The first Singer cycles were the ‘Challenge’ series, called ‘Ordinary Bicycles’, but more commonly known as ‘Penny Farthings’ and date from 1875. Later models included the ‘Xtraordinary’, Apollo and Courier bicycles and the Lawson Safety Cycle. In 1878 George Singer took out a patent on the ‘Xtraordinary’, which protected the idea of raking the forks backwards so that the steering axis would strike the ground at the point of contact of the front wheel. This made the machines more stable and easier to steer. From around 1886 the same effect was achieved by curving the forks forwards, as seen on the Courier model, which is used on bicycles today.

Singer bicycles were known for their quality and for the design of accessories to go with them and became one of the world's leading cycle manufacturers. Cycle production continued into the early 1900s with models such as the Special Grande and the top of the range Grande Modele Deluxe (initially in chocolate brown enamel). The Tourist, the Sable and the Featherlight Roadster followed. Post the First World War singer cycles returned to the market through Singers' ownership of Coventry Premier - Singer and Premier cycles were essentially the same machines - an early example of badge engineering. Cycle production stopped in 1928 as the company focused on cars.

C. 1878 Ordinary Challenge with trailing brake

C. 1880 Tricycle - solid tyred 20" front steering wheel, chain driven 48" driving wheels and 3" rear trailing support wheel, later Brooks Ladies B73 leather saddle and 'Victoria No 23' rumble bell. Right handle to operate steering, rear left handle to control brake.

C. 1882 'Xtrardinary Challenge with 54" wheel and distinctive foot operated levers

C. 1882 Double Hollow Fork Ordinary Challenge

Double Hollow Fork (DHF) Challenge patent on the frame

C.1885 Ordinary Challenge with later saddle

1887 Singer Safety with semi-diamond cross frame, open steering and 30" equal wheels
(Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk) — 1887 Singer Safety with semi-diamond cross frame, open steering and 30" equal wheels (Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk)

1889 Safety Cycle ready for the 2023 Veteran Car Run

4 Singers at the start of the 2024 Veteran Car Run

1889 Singer Safety on the 2024 Veteran Car Run

1889 Singer Safety at the finish of the 2024 Veteran Car Run

C. 1890 Tricycle - 24" front and 41" rear wheels, Miller carbide lamp, period repeater bell

1890 Singer Apollo Safety with curved open frame, angled seat post and socket steering head with a spring below

1890 Special Singer Safety
(Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk) — 1890 Special Singer Safety (Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk)

1891 Special Singer Safety - top of the range with 30" equal wheels
(Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk) — 1891 Special Singer Safety - top of the range with 30" equal wheels (Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk)

1898 Singer Ladies Tricycle with underslung down tube, 28" front wheel, 26" rear wheel
(Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk) — 1898 Singer Ladies Tricycle with underslung down tube, 28" front wheel, 26" rear wheel (Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk)

1898 Singer Ladies Tricycle - it would have had a plunger front brake whereas the style here is from the early 1990s - a popular upgrade at that time
(Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk/) — 1898 Singer Ladies Tricycle - it would have had a plunger front brake whereas the style here is from the early 1990s - a popular upgrade at that time (Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk/)

1912 Path Racer with sloping top tube (1" drop), 24" frame and 26" wheels
(Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk) — 1912 Path Racer with sloping top tube (1" drop), 24" frame and 26" wheels (Photo and description courtesy of https://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk)

C. 1920 Ladies De Luxe 24" frame and 28" wheel, 3 speed

C. 1920 Ladies Special Model 23" frame single speed

C. 1920 Gents Model De Luxe 28" wheels, 3 speed and carrier

C. 1925 Ladies and Gents Model De Luxe bicycles

Various Singer cycles at Singer National Weekend 2006

Singer Motorcycles

The Singer Cycle Company first ventured into powered transport with the Singer Motor Wheel, which had been invented by Messrs Edwin Perks and Frank Birch and patented in 1899. Their invention consisted of a small four-stroke engine complete with carburettor, fuel tank, and low-tension magneto, which was housed within an eight-spoked cast-aluminium wheel suitable for attachment to any standard bicycle (at the rear) or tricycle (at the front).

Within a few years the Motor Wheel was superseded by motorcycles of more conventional design with the engine in the bottom-bracket position, driving the rear wheel by chain or belt. Singer then abandoned motorcycle manufacture, returning in 1909 with the Moto-Velo, a Motosacoche-inspired powered bicycle. A 'proper' Singer motorcycle - a 299cc sidevalve-engined lightweight - soon followed. Singer ceased motorcycle production in 1915. Survivors are rare.

C.1901 Singer Motorwheel bicycle showing rear wheel

1902 Singer motorwhel bicycle showing front wheel

1902 Singer Motorwheel tricycle showing lever

1902 Singer Motorwheel tricycle showing frame number on saddle stem

1903 Singer motorcycle on Pioneer Run 1965

1912 Singer 350cc Motorcycle - George Stanley broke the one hour record at Brooklands becoming the first ever rider of a motorcycle to cover over 60 miles in an hour. His record stood until November 1920.

Early Singer Cars

In October 1904 Singer announced that it was about to start manufacturing motor cars, and at the February 1905 Olympia Motor Show, 8hp (2 or 3 seater) and 12hp (4 seater) cars were displayed. These had been designed by Alex Craig and were built under licence from Lea & Francis. The engines were twin cylinder units, horizontally mounted under the floor. The price of the 8hp 2 seater was £225.15s, the 8hp 3 seater £241.10 and the 12hp £367.10s.

