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Based on the Armstrong-Siddeley, the Siddeley Special was produced as a high-speed touring car, with decidedly sporting bodywork, and many examples competed successfully in events such as the Alpine Trial, the Monte Carlo Rally, and other equally car-trying affairs. It was powered by a six-cylinder o.h.v. (pushrod) engine of 4860-c.c. (88.9 x 133-mm.), fitted with twin S.U. carburetters. This engine was one of the first motor-car power units to be constructed largely of hiduminium. A self-changing gearbox was employed, and suspension was by means of long semi-elliptic springs, front and rear. The Vanden Plas sports-tourer was capable of about 90 m.p.h., but the chief charm of the Siddeley Special was its ability to maintain a high cruising speed. Undoubtedly, many of the characteristics of the older Specials are retained in the post-war range of Armstrong-Siddeley cars, for their performance is more in keeping with a sports chassis than the normal Armstrong-Siddeley vehicles produced up till 1939. |
