Highlights
- Classic white with obvious commercial potential if required
- Comprehensively restored to high standard by previous keeper
- Retrimmed red interior with new leather seats and carpets
- Original tool kit still present in its boot drawer
- Chassis described by the vendor as solid
- Reported to have always been stored under cover
- Recent re-soldered header tank and electric fuel pump
The Appeal
In the immediate postwar years, Coventry’s Armstrong Siddeley occupied a very distinct place in the market. These were cars for customers who perhaps didn’t want the flash of a Bentley, maybe they didn’t quite have sufficiently deep pockets either, but they wanted a car displaying similar levels of style, luxury, comfort, engineering and 100mph capability.
The 346 was the first Sapphire model and got the firm’s 3.4L straight six engine, which enabled those three figure speeds. Few were built, which makes them a rare find today and a pleasing alternative to more common luxury postwar saloons.
The vendor tells us that this car was extensive restored to a high standard by a previous keeper, something that the photos bear out. This work was likely in the early 90s when the car’s colour change was recorded, it now looking very smart in white. That colour change suits the lines and of course opens up commercial opportunities for the buyer. Inside the sumptuously trimmed leather and wood interior is in fine order thanks to a retrim in red with matching carpets.
We’re told that the car starts easily and has proved reliable since purchased by the seller in 2021. In that time it has only needed a re-soldered header tank and electric fuel pump. We are told that it comes with a good range of spare parts, including an engine and gearbox, which are valued at £500 by the seller.
The vendor says:
“The car is a lovely drive, especially on the open road, and as you would expect, has plenty of power. The only drawback is parking in awkward places as the steering is heavy at slow speeds and is a bit much if you are over 80 as I am.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 66,585 miles (indicated as correct but unwarranted)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 3,435cc straight-six, four-speed pre-select semi-automatic
- Paperwork: No restoration records available; old MOTs, handbooks, 1 set of keys, spare parts list, V5C
The Detail
- Smart white paintwork in good order with few indications of age or use
- Bodywork also well kept with flush panel fit and only light age to note
- Exterior chromework appears complete and in good condition
- Header tank leak repaired during current ownership
- Electric fuel pump replaced during current ownership
- Smart red leather interior is said to have been retrimmed and presents well
- Leather seats and carpets in good order as shown
- Wood veneers are extensively and generally well kept with some light age
- Vendor reports dashboard could benefit from re-polishing
- Automatic centrifugal clutch with electric pre-select four-speed epicyclic gearbox
- Some minor surface rust noted on the chassis
- The vendor describes the car as a very easy starter when battery is properly charged
- The vendor notes the steering is heavy at low speeds, as is typical of cars of this era
- Trafficators need attention, only one works.
- Some small defects in door bottom on rear n/s.
- Nearside front door only opens from inside - it needs a new operating cable to outside handle and this is included in the long list of spares.
- The nearside spat has a special locking screw missing ( the top one remains) and the seller cannot confirm if there are spares.
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