Lot 38: 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.Supplied with the car are a current MOT certificate and V5 registration document along with previous documents etc.