Lot 23: ARMSTRONG-SIDDELEY 18HP LANDAULETTE

The Armstrong-Siddeley firm came into being when Armstrong Whitworth's car making division purchased Siddeley-Deasy of Coventry in 1919, though J D Siddeley (later Lord Kenilworth) regained control of his former company in 1926.� The cars had a deserved reputation for being solidly built, easy to drive, comfortable rather than sporting and always luxurious.� In the post-war years, increasing competition from the likes of Jaguar made them look expensive and car production ceased in 1960 while the company concentrated on its core business of aero-engines.Originally supplied to the Governor of Aden, this example is built on the limousine wheelbase and was ordered as a landaulette.� It is one of only two ever supplied (the other to the Sultan of Zanzibar) and this the sole survivor.� Amongst its official duties it was used for the Royal visit to Aden in 1954, part of the 1953-1954 Commonwealth Royal Tour by the newly crowned Queen.� Repatriated in 1968 and registered in Surrey, the car has had just one subsequent owner for more than thirty years.� Its keeper has been a life long Armstrong-Siddeley enthusiast, inheriting a passion handed down from his grandfather who would have no other make of car.Knowing of its existence and having seen it advertised on a couple of occasions, the vendor finally purchased the car during 1977 as a non-runner.� However, with other Armstrongs and with a business to run, the car was kept in storage until 1985.� Though originally finished in black, a partial repaint saw the lower half of the bodywork refinished in Farina Grey and subsequently the well-worn rear compartment was re-trimmed in red leather, the original upholstery having suffered from considerable sun damage, despite the white linen covers that were originally supplied to protect the leather.� The engine was rebuilt in 2004 from the crankshaft up along with an overhaul of the Newton clutch and a rebuild of the gear box by an ex time-served Armstrong-Siddeley apprentice.� When viewed recently the car started easily from cold having not been recently used and is reported to be mechanically good throughout.