Tourer

History

Armstrong-Siddeley was formed in 1919 as the result of a merger between Newcastle-based engineering firm Armstrong-Whitworth and Coventry-based car maker Siddeley-Deasy. The firm quickly gained a reputation for building exceptionally well made cars that prized craftsmanship, comfort and ease of driving above high performance.

They appealed to the middle classes and by the 1930s were regarded as on a par with Alvis and Rover, being more upmarket than Wolseley but not quite as prestigious as Daimler. The 12/6 model was launched in 1929 and remained in production until 1936 in a variety of body styles, gaining a bigger engine and pre-selector gearbox option in 1931.

First registered in April 1935, this particular car comes with a buff continuation logbook from April 1939 showing that it had just one owner from then until December 1966, Sydney Wm Downe of Isleworth. By 1985 the car had passed to another owner who subjected it to a total chassis up restoration and kept a very detailed log of all work carried out to the car and journeys undertaken for the next seven years.

In 1992 it was acquired by the current vendor, an Armstrong Siddeley enthusiast, who has also kept a detailed log of his time with the car. Powered by a 1,434cc six-cylinder engine driving through a 4-speed pre-selector gearbox, the car is said to drive very well indeed and to cruise comfortably at 50mph. It comes with a full set of wet weather gear, including sidescreens and hood, which is in excellent condition. The Solex carburettor has also recently been rebuilt.

Always in regular use, the car is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale and comes with a large amount of literature including an owner's handbook and three fat files of technical data, magazine articles, spare parts catalogues etc. Altogether a most charming and usable machine which is ready to jump straight into and enjoy.