Lot details
Registration No: 841 UXL
Chassis No: C330905
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

Unique MKII prototype

Armstrong Siddeley was created in 1919 by the amalgamation of Armstrong-Whitworth and Siddeley-Deasy. Over forty years it produced some 30 models of luxury cars and was also one of the UK's largest manufacturers of aero engines. The car division was a casualty of the company's 1960 merger with Bristol and the last model sold was the Star Sapphire, of which 980 were made. A MKII version was planned for 1961, a prototype of which was built for display at the 1960 Earls Court Motor Show, but never exhibited. That one and only MKII is now offered for sale.

We are grateful to the vendor for the following information: the car was originally registered '5464 HP' on August 1st 1960 and for the next six years employed exclusively for chauffeuring the then Chairman of Bristol Siddeley Engines Ltd, Sir Arnold Hall. During the first 15 months (22,000 miles) of its life, the prototype is understood to have had five new automatic gearboxes, three new sets of springs and two new torque converters. The car was sold in August 1966 with 72,000 miles to its credit. Though the newcomer retained basically the same 4-litre straight-six powerplant, the MKII apparently contained numerous subtle mechanical improvements. The cosmetic upgrades included: twin-headlamps, large wrap-around rear window, large air scoops front and rear, the Star limousine boot and rear wings and 15-inch wheels. Features of the totally revamped, palatial interior included: fully reclining seats, fixed front quarter lights, front and rear seat belts, built-in headrests that converted into picnic tables, quick release window winders, extensive safety padding and a totally redesigned dashboard. Of particular interest is the innovative 'positive' air conditioning system. The bodywork of this fascinating and unique car has been extensively restored in recent years and '841 UXL' is now offered complete with tax and MOT into 2012, numerous restoration photographs and a wealth of documentation.