"The 346 mascot used from 1953 to 1959 reflected the Armstrong Siddeley aeronautical tradition. The Sphinx has a clearly smiling face with a boxer's nose and is flanked by wings surmounted by jet engines similar to those on the Gloster Meteor. I feel that this is the most humorous looking Sphinx and has a jaunty look on its vehicle. The figure is reclining."
This is a quote taken from the Siddeley site (thanks for providing the link!!!). Indeed, how could one not love a car that has such a mascot - A smiling jet-powered Sphinx. I think I'll take the risk and buy the car, just as soon as the resto is finished on the 1956 MGA. The Sapphire was brought to this country from South Africa and looks to be in fairly rust-free condition. It shares the epicyclic transmission with the Daimlers, but unlike our Consort, has hydraulic brakes all around and a more potent motor. A friend is president of the Antique Car Club of Jalisco, Mexico and he showed me their club colours emblazoned with the motto: "Mal de fierro", which loosely translates into "Iron sickness." Certainly an apt description of the obsessive nature of loving little (and not so little) British cars.