For 1906 Singer announced a new 12/15hp car with a 4 cylinder water cooled vertical engine manufactured by Aster, together with a delivery van.

The 1907 cars were of a completely different design and powered by either White and Poppe or Aster engines. In June the following year Gerald Herbert, driving a Singer 12/14hp, won his class in the RAC 2000 Miles International Touring Car Trial, marking it as Singer’s first great competitive achievement. Singer then marketed four models ranging from a 7.9hp twin cylinder type to a 24.8hp four-cylinder, the latter using White and Poppe engines. The range firmly established the company in the hierarchy of Britain's young motor industry.

By 1910, Singer cars were winning races regularly, including the ‘Bunny’ cars, the first of which, driven by Gerald Herbert, won three races in one day at Brooklands, with average speeds of over 78 mph.

In 1912, a 20hp Singer with a White & Poppe engine, was driven from John O’Groats to Land’s End by a Mr Warn of Poole, without stopping the engine - a remarkable achievement.

1912 - The 15.9hp Bunny III at the Mayenne Hill Climb in France

Singer 10hp

The Singer 10hp was introduced at The Cycle & Motor Cycle Show in November 1912. Because it weighed less than 7cwt and was under 1,100cc in capacity (actually 1,096cc) it was classed as a cyclecar, hence the choice of venue. However, unlike the majority of contemporary cyclecars, which were lightweight and flimsy with limited practicality, the new baby Singer was a proper light car. The 10hp was a huge commercial success for Singer and is regarded as a landmark model in the history of the British motor industry. Total production was over 10,000 cars, of which less than 40 are known to have survived to this day. The initial price was £185 (electric lights £9 15s extra). Production ceased in 1924.

The car had a 4 cylinder water cooled side valve engine but this was changed to an OHV engine in 1923. The 3 speed gearbox was initially fitted in the rear axle casing but moved to the centre of the car in 1922 and, from 1923 was in-unit with the engine. The channel steel chassis had rigid axles front and rear with semi elliptic leaf springs until 1922 when they changed to quarter elliptic. Braking was on the rear wheels only. The radiator design was changed in 1915 to a more rounded style and in 1921 the fuel tank was moved to the rear of the chassis.

1914 10hp showing the hood and hood frame

1914 10hp - standard specification with acetylene lamps rather than electrics

1915 10hp - this car has been extensively restored by GD Culpin (gdculpin.co.uk) with great attention to detail

1915 10hp - the body colour is probably not original but it has been like this for a very long tome

1915 10hp showing the more rounded style radiator and hood

1919 10hp showing the supplementary rear springs

1924 10hp - 2 seater version with dickey

1924 10hp - 2 seater version with dickey - the last of the 10hp models before the transition to the 10/26 later in the year

Singer 10/26

10/26 Tourer. 1924-1927. Successor to the 10hp, 1308cc, 26bhp, three door, four seater. Two-seater £215, Four-seater £225, Coupé £280.

Motor Lawnmower and Motor Roller

The Singer Lawnmower was introduced circa. 1922. It had a 12” cutting width, two-stroke engine and a handle start. It was extremely heavy for a mower of its size and did not share any parts or design features with other mower manufacturers’ products. The only known example is at The Museum of Gardening in Hassocks, Sussex, pictured below.

C.1922 Motor lawnmower at Singer National Day 2018

C.1922 Motor lawnmower showing the two-stroke engine

C.1922 Motor lawnmower showing the front rollers

C.1922 Motor lawnmower showing the rear roller

C.1922 Motor lawnmower - side view showing the petrol tank

C.1922 Motor lawnmower showing "Singer & Co Ltd Coventry" on the side of the handle

In 1934, as part of a programme of diversification, Singer introduced a Motor Roller, intended for rolling, among other things, cricket pitches. It was produced by a subsidiary company, Motor Units Ltd, and used a proprietary 250cc two-stroke air cooled Villiers engine. It cost £45 initially although this quickly rose to £55. A specially designed trailer with which to transport it cost an additional £25.

Motor roller Gigantic at Belvoir Castle Steam Rally 2008

Motor roller at Birdingbury Country Fair

Singer Junior

The Singer Junior was introduced at the Motor Show in 1926. Possibly as many as 35-40,000 were produced over a production span lasting until 1932. The car was improved and developed almost beyond recognition over that period and it was the popularity of the Junior that briefly enabled Singer to become the UK’s number three in production terms behind Morris and Austin. Its importance is also underlined by the fact that the power unit was the progenitor of virtually all Singer engines up to 1955, including the very successful sporting 9hp and 1½ Litre models which gave MGs such a run for their money throughout the 1930s.

