The Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 234

Production period	1955 to 1958
Number of cars produced	806
Engine	4 cylinder, 2290cc, 120BHP @ 5,000RPM
Body styles	4 door saloon
Transmission	Manual with optional overdrive

The Sapphire 234 was produced between 1955 and 1958, with a total production of 806 vehicles.

In 1956 Armstrong Siddeley released two completely new medium sized cars with identical bodies but radically different engines. These were intended to appeal to a significant proportion of its existing clientele who had previously purchased cars from the Armstrong Siddeley range that were smaller than the new 346 Sapphire. Further there was a trend generally towards smaller cars.

The 234 had a 4 cylinder high performance engine producing 120bhp based on a 4 cylinder version of the 346 Sapphire engine and was offered with an excellent 4 speed all synchromesh transmission with optional overdrive and outstanding power assisted drum brakes. Wire wheels were an option.

Armstrong Siddeleys attention to safety was evident. The chassis incorporated progressive deformation characteristics. Child resistant door locks were fitted to the rear doors and repeater indicators to the front mudguards. The front doors open 90 degrees allowing easy access.

The body was taught and aerodynamically efficient resulting in little wind noise. The car handled well and was delightful to drive with the exceptional gearbox and confidence inspiring brakes. The 234 was a particularly sporty car to drive.

However, the styling was considered controversial by some. Only the grille echoed previous Armstrong Siddeleys. Further, the nomenclature was confusing – the public had grown accustomed to 6 cylinder cars being faster than 4 cylinder cars when in fact the reverse was true in respect of the 234. The car looked nothing like the more traditional 346 Sapphire and another name should have been chosen to differentiate the two models.

Armstrong Siddeley’s parent company was focusing more on aircraft manufacture and this together with some initial buyer resistance resulted in the model being discontinued after only 2 years.

Time has been kind to the Sapphire 234, now recognized by Armstrong Siddeley aficionados as an excellent car ahead of its time!