1935 Armstrong Siddeley 20HP SWB Limousine

Description

The complex history of Armstrong Siddeley actually dates back to the formation of Siddeley Autocars in 1902 by John Davenport Siddeley, whose Coventry works turned out cars closely modelled on contemporary Peugeots. After merging with Wolseley in 1905, Siddeley resigned in 1909 and formed a new concern, Siddeley-Deasy, which then went on to produce cars, trucks, ambulances and even aero-engines during the Great War. When hostilities ceased in 1919, the Armstrong Whitworth Development Company took over and began marketing a new range of Armstrong-Siddeley motor cars, beginning with a 5-litre 30hp model, followed by several smaller capacity fours and, from 1927, the company's first six-cylinder model. Offered between 1927 and 1935, the 20hp was built as the Long 10' 9? wheelbase model or more sporting Short model on a 10' wheelbase. Both were available with an extensive range of factory coachwork catalogued and the Short buyer could choose from a 2/3-Seater, Open Tourer, Special Tourer, Saloon, Fabric Saloon, Special Saloon, Saloon Landaulette, ¾ Landaulette or Coupé body styles. The 20hp was initially powered by a 2,872cc in-line six, rising to 3,190cc by the early 1930s. Armstrong-Siddeley pioneered the use of the Wilson pre-selector gearbox, which started as an option in 1929 and became standard equipment across the model range by 1933. The 20hp Armstrong Siddeley had a distinctly sporting flavour - indeed the Sports Editor of The Autocar, S C H Davis, won the Grand Prix d'Honneur and the Concours de Confort at the famous Monte Carlo Rally. In total some 8,847 were produced but those few that remain are coveted by enthusiasts and collectors today.