Initial specification:

4-seater open tourer type of body with only three doors but quickly supplemented by a 4-door saloon, and 2-seater tourer bodies
Bolted together chassis
Quarter-elliptic leaf springs
Braking on the rear wheels only, with foot and handbrakes operating separate sets of shoes
Epicyclic steering box
848cc ohc engine with an RAC rating of 7.78hp
Cone clutch and 3 speed gearbox
Cooling by thermo-syphon
Petrol fed from a tank in the scuttle to a bronze Solex carburettor
Plain disc wheels with Dunlop 27 X 4 tyres
6-volt dynamo and battery served a starter motor and simple 3-lamp lighting set

1927 Junior 3 Door Tourer showing the disc wheels and aluminium tread plates

1927 Junior 3 Door Tourer - headlights mounted on the front wings

1927 Junior 3 Door Tourer - the spare wheel precluded a driver's side door

1927 Junior 3 Door Tourer - simple dashboard and instruments

1927 Junior Tourer - offside engine compartment

1927 Junior Tourer - nearside engine compartment

Singer Junior (1928 model)

Main changes for the 1928 Model (showcased at the 1927 Motor Show)

Chassis – track increased, front end of chassis extended to incorporate dumb-irons and support new half-elliptic springs and front wheel brakes
5-lamp lighting set with the small diameter headlights mounted on front wings
Cheaper duplex roller chain camshaft drive
Manifolding changed to a one-piece iron casting
Single plate set-up clutch with fabric lining on both faces of the driven plate
Gearbox - improved main-shafts incorporating 6 splines instead of the previous 4
Gearbox bell-housing increased in size to accommodate a larger diameter flywheel
New wider rear axle with a spur gear type of differential and lowered final drive ratio of 5.25:1 to compensate for the increased weight
Range of bodywork increased to include a ‘Sunshine Saloon’, fabric covered and painted saloons, a four-seat four-door tourer and a two-door two-seat tourer with dickey

1928 Junior 4 Door Saloon showing the semi elliptic front springs

1928 Junior 4 Door Saloon showing the small diameter headlights on the inner face of the front wings

1928 Junior 4 seat 4 door Tourer with hood up

1928 Junior 4 seat 4 door Tourer radiator

1928 Junior 4 seat 4 door Tourer - engine compartment nearside

1928 Junior 4 seat 4 door Tourer - Solex carburettor

1928 Junior 4 seat 4 door Tourer - engine compartment offside

1928 Junior 4 seat 4 door Saloon interior

Singer Junior (1929 model)

Main changes for the 1929 Model (showcased at the 1928 Motor Show)

Range of bodywork further extended to include the two-seater ‘Sports’ model (Porlock ) (See separate section) and fabric-bodied ‘Sportsman’s Coupe’
Rear chassis extended to allow the fitting of half-elliptic rear springs
Torque tube replaced by a longer propeller shaft with flexible fabric couplings at both ends
Updated suspension with ‘Newton’ hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers
Radiator header tank increased in size
Clutch changed to a plain steel driven plate design
Wire wheels standard on the Porlock and Sportsman's Coupe and optional on the Saloons and Tourers

1929 Junior 4 Door Tourer nearside engine compartment

1929 Junior Saloon at Coventry Transport Museum

Singer Junior (1930 model)

Main changes for the 1930 Model (showcased at the 1929 Motor Show)

Replacement of the magneto with coil and distributor
Alterations to the hand throttle and advance/retard controls
Wire wheels replaced the earlier disc versions, having previously been standard on the Porlock and the Sportsman’s Coupe and an option on the other body types
Headlamps, of increased diameter, were now sited on and above a more substantial front wing cross-tie of ‘U’ section tube
Both the front and rear wings on the Porlock were altered to include a reverse curve in the profile instead of the previous design which had featured a straight line from the apex to the running board. The saloon and tourer front wings were altered to use the same design

1930 Junior 4 Door Saloon with new front wing shape and wire wheels

1930 fabric-bodied Junior Sportsman's Coupe - fitted on the Porlock chassis

1930 fabric-bodied Junior Sportsman's Coupe - wire wheels as standard

1930 fabric-bodied Junior Sportsman's Coupe

1930 fabric-bodied Junior Sportsman's Coupe - dashboard

1930 fabric-bodied Junior Sportsman's Coupe - the engine was the same as that of the Porlock

Singer Junior (1931 model)

Main changes for the 1931 Model (showcased at the 1929 Motor Show)

Sportsman’s Coupe was radically altered to incorporate a Four-Light format making the interior much better illuminated
The Porlock was also radically altered to a more bulbous-tailed design, featuring louvered valances in place of running boards and a split screen
Restyled radiator shell on all models (highly reminiscent of a 1928 Oldsmobile) and the starting handle was now detachable
Camshaft drive was altered to a single 3/8” pitch chain design and the camshaft was now driven in a clock-wise manner (previous models had an anti-clockwise cam)
The engine was mated to a new 4-speed gearbox to replace the previous 3-speed
Fuel delivery was now by Autovac from a rear-mounted tank
The shock absorbers were changed to the Armstrong friction type
Wire wheels were retained throughout the range, but the spoke lacing pattern was changed (the central hubs and rims remained the same)
The back axle now contained a more robust design of differential, but retained the 5.25:1 ratio
Flush fitting sliding sun roof on closed bodies as standard

1931 Junior 4 Door Saloon with flush fitting sliding sun roof

1931 Junior 4 Door Saloon with new wheel lacing pattern

1931 Junior 4 Door Saloon showing restyled radiator shell and detachable starting handle

1931 Junior 4 Door Saloon - engine compartment nearside

1931 Junior 4 Door Saloon - instrument Panel

1931 Junior Sportsman's Coupe with additional rear side windows

Singer Junior (1932 model)

Main changes for the 1932 models (showcased at the 1931 Motor Show)

Quite radical changes - very few of the new model’s constituent components were interchangeable with the earlier cars, although the axles were almost the same, and the engine and/or gearbox could both be fitted to uprate earlier cars.

