Armstrong Siddeley 12/6

About the Armstrong Siddeley 12/6

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. The coupé was built on a 97ins wheelbase, with wire wheels as standard: Most Siddeleys had disc wheels. Startix was fitted on on '34s (also on 1933/4 standard 12/6s). The Sports tourer was introduced mid-1934. All made with vee-radiators. Very pretty but weighs over a ton and 60mph is hard work on a 5.33 rear axle.