Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 236 History

Introduced alongside the four-cylinder 234 in 1955, the Sapphire 236 used the 2,309 cc six-cylinder engine carried over from the Whitley and Lancaster, producing 85 bhp in a new saloon body. It was positioned as a 'quiet, flexible, easy-to-drive' saloon for buyers who wanted Sapphire refinement at a lower price, with a top speed of around 85 mph. Transmission options included a Lockheed Manumatic semi-automatic or a conventional manual gearbox, both with optional overdrive.

Despite filling a logical gap below the 346, the 236 attracted little interest from buyers who could afford a Sapphire and generally wanted the full-size, full-power experience. Production lasted only to 1957, with 603 examples built — even fewer than the unloved 234. Both 'Baby Sapphires' were abandoned as the company invested in the Star Sapphire flagship.