Chassis was strengthened and stiffened and now of all-riveted construction
Rear brakes now contained only one set of shoes per drum
Handbrake lever, now mounted on the left- hand wall of a new 4-speed gearbox
Wheels changed to 18” Magna type, with 4.00 X 18 tyres
New block with pressure fed bottom end and cylinder head much reworked – 972cc
Saloon restyled with semi ‘waterfall’ radiator grill
Junior Special Sports continued the line initiated with the original Porlock

1931 (but 1932 model) Junior 2 Seat Tourer

1932 Junior 4 Door Tourer - engine compartment nearside

1932 Junior 4 Door Tourer - engine compartment offside

Junior two-seater Sports (Porlock)

For 1929 Singer extended the Junior range to include the two-seater ‘Sports’ model, with a lightweight boat-tailed body built upon a standard chassis. The engine had a slightly increased compression ratio, a slightly larger choke within the carburettor and larger carb jets. Wire wheels were standard. At £140 it cost £5 more than the ordinary two-seater Tourer.

On 4 December 1928 the Junior Sports of Bill Deeley and Ernest Wood made 100 consecutive ascents, in 15 hours, of the notorious Porlock Hill in Somerset. The model was subsequently known as the ‘Porlock’.

For 1930, both the front and rear wings on the Porlock were altered to include a reverse curve in the profile instead of the previous design which had featured a straight line from the apex to the running board, and the spare wheel was now mounted on the running board within the confines of the new curve and in front of the driver’s door.

For 1931 the Porlock was altered to a more bulbous-tailed design, featuring louvered valances in the place of running boards and a split windscreen.

1929 Porlock showing the boat tailed rear end

The Junior Sports of Bill Deeley and Ernest Wood - 32 down and 68 to go of their ascent of Porlock Hill

1930 Porlock showing the spare wheel mounted on the offside running board

1930 Porlock - engine compartment nearside - a Solex carburettor would be original rather than the SU

1930 Porlock - engine compartment offside

1931 Porlock showing the more bulbous rear end

1931 Porlock showing the louvered valances and the split windscreen

Singer Senior

1929 Senior. Renamed 10/26. Produced from 1927-1931 as a coach built saloon, fabric saloon, two and four seater touring bodies and a sunshine saloon with the novel ‘As-U-Dryv’ folding cloth roof.

1929 Senior As-U-Dryv - The complete roof of this model could be wound back by a handle accessible from the driver's seat.

Light Six. 1792cc side valve engine with single Solex carburettor and Rotax dynamo and distributor with automatic advance and retard, three speed gearbox and Newton hydraulic shock absorbers. The cheapest six cylinder car available in 1929 at £275.

Singer 14

The Singer 14 was introduced in 1933. It had a 6 cylinder 1612cc engine with a single Solex carburettor, semi-elliptical springs all round, worm and nut steering and a 10 gallon rear mounted petrol tank. Body styles available were Saloon Deluxe, Coupe Deluxe and Traveller's Brougham. The Saloon Deluxe and Coupe Deluxe cost £235 - "excellent value for money" according to The Motor.

The 1934 range brought a revised Saloon body which included wind up windows and ventilators and hide upholstery. The rear seats were fitted with arm rests at the side and a central folding arm rest while the rear floor had adjustable foot rests. Walnut capping’s and blinds on the rear window added to the feeling of luxury. The Coupe version was called the Continental Saloon.

Fourteen Saloon. 1933. Six cylinder 1612cc, single Solex carburettor, available as Saloon Deluxe (£235), Coupé Deluxe and Traveller’s Brougham.

Singer 9

Saloon

The Singer 9 Saloon was unveiled in February 1932 and was the first of the 9hp cars for which Singer is well known. It was a coach built four door Saloon with a high standard of equipment as standard including leather upholstery, separate individually adjustable front seats, winding Triplex windows and a rear mounted folding luggage grid.

The car was larger than the Junior in almost all respects. Based around a sturdy ladder-frame chassis featuring all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes, the car was powered by a 972cc four-cylinder engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. Reputed to develop 31bhp @ 4,800rpm, the sophisticated single overhead camshaft powerplant endowed the 'Nine' with a claimed 60mph top speed. Electrics were still 6 volt, the brakes were operated by rods and fuel was delivered by an Autovac.

Visually distinguished by its vertical bonnet louvres, more upright radiator grille and less voluptuous wings, the 1932 Saloon was effectively an interim model and differed markedly from its (heavily revamped) 1933 successor.

The 1933 9hp Saloon was very different from its predecessor. The chassis was improved and enlarged, the electrical system uprated to 12 volts and an electric fuel pump fitted. The engine, while still 972cc, was heavier and stronger, with a new clutch and gearbox. Styling changes included horizontal slots in the bonnet rather than vertical louvres, rear doors with hinges at the rear and a revamped radiator.

Popular and De Luxe versions were available. The De Luxe (£174) was similar to the earlier Saloon with the addition of window louvres and rear seat armrests. The Popular (£159) had leathercloth seats, no bumpers and black headlights.

For 1934 the 9hp featured a new radiator design (in common with other model) and new more refined coachwork including a more pronounced moulding which ran the full length of the car with the two sides joining on the rear panel. Wider, more comfortable seats were fitted, together with altered door pockets and improved door handles. A Cabriolet joined the Popular and De Luxe versions but was not catalogued for long.

