Description
Armstrong Siddeley Saloon | 1938
Highlights:
– Pre-war British six-cylinder estate
– Original leather interior with working electrics
– New custom radiator and new wiring harness
– Found stored in a shed after decades
– 2.4-litre engine and unique styling
The seller offers for sale this 1938 Armstrong Siddeley 17HP Saloon, a pre-war British station estate fitted with a 2,394cc six-cylinder petrol engine and a non-standard manual transmission. This rare example was introduced to the Netherlands in 1976 and was once displayed at the Automuseum Bergeijk. It has never had Dutch registration but is sold with historical documentation. At the time of the owner’s passing, the vehicle was found stored indoors.
The car has a claimed mileage of 65,231 miles, though no documentation guarantees this. It features a newly installed full electrical wiring loom and a custom-made radiator. While the original fuel tank is damaged and not currently functional, the car has a temporary auxiliary tank connected to the engine, allowing it to start and run. All lighting and signals are reported to work correctly. The dashboard and cabin electrics are operational. Mechanically, the car is functional. It starts, drives, brakes and shifts.
Cosmetically, the vehicle retains its period character. The bodywork is largely complete, but areas like the front fenders show faded or deteriorated paint. The right front wing near the running board has visible rust. The paintwork is believed to be mostly original, showing shine in parts but also signs of age. The chassis and wheel arches show surface corrosion. The car presents as unrestored and would likely suit a preservation approach rather than full restoration.
The interior retains its original leather upholstery, which shows typical wear consistent with age but is intact. The seats, dashboard, and trim maintain a period-correct appearance and contribute to the car’s vintage charm. Electronic functions inside, such as lighting and switches, are reported to work.
Armstrong Siddeley was a respected British manufacturer known for building refined vehicles that bridged the gap between pre-war luxury and mid-century progress. The 17HP Saloon was produced in the late 1930s, just before the outbreak of World War II halted much of British car production. These cars were aimed at middle- to upper-class buyers who valued conservative engineering, understated design, and comfort. Armstrong Siddeley’s heritage in aviation and engineering influenced the quality of their vehicles. Known for their robust six-cylinder engines, these cars offered smooth performance for the era. While not as widely produced or famous as marques like Bentley or Rolls-Royce, Armstrong Siddeley vehicles have developed a niche following due to their distinctive styling, reliability, and British heritage. The 17HP model, in particular, featured a solidly built chassis, comfortable suspension, and a design that combined Art Deco curves with formal British elegance. While saloons were more common, estate or station variants are much rarer today, especially survivors that remain structurally intact with original features. As such, this example offers an interesting opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a characterful pre-war vehicle.
Due to its long-term indoor storage and unique provenance, this car could serve well for display, event use, or as the base for a sympathetic mechanical recommissioning. The presence of original upholstery, functioning electronics, and major drivetrain components makes it a candidate for a historically sensitive restoration or conservation project.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
3. Good: Repairs to the bodywork and paint may be needed, possibly requiring part replacements.
Condition of the Interior
3. Good: Shows typical wear; may require some repairs or part replacements.
Technical Condition
3. Good: Generally reliable, but may need some maintenance or repairs.
Overall Condition
2. Fair Condition: Shows noticeable wear and signs of aging. The car drives, brakes, and shifts.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in North Brabant, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a UK registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
