Description

The Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 234 was a compact luxury saloon produced between 1955 and 1958, designed to offer a smaller and more economical alternative to the larger Sapphire 346 while maintaining the brand’s reputation for refinement and quality.

Powered by a 2.3-liter inline-four engine producing around 120 horsepower, the Sapphire 234 was notable for being one of the more powerful four-cylinder cars of its time. It featured a four-speed manual transmission with an optional pre-selector gearbox, allowing for smooth and precise gear changes. With a lighter body than its six-cylinder counterpart, it delivered respectable performance and handling, making it a more agile choice for drivers who valued both comfort and responsiveness.

The design retained the classic Armstrong Siddeley styling cues, including an upright grille, flowing body lines, and a well-proportioned four-door saloon silhouette. The interior was trimmed with high-quality leather and polished wood, ensuring a luxurious experience despite its smaller size.

Though it was well-built and offered strong performance, the Sapphire 234 was a niche model, as most luxury buyers preferred the more powerful six-cylinder Sapphire 236 or 346. Today, it remains a rare and interesting classic, valued for its unique position in Armstrong Siddeley’s history as a compact yet refined British saloon.