The week that World War II ended in Europe, Armstrong Siddeley introduced its first post-war models, their names of these models echoing the names of aircraft produced by the Hawker Siddeley Group (the name adopted by the company in 1935) during the war.
In 1956, the model range was expanded with the addition of the 234 (a 2.3-litre four-cylinder) and the 236 (with the older 2.3-litre six-cylinder engine). The “baby Sapphire” was at first sight a radical departure from the traditional Armstrong Siddeley appearance. However, they were too conservative when pitted against comptition such as a Jaguar 2.4 saloon, which was quicker, cheaper, and prettier.
The Armstrong Siddeley car was a casualty of the 1960 merger with Bristol; the last car left the Coventry factory in 1960.
Armstrong Siddeley Lancaster 16 / 18
Launched immediately the war in Europe ended, and with sensational new styling. The chassis was all new, with torsion bar ifs. Most had steel/aluminium over wooden frame saloon bodies by Mulliners of Birmingham, with sunshine roof.
Years
1945-52
Engine
1991/2309cc S6
Body Style
4-dr saloon
Production
3597
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane 16 / 18
A Lancaster without a roof.
Years
1945-53
Engine
1991/2309cc S4/S6
Body Style
DHC
Production
2606
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Armstrong Siddeley Typhoon 16
A Hurricane with a roof! A similar concept to the GM hardtop coupés introduced just as the Typhoon was withdrawn, the car had a non-retractable fabric roof to create a sporty-looking coupé.
Years
1946-49
Engine
1991cc S4
Body Style
2-dr coupé
Production
1701
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
4-dr was a Tempest – 5 built, 4 recalled and destroyed
Armstrong Siddeley Whitley 18
A more sporty line to replace the Lancaster and Typhoon.
Years
1949-53
Engine
2309cc S6
Body Style
Various, including light commercial
Production
2624
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346
Well-appointed big saloon. Worthy Jaguar Mk VII rival but much more expensive. New ‘square’ hemi engine; electric pre-slector or Rolls-Royce Hydramatic.
Years
1952-58
Engine
3435cc S6
Body Style
4-dr saloon, limousine
Production
7697
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Sphinx bonnet mascot features Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire jet engines
Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 234 and 236
Controversial styling, perhaps either too modern, or too old-fashioned for nearly everyone. Used either the old 18 HP six engine, or a truncated 346 unit. Said to handle better than a Jag Mk1, but too expensive to compete.
Years
1955-58
Engine
2290cc S4 / 2309cc S6
Body Style
4-dr saloon
Production
803 / 603
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire
A final flourish – perhaps the perfect big 1950s saloon. Enlarged twin carb engine, quoted at 165 bhp. BW auto and power steering options.
Years
1958-60
Engine
3990cc
Body Style
4-dr saloon, limousine
Production
980
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bonnet extends over grille