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• Auction House:
  Theodore Bruce
• Sale Name:
  Classic Cars Auction
• Sale Date:
  26 Oct 2013 ~ 6.30pm
• Lot #:
  115
• Lot Description:
  1959 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire
  Chassis: 330838
• Notes:
  Armstrong Siddeley Motors Limited was formed in 1919 with the amalgamation of Sir WG Armstrong Whitworth & Co and the Siddeley Deasy Motor Car Co. The first car to carry the Armstrong Siddeley name was the 30HP model which introduced the sloping V radiator and sphinx mascot which were to become symbols of the marque. A journalist apparently once described an early Siddeley car as being, " as silent and inscrutable as the Sphinx". Colonel Siddeley chose to adopt this as the trade mark. In 1928 Armstrong Siddeley introduced the preselector semi-automatic gearbox which came to be associated with most models of the marque. Following the second world war production very quickly resumed once more. In late 1952 an entirely new model was introduced and the 3.4 litre Sapphire saloon went on sale in 1953. The engine was of advanced design having hemispherical combustion chambers. A Sapphire fitted with the optional twin Zenith carburettors was capable of doing "the ton". The Sapphire was introduced with a choice of preselector and synchromesh gearboxes. With the introduction of the Mark II in 1954 it also became available with a Rolls-Royce four speed automatic gearbox. The Sapphire was replaced by the opulent Star Sapphire 4 litre twin carburettor model in 1958. The Star Sapphire was one of the very first British production saloon cars to be fitted with front wheel disc brakes. The list of luxury items fitted as standard was immense, including a Borg Warner automatic transmission. Unfortunately this was the last model to be produced by the company and the last Star Sapphire left the works in Coventry in July 1960. The remarkable example of an Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire presented comes in Langham Grey over Corinthian Green and is one of the last to roll out of the factory. Quite possibly the finest Star Sapphire available anywhere in the world it is in exceptional condition and very original. Its brakes have been upgraded with a booster for safety. Testimony to its condition and originality is the fact that it was the winner of the Armstrong Siddeley Car Club National Concourse d'Elegance Star Sapphire Trophy Winner in 2001 in Mildura, 2002 in Jindabyne and most recently, this year, 2013 in Bendigo. The owner drove his first Star to his wedding and now advancing in years he will drive this one to the sunset. A year's membership to the Armstrong car club will go to the new owner of this car plus all of its very detailed history.
• Estimate:
  A$35,000 - 50,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.