Armstrong Siddeley represents an intriguing period in British history. Founded in 1919, the nomenclature is a fusion of Armstrong Whitworth (the engineering company known for armaments and aircraft) and the motor-car company they decided to buy, Siddeley-Deasy. The union resulted in a range of luxurious automobiles over the following decades, with the models of the 1930s named for their tax horsepower ratings: the car we have here today is a 25, built in 1937.

These were offered in a variety of body styles, including tourers, sports saloons, limousines and landaulettes - and as you can see here, this imposing creation is a four-door with double-suicide doors, substantial running boards, sizable luggage and all the swanky 1930s trimmings.

It runs and drives very well, with its pre-selector gearbox being a particularly noteworthy mechanical feature, and this is a machine that will undoubtedly give huge pleasure to its next keeper.
 

These cars were built to be luxurious, and that’s evident from every inch of the cabin. There are a lot of inches to consider too, it really is massive in here! Rear passengers can luxuriate in style in the deeply-stuffed bench (which neatly morphs into a pair of armchairs if you lower the central armrest), and the carpets and headlining are tidy.

Up front, we find wood trim on the dash which is very well presented (and, remarkably, across its 86-year life nobody has burnt the wood near the ashtray with a wayward cigarette); the steering wheel is neat and wears a tasteful patina, and the dash gauges are beautifully designed. Look up and you’ll find a Smiths clock in the roof too!

Round the back, the bootlid folds down to create a tray for the additional luggage trunk, which is easily secured using the integral leather straps.

The body is remarkably imposing, at once evoking images of suave boulevardiers in spats and cravats, and hoodlums with tommy guns. It’s a glorious piece of design, demanding that every pedestrian turn to gawp as the Armstrong Siddeley oozes past.

The body appears to be in solid order throughout, both up top and underneath. The wheels are painted in a correct matching shade (the tyres are a little perished, but such things are easily replaced), the chrome gleams, and the window glass is all good. The lights are complete and functional; we can’t vouch for the provenance of the rear light clusters, but it’s pleasing to note that the trafficators are fully operational.

And of course, the most important element is proudly in place: the iconic sphinx statue on the nose.

This car’s party piece is its clever pre-selector gearbox: using the gear selector switch on the steering wheel, you simply slide the lever to the gear you require, then press the clutch whenever you’re ready and it shifts cleanly for you.

This ahead-of-its-time transmission is mated to a robust overhead-valve 3,670cc straight-six, which pulls with plenty of torque and is very happy to cruise about town. The brakes are strong, the handbrake is remarkably effective, and the car rides well on its suspension. Conceived as a luxury car in the pre-war era, it still feels wonderfully opulent and sumptuous today.

Pre-war cars offer a window into an era of great experimentation and engineering creativity, and yet the overriding ethos of luxury cars such as this was to essentially speak softly while carrying a big stick. Much like a contemporary Rolls-Royce, there’s ample power on offer and it’s all wrapped up in a supremely cosseting package.

The real hook with this particular car is that there are increasingly fewer people these days who actually know what an Armstrong Siddeley is. So it’s not just a collectible and appreciating post-vintage classic, it’s a perennial conversation piece. Factor in the fact that it’s also an eminently usable motor-car, and you can see that this really is a very compelling package indeed.

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