Most buyers of the "baby" Sapphire 236 skipped the clutch pedal entirely, opting for a clutchless Manumatic gearbox over the conventional manual.
Median 75 hp across 25 similar cars
Lead trim: Sapphire 236 2,309 cc six (85 bhp)
Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 236236 · 1955–1957
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 236 yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactMost buyers of the "baby" Sapphire 236 skipped the clutch pedal entirely, opting for a clutchless Manumatic gearbox over the conventional manual.
The Sapphire 236 (1955–1957, 603 made) is identical in appearance to the 234 but uses the six-cylinder 2,310 cc engine previously installed in the Whitley 18 (2,309 cc, 70 mm bore, 100 mm stroke, pushrod OHV, 7.5:1 compression, single downdraught Stromberg carburettor, 85 bhp at 4500 rpm). A conventional manual gearbox was offered, but many were fitted with a Lockheed Manumatic "clutchless" transmission, overdrive being an option on either. With an 85 mph top speed it was intended as a quiet, flexible, easy-to-drive saloon. Wheelbase 111 in (2,819 mm), length 180 in (4,572 mm), width 68.5 in (1,734 mm).
Collectors Spotted in the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
One published trim in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapphire 236 2,309 cc six (85 bhp) | 1955–1957 | 2.3 L Inline-6 | 85 hp | — | — | RWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
The Star Sapphire's doors hinged at the front with their hinges hidden entirely — styling that looks ordinary now but was genuinely ahead of its time on a 1958 luxury saloon.
Armstrong Siddeley pitched the Sapphire 234 as a genuine 100 mph car for drivers who wanted real performance — only 803 were ever built.
Most buyers of the "baby" Sapphire 236 skipped the clutch pedal entirely, opting for a clutchless Manumatic gearbox over the conventional manual.
A twin-carburettor upgrade on the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346 cost just £25 — and bumped output from 125 to 150 bhp, enough to clear 100 mph.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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