Pictures from the Heritage Archives

Armstrong Siddeley in Advertising

As 1945 slipped into 1946 Armstrong Siddeley launched the second body style, designated Lancaster, for their new 16hp. car range. The underpinnings were as the Hurricane Coupe, but this was a six light, four door, five seater saloon, having leather bench type seats with central folding arm rests and good leg room for rear seat passengers. It also had the luxury of a sliding sunroof.

The new 16hp cars carried forward, with improvements, the pre war 1991cc six cylinder overhead valve engine which now, however, had independent torsion bar front suspension and a hydro-mechanical braking system. Pre war, Morris Motors had fitted an all hydraulically operated braking system to their cars, but several others, including Armstrong Siddeley, chose to develop cautiously having a dual system with front hydraulically operated brakes and rod operated rear brakes.

The body assembly of the Lancaster was contracted out to Mulliners Ltd. and by production end just over 3500 cars were made. This car felt fresh and was very much in keeping with the hopes of the times.

August 1946 saw the Typhoon body style introduced. Basically the Hurricane but the upper part of the body consisting of a fabric covered fixed head. One advantage was improved vision for rear seat passengers. Also this was an easy alternative for in house construction. The sporty style proved popular.

The advert above showing all three body styles was published in the Autocar on 7th February 1947.

This was not an easy time for manufacturers or public alike. Shortages of materials, a coal miners strike and a particularly harsh winter which brought transport systems to a halt slowed production. By government decree 60% of output was required to be exported which resulted in lengthy waiting times in order to secure a new car.

Catch phrases of the time were -'Export or die' and ' We must sell the things we like to buy the things we need.'