The Armstrong Siddeley 20hp was first introduced in 1921. It was continually updated, but when it received a completely new engine in 1931 it became known as the New 20hp. It was available with either a short or a long wheelbase; both offered a smooth and comfortable ride. The 3,190cc six-cylinder overhead-valve engine provided enough power to propel the car – often fitted with a sumptuously appointed closed body – with reasonable rapidity.
This emphasis on luxury transport dated back to the foundation of the company. Armstrong Siddeley was created in April 1919 out of the purchase by Armstrong Whitworth of Siddeley-Deasy, a manufacturer of luxury motor cars. The focus on quality continued throughout its existence, until the cessation of car manufacture in August 1960.
In 1928, J.D. Siddeley partnered with Walter Gordon Wilson, inventor of the preselector gearbox, to create Improved Gears Ltd, which later became Self-Changing Gears.
1929 was a significant year for the marque, during which it first offered the Wilson preselector gearbox as an optional extra; it became standard issue on all cars from 1933, with the optional extra availability of a fluid flywheel that enabled the car to be stopped in gear in the same way that a car with an automatic gearbox can be today.
Around 1932 a line of special, rather more sporty designs was started which resulted in the Rally Tourer series. The aim was to help shake off the somewhat pedestrian image of what was in fact a rather advanced product. Of the 16 rally tourers built, many were used by the owners or senior directors, and were entered into various rallies, achieving some good results and making for good publicity. The July 1933 issue of Motor Sport reported on a test of the Rally Tourer, confirming the aim and the qualities of the model by the tenor of the article’s heading:
“THE RALLY TOURER IS A WELL-TRIED CAR FOR FAST TOURING IN ARMCHAIR COMFORT”
The text went on to explain this assertion in more detail: “To the really enthusiastic driver, who is not compelled by his profession to carry out his business in a closed vehicle, the open car is the only one which gives the full joys of motoring. Models of this type figure in most cases only in the programme of sports car manufacturers, and are either of moderate price but with limited passenger accommodation or full-sized cars marketed at a high but quite justifiable figure. The Armstrong-Siddeley Rally Tourer bridges this gap, since it is a full four-seater of sporting appearance, but is not intended for speeds round the 90 mark, and therefore can be produced at a lower price than its sports rival. At the same time by virtue of its large engine and self-changing gear-box, it can show an acceleration at the lower end of its range which would allow it to hold its own in traffic or at normal touring speeds, or even in stop and restart tests, should the driver wish to take part in trials or rallies.”
Photo by Peter McFadyen. See his website: http://petermcfadyen.co.uk
Leave a Comment