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Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346

Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346
Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346
Lot number 32
Hammer value £10200
Description Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346
Registration NHR 600
Year 1955
Colour White/Black
Engine size 3,435 cc
Chassis No. SM346767
Engine No. 343024

History

Introduced in 1953, the 346 was the first of four Sapphire models that formed the backbone of the Armstrong Siddeley range right up until they ceased car production in 1960 to concentrate on aero engines. Notable for its elegant, flowing lines, it was powered by a famously robust 6-cylinder 3.4-litre engine designed by Fred Allard with consultancy input from none other than WO Bentley. With hemi-spherical combustion chambers and optional twin Stromberg carburettors it produced 150bhp and could top 100mph with ease. At first it had a choice of manual or pre-selector gearboxes, but a Rolls-Royce 4-speed automatic became available with the introduction of the Mark II in 1954.

This particular car was sold new to Commander VJ Robinson, RN, by Allen and Sons of Bristol in December 1955. Not too much is known of its subsequent history but it was bought in rather a sorry state by the current vendor in 1988. A true enthusiast, he then embarked on a total nut-and-bolt  rebuild which took ten years to complete and involved replacing or rebuilding every single part of the car as necessary.

The extent of the work carried out is too detailed to list here but the whole process is well documented in a thick folder full of bills and photographs. Key points include a full engine rebuild with new pistons by a specialist in Knarr Mill, Oldham; a full rebuild of the 4-speed Rolls-Royce automatic gearbox by Graham Whitehouse of Birmingham; sandblasted and painted chassis; body restored and lead loaded by Phoenix of Eardisley with new doors and wings; complete new wiring loom including the instrument panel wiring; all chromework replated; upgraded leather interior from a Star Sapphire and new headlining.

Since the restoration was completed in 1998 the car has covered less than 5,000 miles. Fitted with power steering and twin carburettors it is said to drive beautifully and to be capable of an easy 100mph. A more thoroughly sorted example would surely be hard to find.

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