1954 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire

The Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346 was made between 1952 and 1959 as a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, five/six-seater saloon or seven/eight-seater limousine. It is now widely regarded as one of the marque’s key models.

The Sapphire 346 debuted in late 1952 and was noted by the press and motoring enthusiasts alike for owing with the previous generation of post-war Armstrong Siddeleys. The coachwork was available in six- or four-window form, with extra rear cubby boxes on the latter, on a new chassis. The suspension was by independent front coil springs with semi-elliptic leafs and a live axle at the rear, drum brakes front and rear and the steering by re-circulating ball. There was a choice of separate or bench front seats and the transmission was either manual with a steering column lever or by pre-selector. Unlike earlier models, Sapphires with the latter system were controlled by a switch in a miniature gate.

In 1954, the Sapphire became available with twin carburettors and in 1955 the facelifted Sapphire Mk II had flashing indicators and larger power assisted drum brakes while PAS, electric windows and adjustable rear shock absorbers as extras. Another new option was the Rolls-Royce-built GM automatic transmission, and the 1954 model year also saw the introduction of the impressive looking Sapphire limousine which was 19 inches longer and 5 cwt heavier than the saloon.

The Sapphire 346 Mk II saloon ceased production in 1958 and the limousine in 1959.

The Sapphire 346 Mk I and Mk II had a 3,435cc S6 OHV engine with a single or twin Stromberg carburettors. The transmission for the Sapphire was a four-speed all synchromesh manual box, a Wilson electrically-controlled pre-selector gearbox or, on the 346 Mk II, a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Armstrong Siddeley 346 is held in worldwide esteem as one of the great British cars of the 1950s, blending creature comforts with a beautifully trimmed cabin, poise and a remarkably flexible engine that is as suited to town work as it is to the open road. The six-light version is easier to find than the four-light, while the limousine is inevitably rarer than the saloon. The pre-selector box is known for being robust while many owners find that the four-speed automatic box is even better suited to the Sapphire 346 Mk II than it is to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud.

For modern road conditions, 205/80-16R Michelin tyres make the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346 more drivable than a model fitted with cross-plies. It is essential to check that the braking system has been properly maintained, with the fluid, pads and hose that have been regularly replaced when necessary. Suspension in a bad state of repair can result in very poor handling. The boot lids are prone to rotting but the owners’ club can help with both mechanical and body parts.

Alternatives to the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346 include the Alvis TC21, the Bentley R-Type and S1, the Daimler Regency Mk II and One-O-Four, the Jaguar Mk VIIM and Mk VIII, and the Lagonda 3-Litre.