Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire 1958–1960
| Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | |
|---|---|
Sphinx symbol of silence
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Armstrong Siddeley Motors Limited |
| Production | 1952–1960 3½ litre 7,697 4 litre 981 2¼ litre 1,406 Total 10,084 built |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | executive |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | none |
The Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is a large automobile which was produced by the British company, Armstrong Siddeley Motors Limited, from 1952 to 1960.
A distinctive element of the Sapphires was the traditional Armstrong Siddeley V-shaped radiator grille with the Sphinx motif mounted on it.
On some models the sphinx sported aircraft wings carrying tiny Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire jet engines.
| Star Sapphire | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Armstrong Siddeley Motors Limited at Bristol Siddeley Engines Limited, Coventry |
| Production | 1958–1960 980 made |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon limousine |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3,990 cc Straight-6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 114 inches (2,896 mm) 135 inches (3,429 mm) (limousine) |
| Length | 194 inches (4,928 mm) 212 inches (5,385 mm) (limousine) |
| Width | 74 inches (1,880 mm) |
| Height | 63.5 in (1,613 mm) |
The Star Sapphire saloon was announced on 17 October 1958 and production continued through to the summer of 1960. It retained the previous model's commanding driving position. Though little changed externally, the radiator grille no longer rose to the top of the bonnet, many refinements were incorporated.
The six-cylinder engine was enlarged more than 16% to 3,990 cc with larger twin Stromberg carburettors as standard and power output increased to [SAE] 165 bhp (167 hp, 123 kW), or [DIN] 145 bhp (147 hp, 108 kW). Perhaps more important was an increase of nearly 30% in torque at 50 m.p.h. Big end and main bearings were now made of lead indium and a vibration damper fitted to the nose of the crankshaft. The compression ratio was raised to 7.5 to 1. The car could now lap the Lindley high speed track at 104 m.p.h.
Various suspension modifications had been carried out. Servo-assisted 12 in (305 mm) Girling disc brakes were now installed on the front wheels and Burman recirculating ball power steering was standardised with a turning circle reduced by 4'6". A BorgWarner type DG automatic gearbox was fitted which incorporated a lever on the facia to hold intermediate gear at 35, 45, 55, and 65 m.p.h.
Door hinges were now concealed and the front doors now hinged at their leading edge. There was an independent heater for the rear passengers and demisting slots for the rear window. All features were standard, the provision of alternatives being believed to lead to an unsatisfactory compromise.
902 saloons were produced, as well as 77 long-wheelbase cars, 73 of which were built as limousines (including 2 prototypes). The limousine version was made in 1960 only and had a single-carburettor engine and manual gearbox (the automatic gearbox was fitted to 12 examples). The remaining 4 chassis were used for 3 hearses and an ambulance. 980 Star Sapphires were produced.
The Star Sapphire won the £4,000 four-door coachwork class at the 1958 Earls Court Motor Show ahead of a Princess limousine and a Jaguar Mark IX.
A Star Sapphire saloon with automatic transmission was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1959. It had a top speed of 99.6 mph (160.3 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 14.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of 15.4 miles per imperial gallon (18.3 L/100 km; 12.8 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £2,498 including taxes of £735. By then purchase tax had been reduced by one-sixth on 8 April 1959.
Market sector
Prices including tax October 1958
- £2,646 Star Sapphire
- £2,492 Daimler Majestic
- £2,163 Jaguar Mark IX with automatic transmission
- £1,939 Jaguar XK150
- £1,666 Humber Super Snipe with automatic transmission