During 1935 the De Luxe version was dropped. For 1936 the Popular was discontinued, to be replaced by the Bantam.

1932 Singer 9 Saloon showing "Nine" grill badge

1932 Singer 9 Saloon showing vertical bonnet louvres

1932 Singer 9 Saloon showing folding luggage grid

1932 Singer 9 Saloon showing the rear window blind and door pull

1932 Singer 9 Saloon showing the nearside engine compartment

1933 9 Saloon De Luxe showing the bumpers and window louvres

1933 9 Saloon De Luxe showing the restyled radiator and horizontal bonnet slots

IFS Saloon

The Singer 11hp had been introduced in May 1934. It was billed as a radical car in that it had independent front suspension (IFS), produced under license from Gordon Armstrong Ltd. This was new to Singer and almost unique to British saloon cars of this time. It also had Fluidrive transmission, a fluid flywheel arrangement.

In August 1934 Singer announced an extension to the Independent Front Suspension models to include 9hp Popular and De Luxe Saloon versions. They were based on the same design of chassis and suspension as the Singer 11 . The Popular cost £180 and the De Luxe £199. Fluidrive transmission was available as an optional extra for £10.

The body had the styling from the Six Light car with a distinctive rear overhang and flared rear wings with deep outer valences. The De Luxe version had safety glass, rear quarter light ventilators, dual blade wipers, adjustable armrest for the rear seat, chromed headlights and bumpers. The headlights of the Popular version were black and the car was without bumpers.

1934 Singer 9 IFS Saloon De Luxe on the SOC stand at the NEC 2017

1935 Singer 9 IFS Saloon De Luxe in New Zealand

1934 singer 9 IFS Saloon De Luxe showing the clutchless gear change lever (fluidrive transmission)

1935 Singer 9 IFS Saloon showing the dashboard and clutchless gear change lever on the transmission tunnel

1935 Singer 9 IFS Saloon De Luxe showing the front seats and front door car

1935 Singer 9 IFS Saloon showing the front and back door cards

1935 Singer 9 IFS Saloon De Luxe showing the adjustable rear armrest and rear quarter light ventilator

1934 Singer 9 IFS Saloon De Luxe showing the rear quarter light and back window

Coupe

The 1933 9 Sports Coupe was announced at the same time as the 9 Sports 4 Seater and used the same running gear. It had helmet wings. In 1934 it also gained a wider body and swept wings and in 1935 became the 9 Le Mans Sports Saloon. A further variation was the 9 Sports Saloon introduced in 1934 that was a four seater and had a higher roof line than the Coupe, with windows fitted behind the doors replacing the blind rear quarters of the earlier Sports Coupe and also an opening boot lid.

1933 9 Sports Coupe (1934 model) - swept wings and wider body than the earlier Coupes

1934 9 Sports Saloon showing the higher roofline and windows

1934 9 Sports Saloon in Coventry Transport Museum showing the rear side window, front wing shape and boot lid

1934 9 Sports Saloon in Shetland Museum - bought by a Shetlander with his wages from whaling

1935 Le Mans Sports Saloon - the only Coupe with running boards

1935 Le Mans Sports Saloon showing the opening roof

1933 (1934 model) 9 Sports Coupe - window opening mechanism

1933 (1934 model) 9 Sports Coupe - door pocket

1933 (1934 model) 9 Sports Coupe - headlining and sliding roof

1933 (1934 model) 9 Sports Coupe showing trafficator and 3 door hinges

1933 (1934 model) 9 Sports Coupe - spare wheel cover

1½ Litre Le Mans

Chassis numbers LM1-11 (Body code K)

A six cylinder version of the 9 Le Mans was announced in September 1933. The double dropped chassis frame, steering and body were similar to the 1934 model 9hp but the engine and the axles, with their 13” hydraulic brakes and 19” wheels, were from a 14hp Saloon. The engine was in a higher state of tune and had a reduced bore and stroke compared to the Saloon to keep it below the 1500cc class limit and in standard form had twin Solex carburettors and a water pump. It was rigidly mounted on two additional support rails. Considerable modification was required to the bulkhead to accommodate the additional two cylinders. A ‘Special’ version was offered with a cross flow engine with triple SU carburettors for £595, £310 more than the standard model. Some of these earlier cars are known to have the cross flow engine but it is not clear if they were the full ‘Special’ specification.

LM12-LM71 (Body code M)

In April 1934, considerable modifications produced the design that is usually now referred to as a Mark 11. The scuttle and doors were moved back and the bonnet lengthened to better accommodate the six cylinder engine that was now fitted with the cross flow head, triple SU carburettors and Scintilla Vertex magneto as standard. The spare wheels sat astride the rear chassis cross member and the fore and aft drag link steering was adopted. Wheel size was reduced by 1” to 18”. The Mark 11 cost £375. Two of these cars were specially adapted as police cars for Liverpool City Police.

Total production of these cars was 71 making them one of the rarer Singer models.

Early 1½ Litre Le Mans with non crossflow engine, twin Solex carburettors 13” hydraulic brakes and 19” wheels

Mark II 1½ Litre Le Mans dashboard showing telecontrols for the shock absorbers

Mark II 1½ Litre Le Mans nearside showing triple SU carburettors

Mark II 1½ Litre Le Mans offside engine compartment

Mark II 1½ Litre Le Mans showing gearbox remote

Mark II 1½ Litre Le Mans showing 18” wheels and larger brake drums than 9s

Mark II 1½ Litre Le Mans showing FT37 lamp

Mark II 1½ Litre Le Mans showing 24 Heures Du Mans plate

Mark II 1½ Litre Le Mans showing larger petrol tank than 9s

Mark II 1½ Litre Le Mans - 3 together is an unusual site!

