Armstrong Siddeley Motors: the Cars, the Company and the People

A unique blend of social, economic and industrial history The story of the company from Siddeley's birth to the present time Graphically illustrates the stylish products and personalities involved Reveals the political and economic background of the time Shows the relationship between the aero and car sides Highlights the many illustrious owners of this marque Tells why car production stopped and what happened next Shows how enthusiasts' clubs kept the marque alive Lists in detail surviving cars. If ever there was a car that exuded style it was the Armstrong Siddeley. From the vast leviathans of the 1920s to the Art Deco inspired cars of the thirties to the restrained post modernism of the 1950s. Here, in definitive detail, is the history of a great marque that was very British indeed.

“The Southern Sphinx journal (Armstrong Siddeley Car Club), February 2007, (Australia) While very much a work about A/S vehicles and the characters involved with them, this book is delightfully interesting and educational about the early developments of the motoring age. The publisher's brochure correctly summarizes that the book is a result of 30 years' work, covering the full story from JD Siddeley's birth to the present day, a unique blend of social, economic and industrial history, the relationship between the aero and car companies, why car production ceased, and how various car clubs and enthusiasts are keeping the marque alive. Chapter One deals with a brief family history and the birth of John Davenport Siddeley in Manchester in 1866. Already there is a little note of interest - the Davenport side (JDS's mother) - was a well established Cheshire family which gave its name to the 'Davenport' writing desk. He learns a great deal about management from his father (William) whilst working in the family business before moving to Humber as a design draughtsman and also managing their bicycle racing. In 1893 he is offered a post in Belfast, setting-up and managing the Dunlop Cycle Company. JDS marries that same year and Cyril Siddeley is born in 1894, after which they return to England. In 1896, he establishes his own Clipper Pneumatic Tyre Company Limited, in Coventry. By 1902, JDS, along with others in Britain, was very aware of the success of European vehicles in various trials, and set about creating the Siddeley Autocar Company, importing chassis and engines from Peugeot, and building bodies locally. Chapter Two explains the 'The Wolseley-Siddeley Saga' 1905-1909. Most of us know the history of Herbert Austin's dislike of 'vertical' engines, his departure from Wolseley and JDS's rise to General Manager. The story is, however, told in great detail and is very interesting - again, not just 'history', but also the characters behind it. Chapter Three, in a similar vein, covers the 'Deasy to Siddeley-Deasy' story. Again, many of us know the vague details of this 1909-1914 period, but a much fuller account of the somewhat cantankerous HHP (Henry Hugh Peter) Deasy in the running of his own company is very interesting. I have always thought of JDS's 'takeover' of the running of The Deasy Motor Company as opportunistic, and Bill's very detailed account has not altered my view. Chapter Four brings us to the First World War, with accounts of staff car, ambulance, aero engine and airframe production. This appears a quantum leap in this review, but progresses logically in the book. As with other chapters, there are many interesting photographs, one showing a Medical Aid Detachment convoy staffed by women, who were responsible for the maintenance of their 18-24HP Siddeley-Deasy ambulances. This chapter also shows diagrams of the factory expansion, and tells of Ernest Siddeley's visit to the USA to research 'the American Method', resulting in the Marmon having a great influence on Siddeley design. Interestingly, a friend of mine told me a few years ago that a family relative of the period (in the UK) was considering the purchase of a Rolls-Royce but imported a Marmon instead, insisting "it was a far superior cat". The chapter concludes with 'how Armstrong met Siddeley'. Chapter Five begins with the people and procedures involved with creating Armstrong Siddeley Motors Limited, and the launch of the 30HP model. Great detail is given of this huge vehicle's development and specifications, including surviving ones, where our own Allan Mack's (although his name is spelt incorrectly twice!) vehicle is included. Further model development is covered, as well as aero engine development, with each section having a useful 'production' table in conclusion. Chapter Six, 'The Roaring Twenties', firstly tells us of the established success of car building by 1925 and”

"If the main title doesn't say it all, the subtitle certainly does. This book contains every detail fans of this British marque might be looking for, right down to the serial numbers and abbreviated histories of many of the cars. At nearly 500 pages, this book is truly a labor of love. In fact, author and Armstrong Siddeley owner Bill Smith put 30 years of research into writing this definitive work. Included are stories about the people who built the car, the details of the motor cars they produced for 41 years before the company was absorbed by Rolls-Royce and the lasting impression the car has made, illustrated through car club information and even the author's own passion for the marque. At $139.95 US, this is not a cheap book, but rather a worthy investment." - Old Cars Weekly

Bill Smith, a Scot by birth, trained as an artist, and has taught art in nearly every field of education. He has owned Armstrong Siddeley cars since 1968 and is an active member of the Armstrong Siddeley Owner's Club, being club Historian since 1976. He is the author of two other books on the marque, has helped numerous other writers and is co-writing a book on the history of the 100 Club. He has participated in three Historic Rallies in an Austin Ulster racing car and plays harmonica in a blues band.

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