The Armstrong Siddeley 12 HP

Production period	1929 to 1937
Number of cars produced	12,500
Engine	6 cylinder, 1236cc (1434cc from 1931), 12HP
Body styles	Saloon Coupe

The 12HP was produced between 1929 and 1937, with a total production of 12,500 vehicles.

1928 saw the debut of an entirely new model. The 12HP was at that time the smallest 6 cylinder engine on the British market. It was a side valve unit with bore/stroke of 56mm x 84mm giving it an engine capacity of 1236cc.

Company advertising from May 1930 proclaimed it as “the first small six cylinder car to bring the qualities of an expensive 6 within the reach of people of moderate means.”

Autocar described the car as having “no pretensions to sports car performance.”

It ran sweetly and pulled strongly from 5mph. to 50mph in top gear and returned petrol consumption of around 30mpg which was quite an excellent figure for a six cylinder engine.

The engine capacity was increased to 1,424cc in 1931. A choice of either a 3 speed manual or a 3 speed preselector gearbox was offered and it became known as the New 12HP. At the same time, the deluxe models were given the familiar V-Radiator.

The coupe version was advertised as being especially suitable for “daughters of gentlemen”, a marketing ploy that obviously worked well with the majority of coupe sales being made to the targeted customer group.