Equipment
This Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire, chassis number 330899, is the third from last Star made from a production run of only 902. Chassis numbers 899 and 901 were completed 4 July 1960 and the fil two Stars, numbers 900 and 902, 5 July 1960. Mr Kneller, Chairman and MD of Kneller Instruments of Coventry, took delivery of his Sapphire four door in sand over sable with beige leather interior on 25 August 1960. However, the Midlands industrialist used it for less than eight years, covering only 29,954 miles until, annoyed at the closure of the local factory service facility, he abandoned it in the garage and purchased a new Jaguar 420G. The Sapphire was then not touched for thirty five years. Mr Kneller died in the 1980s, but his wife lived on in their large house until she was ninety four. In 2001, the vendor was asked to clear the garage of both Sapphire and the Jag, which was successfully auctioned by H&H that same year. The combition of his love of Sapphires and the 111 COB registration (which has no MOT at this time) inspired him to contemplate restoring the Sapphire, but in the event he was not able to complete this. With battery and fuel renewed, the thirty eight years old motor was running and showing good oil pressure. The brakes worked (though requiring an overhaul) and the water hoses leaked. Following three further years of storage, there is now slight rear wing damage, while the 4 litre six cylinder motor and four speed auto transmission are reportedly still working. This important Coventry registered Star Sapphire, one of the last produced before the factory closed, is being sold `Without Reserve.