1½ Litre Sports and Sports Saloon

The 1½ Litre Sports 4 Seater was introduced in May 1933 based on the 14hp Saloon chassis and retained the 108.5 inch wheelbase. A Coupe version was also introduced but was called a 1½ Litre Sports Saloon. The 1493cc overhead cam engine was also borrowed from the 14hp Saloon, but with a modified camshaft and reduced bore and stroke. There were twin Solex horizontal carburettors. The 13" 4 wheel drum brakes were operated by hydraulics whilst the handbrake was a ratchet lever of the "fly-off" type. Top speed was about 75mph.

The cost for the Sports was £295 in 1933. This stayed the same for 1934 with the Sports Saloon priced at £325.

The Sports bodywork was described by Autocar as "a particularly shapely two-door four-seater, with cut away sides, to give extra elbow room to the front compartment and a great deal of room in the back." It said of the road manners "seldom is a car encountered which seems so entirely contented when being driven at its maximum speed."

1934 1.5 litre Sports engine compartment

1½ Litre Sports (B37)

In 1937 Singer announced the production of a new 1½ Litre 4 seater sports car - the 1½ Litre Sports, which has come to be called the B37. It was only available for a short period, during which just 12 are known to have been made. Key features include:

A heavily modified version of the Bantam underslung chassis, boxed over most of its length
68x103mm 1496cc engine
Andre Hartford Telecontrol shock absorbers
Two 6 volt batteries
Twin SU carburettors
Scintilla Vertex magneto
Open 4 seater body with a removeable rear seat for storage of luggage
When not in use the hood disappears into a well surrounding the rear seat which is covered by a removable deck panel

BAB 718 was part of the Autosports Team of Stanley and Donald Barnes and Alf Langley who won the club team prize in the 1937 RAC Hastings rally

ANR 654 was purchased new by Ernest Joseph Black from Sturgess & Sons, Leicester.

This photo shows that the B37 is just as elegant with the hood up as it is with the hood down

B37 rear view - the windscreen shape is closer to that of the subsequent Roadsters than the 9hp cars

B37 rear view - twin spare wheels, twin filler caps for the 12.5 gallon petrol tank and hood storage compartment

BAB 719 was part of the 1937 Autosports team. More recently it has been modified for racing

B37 showing the telecontrols on the dashboard

B37 showing the hood retracted into the well behind the rear seat and covered by a deck panel

B37 - nearside engine compartment showing the twin SU carburettors

B37 - offside engine compartment showing the magneto

Singer Boat

Singer diversified into motor boats and marine engines in 1934. The engines were marinised versions of the Special Speed Le Mans units - both 9hp (£65) and 1.5 litre (£100) - which were modified to sit at an angle in the boats. Complete boats were sold with trailer, canvas cover and straps - ready to sail. There were two versions - the 2 seater 9hp Cadet class (£240) and the 4 seater 1.5 litre Commodore £290).

As part of the company's rationalisation, boat production ceased in 1935 while the production of engines continued into the following year.

Miss Singer III - a 1.5 litre Commodore class boat - on the Norfolk Broads

Miss Singer III - publicity material described it as "tastefully decorated in blue and cream"

Singer 11

The Singer 11hp was introduced in 7 May 1934. It was billed as a radical car in that it had independent front suspension, produced under license from Gordon Armstrong Ltd. This was new to Singer and almost unique to British saloon cars of this time. It also had Fluidrive transmission, a fluid flywheel arrangement. The 11 was powered by 1384 cc 4-cylinder overhead cam engine, producing 36.7 bhp and a top speed of 65.2 mph.

The standard factory coachwork was a four-door saloon, launched at £240, Advertising for the Saloon in 1934 included a prim lady sat in the Singer's rear compartment, holding a cup of tea. Filled to within half an inch of the brim, none of the drink was lost despite the car proceeding to wind its way up to a heady sixty miles-per-hour, thus endorsing Singer's IFS design!

In August 1934 a new even more radical version of the 11 was introduced with aerodynamic bodies produced by Airstream of London. Only 2 Airstreams are known to survive (in New Zealand and on display at the Caister Castle Car Collection in Norfolk).

For 1935 a Drophead Coupe, a twin carburettor Sports Saloon and a 4 Seat Tourer were added to the range. For 1936 the engine was increased to 1459cc, with a new grill and mascot, but the car lost the IFS.

1935 Airstream at Caister Castle Car Collection

Singer Commercials

1937 5/7cwt Van on a Bantam underslung chassis

Singer Bantam/Super 9

Singer specialised in making small sports cars during the 1930s and had considerable success in rallies, hillclimbs and races. After the disaster at the Ards TT in 1935, their sales of sports car dropped dramatically and the company turned to the idea of producing an economical saloon car to try and restore its fortunes. The result was the Singer Bantam which was launched at the London Motor Show late in 1935.

