A very stately looking Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire in 3.4L straight-six guise
A fully operational example that presents very well indeed
Boasting a lovely, original patina to its comfortable and capacious interior
The Appeal
Armstrong Siddeley was one of those interesting conglomerates from the first half of the 20th Century, that produced, seemingly, diverse products. In Armstrong Siddeley’s case that was luxury cars and aero engines. Armstrong Siddeley had cemented its reputation for stately conveyances when used by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) during his 1930 tour of Uganda. This led to the Armstrong Siddeley being known as "an elegant car appropriate for royal use."
The Sapphire 346, as seen here, was the first of the Sapphire range to be introduced when it was launched in 1952. The car was all about the luxury with leather seats and walnut veneered accents being standard. The car was ideally suited to civic and royal duties being smooth, quiet and refined. Even the Sphinx bonnet mascot was known as “the symbol of silence.” On our car, however, the Sphinx is fitted with tiny jet engines as a nod to the firm’s less quiet products.
With the passing of time Armstrong Siddeley has, perhaps, become less well known for its luxury cars than contemporaries from Rolls Royce, Bentley, Daimler and Jaguar. This is unfortunate, perhaps, but does present an opportunity to luxuriate in a British built, stately limousine that offers an excellent value proposition.
This example looks amazing in its two-tone paintwork complete with rear spats and imposing and chrome-heavy front end. This is certainly a car to make an entrance in, yet in a less obvious and more considered way than some of its contemporaries. This is reported to be a useable and enjoyable classic limousine and an exciting and interesting ownership proposition.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1954 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
