1957 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car remains in the UK and is purchased by a private individual. The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £7,000, then £350 is added, making the total amount payable of £7,350.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £250 for processing the NOVA application, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and thus allow you to register the vehicle with the DVLA

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

This 1957 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire Limousine features a column-mounted ‘electric-arm’ with a miniature gear lever and a gear pattern replicating that of a conventional 4-speed manual.

This ‘preselectric’ system, as it became known, combined electric actuation and a preselector gearbox.

As far as we can tell, this magnificent vehicle arrived in the Netherlands in 1998.

We believe it took part in an Armstrong Siddeley Luxembourg rally in 2000.

We know it was bought for the vendor’s collection of static display cars on 25.11.16.

We have no idea where it was or what it was doing prior to 1998 but, clearly, it was being well looked after and cared for by someone.

With the proviso that we haven’t been able to start or drive it and, therefore, can only comment on its cosmetic condition, this car seems to us to be in excellent condition outside, inside and underneath.

We have been able to turn the engine by hand and so can say that it isn’t seized.

The odometer currently reads 43,081 miles.

The car’s two-tone black and cream paintwork is very good indeed and the finish has an impressive depth of lustre and shine all over.

The shut lines are pretty consistent and tight. Given that they cut through all manner of voluptuous curves in the wings and flanks, that’s quite some achievement.

The doors close firmly and precisely. The panels are uniformly smooth and free of any dinks, dents, nicks, scratches or dimples to speak of.

The chrome work, too, is in excellent condition, as are the lights, trim and badging.

All four wheels look to be in fine fettle, as does the fifth in the boot.

There is a scuff to the paintwork behind the n/s/f edge of the bodywork behind the front bumper.

We have not seen any signs of bubbling or rust anywhere on the bodywork.

If you think this grand limousine looks stately from the outside, take a look inside.

It really is a fabulous place to spend some time and the condition is excellent.

The black leather front bench seats are comfortable, supportive and seem largely untroubled by either use or the passage of time. The front carpets and mats are good, as are the headlining and the door cards with their glorious polished wood cappings.

The dashboard is equally impressive, with clear, bright, original instruments set into a richly patinated wooden frame.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t been able to start the vehicle.

The good news continues unabated in the rear of the limousine, behind the sliding glass screen.

Here, the black leather upholstery of the front seats is replaced by cream-coloured fabric for both the bench seats at the back and the row of pop-up seats in the middle.

Again, the door cards and carpets are excellent.

There are a couple of holes in the headlining. We like to imagine that this was the result of someone’s cigar making contact with the fabric during some spirited gesticulation.

There is a little staining to the fabric at the sides of the sliding glass partition.

There is scuffing and fraying to the kickplate/entry steps beneath the rear doors on both sides.

Lifting up the carpets in here (and in the boot), reveals an entirely standard bloom of superficial rust dust here and there, and absolutely nothing more serious to worry about.

Everything underneath appears to be solid, honest and structurally sound. There is nothing more than the odd hint of surface rust dust in one or two places.

The engine and engine bay appear to be clean and dry and, as far as we can tell, everything is in its right and proper place.

The car has neither an MoT certificate nor a V5. There is no service history or record of work done.

It comes with an original handbook and a few badges attesting to its ownership by members of Dutch Armstrong Siddeley owner’s clubs.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

We haven’t been able to start or drive the car so our understanding of it is somewhat limited.

That said, it’s pretty obvious that this car is in very strong, honest condition and that it has been diligently cared for over the course of its long life.

Provided, of course, that the car’s engine and mechanicals prove to be in good working order, we think this fine, rare Sapphire Limousine should go on to give a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure to its next owner.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £7,000 - £12,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £250 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.