Key features of this new model:

Built on the underslung chassis of the Singer Le Mans
Powered by the Le Mans 972cc single overhead cam engine but with a slightly lower compression ratio
Single Zenith side draft carburettor
3 speed gearbox with synchromesh on 3rd gear
Lockheed hydraulic 4 wheel brakes
Pressed steel saloon body with 2 or 4 doors which was bolted to the chassis
2 folding seats at the front and a beck back seat
Chromed flying Bantam Cockerel on top of the radiator (discontinued in 1937 when sharp mascots were outlawed for the protection of pedestrians)
The “Popular” model was fitted with hydraulic brakes and 12 volt electrics
The “Deluxe” version also came with a sliding sunshine roof, chrome bumpers, a rear luggage rack, leather seats and a rear window blind.
Standard range of colours available, mainly black, with a panel of colour on the sides below window level. In practice, there were many other colour schemes sold that did not feature in the brochures.

Singer also offered a Tourer version of the Singer Bantam in both 2 and 4 seat configurations and a Bantam van (for the latter see the Commercials section).

In 1937, Singer offered an upgraded Bantam using the same body shell but with the addition of all the optional extras and a clutchless gearchange. This was sold as the Singer Super 9 for just a few months.

1938 saw the arrival of a new Singer Bantam model which featured:

A 1074cc overhead cam engine
Three bearing crankshaft to take the extra power but still mated to a three speed gearbox
Easy clean wheels were fitted as standard and the hydraulic brakes were replaced by an older rod operated system for economy. This was the last of the Bantam models and was sold until the outbreak of war in 1939

In Australia the Flood Company offered a Roadster body on the Singer Bantam which sold well and was said to have been the inspiration for the launch of the Singer Roadster in 1939, which was itself based on the Bantam platform.

Approximately 15,000 Bantams were made. Chassis numbers for the 1936 and 37 cars were prefixed by the letter LC and start at 5001. The 1938 cars had chassis numbers with an H suffix starting at 20056 while 1939 cars had a J prefix starting at 24375.

2 door saloon

1936 2 Door Deluxe Saloon showing earlier bonnet louvres and sliding sunshine roof

1936 2 Door Deluxe Saloon showing luggage rack

Chromed flying Bantam Cockerel on top of the radiator (discontinued in 1937 when sharp mascots were outlawed for the protection of pedestrians)

1936 2 Door Deluxe Saloon with leather seats

1936 2 Door Deluxe Saloon showing dash board

1936 2 Door Deluxe Saloon - offside engine compartment

1939 2 Door Deluxe Saloon - note the easy clean wheels and 4 parallel bonnet louvres to distinguish it from the 1936/37 cars

1939 Bantam 2 Door Deluxe Saloon - note the drain channels at the corners of the roof

1938 2 Door Deluxe and Popular Saloon instrument panel - this is different from the 1936/37 models

1939 2 Door Deluxe and Popular Saloon 1074cc overhead cam engine - near side

1939 2 Door Deluxe and Popular Saloon 1074cc overhead cam engine - off side

4 door saloon

1936 Bantam 4 Door Deluxe Saloon in New Zealand

1936 Bantam 4 Door Popular and Deluxe Saloon interior

1936 Bantam 4 Door Popular and Deluxe Saloon dashboard

1936 Bantam 4 Door Popular and Deluxe Saloon door pocket

1936 Bantam 4 Door Popular and Deluxe Saloon rear seat

1936 Bantam 4 Door Popular and Deluxe Saloon - engine compartment nearside

1936 Bantam 4 Door Popular and Deluxe Saloon - engine compartment offside

1936 Bantam 4 Door Popular and Deluxe Saloon - instrument panel

Tourers

Super 9

1937 Super 9 - engine compartment offside

Singer 12

The Singer 12 was launched in 1937 as a medium sized 4 door Saloon with a 1525cc OHC 4 cylinder engine. It had a separate chassis with beam axles and semi elliptic leaf springs all round and hydraulic brakes. The body and wheels were pressed steel. It was available as a standard saloon, Super saloon (from 1938) and a drophead coupe.

After WW II the car was relaunched as the Super 12. The drophead coupe was still available but the standard saloon was dropped. The model was discontinued in 1949. 1,098 were built post war.

1939 Super 12 showing leather front seats

1939 Super 12 showing the elaborate door pocket

1939 Super 12 showing the Jaeger amperes, oil pressure and petrol gauges

1939 Super 12 showing offside engine compartment

Singer 10/Super 10

The Singer 10 was launched at the 1937 Earls Court Motor Show and produced from 1938. It was a 4 door saloon, similar but narrower than the Singer 12, and available as the basic “Popular” and the “Super”. The 1185cc OHC engine was essentially an enlarged version of the one used in the Singer Bantam with a single Solex carburettor. The chassis had beam axles front and rear, semi elliptic springs and hydraulic dampers.

Popular

3 speed gearbox
Leathercloth seats

Super

4 speed gearbox with remote gearchange
Leather seats
Sliding sun roof
Chrome plated radiator grill and downdraught SU carburettor from 1939

After WW II the Super 10 was relaunched in 1946 with a slightly larger 1194cc engine and revised gearbox. Production stopped in 1949 in favour of the SM1500. 10,497 were built in total. A Super 10 cost £189 in 1938 but £508 13s 4d including purchase tax by 1946.

