Armstrong Siddeley Siddeley Sapphire 346

About the Armstrong Siddeley Siddeley Sapphire 346

The Sapphire 346 was produced between 1952 and 1958, with a total production of 7,697 vehicles.Production of Mk2 saloons ended in 1958 and Mk2 Limousines in 1959 to make way for the Star Sapphire.

The 346 was the first of the Sapphires introduced late in 1952 for sale in 1953 and continuing until 1958. The six-cylinder 3,435 cc engine had hemi-spherical combustion chambers and could have optional twin Stromberg carburettors(£25 extra) which increased the output from 125 to 150 bhp (93 to 112 kW) giving a top speed in excess of 100 mph (161 km/h). The front suspension was independent coil springs with a rigid axle and leaf springs at the rear. The Girling hydraulic brakes used 11 in (279 mm) drums all round.

The body was available as a four- or six-light (two or three windows on each side) at the same cost and with either a bench or individual front seats. The seats were finished in leather, with the dashboard and door-cappings in walnut veneer. A heater was standard.

It was introduced with the choice of a Wilson electrically-controlled finger-tip four-speed pre-selector gearbox as a £30 option,[6] or four-speed synchromesh gearbox. It became available with automatic transmission (Rolls Royce four-speed) with the introduction of the Mark II in 1954.

Engine : All iron straight six with a single carb
Steering : recirculating ball
Brakes : drums all round (the MK2 had a servo)