Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire History

Announced on 17 October 1958, the Star Sapphire was the definitive Armstrong Siddeley: a modernised, lower, and more powerful evolution of the 346 Sapphire with a 3,990 cc six-cylinder engine and twin Stromberg carburettors producing 165 bhp. A Borg-Warner automatic transmission was standard on the saloon — manual was not offered — alongside power steering, servo-assisted 12-inch front disc brakes, and an independent rear heater for passengers. The Motor magazine recorded a top speed of near 100 mph in a 1959 road test.

The Star Sapphire was built as a standard saloon, a long-wheelbase version, and a limousine. Just 980 examples were completed in total: 902 standard saloons and 77 long-wheelbase cars (of which 73 were bodied as limousines, the remaining four chassis used for three hearses and an ambulance). Production was halted in August 1960 when the merger of Armstrong Siddeley's aero-engine interests with Bristol Aero Engines formed Bristol Siddeley Engines, and the parent company withdrew from car manufacturing permanently. The last Star Sapphire was the last Armstrong Siddeley ever built.