HANDBUILT HEROES

Luxury saloons and limousines have played an important part in the history of Britain’s motor industry, with some of the most respected names being involved in the chauffeur-driven sector. Not every buyer could stretch their finances to Rolls-Royce levels, and so an array of more affordable alternatives started appearing during the early post-war years in particular. Marques like Daimler, Humber and Armstrong-Siddeley developed cost-effective new-generation models, as did BMC with its various Princess-badged Austin limousines – all of them proving popular with the wedding industry once they’d begun to appear on the used car market.

Fast-forward to the 21st century and you’ll find that any surviving examples of such classics continue to offer good value. Compare the asking price of a Rolls-Royce Phantom V with that of the most opulent Daimler and you’ll see what we mean. The former may always have a lead over the latter when it comes to prestige and image; but for those who like to support the classic underdog, there are some very tempting alternatives out there. Tracking one down that’s in ideal condition and is actually for sale may not always be a simple task, but that’s the fun of the chase. Let’s check out five alternative limousines from the Forties and Fifties – and find out what made them great.

ARMSTRONG-SIDDELEY SAPPHIRE

Armstrong-Siddeley was formed 101 years ago via the purchase of Siddeley-Deasy (a manufacturer of gargantuan and hugely expensive motor cars) by Armstrong Whitworth, a process that eventually led to the launch of some highly respected models aimed at a wealthy and discerning clientele. The very first car to be sold as an Armstrong-Siddeley was a 30bhp behemoth with a 5.0-litre engine,