1948 Super 10 with additional front indicators

1948 Super 10 with additional rear indicators

Singer Roadster

The Singer 9 Roadster was launched on 6 March 1939. It was an attempt to reclaim some of the market lost by the withdrawal of the Le Mans and Sports Nine and was aimed at the tourer end of the market. The aluminium panelled coachbuilt body was a full 4 seater with folding front seats. Mechanically, many of the parts were sourced from the Bantam Saloons. After less than six months production was suspended for the duration of World War II then restarted with the engine moved forward, more interior space and other minor modifications. The Roadster was upgraded to the 4A model in 1949 with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The short lived 4AB and 4AC models were released in 1950 followed by the 4AD SM Roadster in 1951. The flowing lines of the car made it one of the most attractive roadsters in the market. The last cars were made in 1955.

Pre-war 9 Roadster (March 1939 to approx. March 1940)

1939: Chassis numbers J26301R to J26800R

1940: Chassis numbers J27601R to J27962R

The Pre-war “Nine” Roadster drew very heavily on the 9hp 1074cc Bantam saloon car for its engine, 3-speed gearbox, chassis and running gear. The price was £169 and top speed 65mph. Optional extras included a rear seat only tonneau, a front only bumper bar and a Moroccan leather suitcase specially shaped to fit the luggage compartment!

Main identifying features:

9hp 1074cc ohc engine, 3-speed gearbox and single SU carburettor
Leaf springs and rigid axles front and rear
Girling rod operated brakes
Full four seater 2 door coachbuilt aluminium panelled body
No bumpers (although it had a “badge bar” at the front with a hole to support the starting handle
2 bonnet catches on each side of the bonnet
Single budget lock on the boot lid (although later two locks were used)
“Singer” script badge on the boot lid
Passenger’s grab handle was a piece of bent bar
Dashboard with central recess to accommodate the central handbrake
Fuel filler cap was nearer the middle of the car compared to post-war cars
Shorter body compared to post-war cars (3” less rear seat legroom)

1939 9 Roadster with additional FT57 headlamps (as on some 1939 rally cars)

1939 9 Roadster showing badge bar with hole to support starting handle

1939 9 Roadster showing "Singer" script on the boot lid and no bumpers

1939 9 Roadster showing central recess in dashboard and passenger grab handle

9 Roadster showing hubcap with Singer script

1939 9 Roadster engine compartment nearside showing single SU

1939 9 Roadster engine compartment offside

4A Roadster

1948: Chassis numbers 4A2601S to 4A2657S

1949: Chassis numbers 4A2658T to 4A5972T

1950: Chassis numbers 4A5973U to 4A6722U

Main identifying features:

4-speed gearbox (hence the 4 in the prefix to the model name on this/subsequent models)
9hp 1074 cc engine retained (although the engine went from SU carbs to Solex)
Revised differential (offset spiral bevel)
Ventilation scoops in the sides of the scuttle removed
Door and boot hinges fitted with self-aligning ball (“Tatlow” patent) in place of brass hinges
Windscreen hinged down in a quadrant slot after a large wing nut had been released - previous windscreens on the A model Roadsters were controlled by a cylindrical knurled knob
Headlamps changed from 8” to the smaller 7” size

1950 4A Roadster - with additional badge bar

1950 4A Roadster (with additional rear indicators and an extra D light)

1950 4A Roadster showing ventilation scoops in scuttle removed

1950 4A Roadster showing smaller 7" headlamps

1950 4A Roadster (with additional rear indicators)

1950 4A Roadster dashboard (glove compartment lid non standard)

1950 4A Roadster showing the large wing nuts which when released allow the windscreen to fold down (glove compartment lid non standard)

4AB Roadster

1951: Chassis numbers 4AB7001U to 4AB7714U

1952: Chassis numbers 4AB7715V to 4AB7750V (all exported to Australia)

1952: Chassis numbers 4AB7751V to 4AB8001V

Main identifying features of cars up to chassis number 4AB7750V

9hp 1074 cc engine retained with 4 speed gearbox
Independent front suspension with coil springs
Sleeker looking wings
Shorter radiator case finished off with a valance
Easy-clean wheels in place of the earlier multi-holed variety
Large plain hubcaps in place of the earlier “Singer” embossed ones
Flat blade bumpers - front bumper sat below the hole for the starting handle hole in the valance
The rear panel of the body still used the familiar horizontal pressing to take the number plate with one Lucas “D” lamp
Winged radiator mascot depicts a “9”
Optional trafficators

Main identifying features of cars from chassis number 4AB7751V on:

Identical bodywork to the 4ADs
“C” section bumpers
Front bumper with a starting handle hole which lined up with the hole through the valance
Two rear stop/tail lamps fitted on stalks on the rear wings
Rear panel was plain, with a near-vertical sheet metal bracket fitted that would accept any shape or size of number plate

1951 4AB Roadster showing the shorter radiator finished off with a valance

1951 4AD Roadster showing optional trafficators

1951 4AB Roadster showing easy clean wheels

4AB Roadster (one "D" lamp and the rear indicators are additional items)

1951 4AB Roadster showing the shorter radiator and starting handle hole in the valance (badge bar is an extra)

1951 4AB Roadster showing the horizontal pressing for the number plate (one "D" lamp and the rear indicators are additional items)

1951 4AB Roadster showing space for the spare wheel, webbing straps and hinged metal stays and the oval cut-out to allow the bonnet to close over the top of the spare wheel

1951 4AB Roadster showing the new easy clean wheels, plain hubcaps and flat blade bumper

1951 4AB Roadster showing the winged radiator mascot depicting a "9" at the front (the "Singer" badge should be red enamelled)

1951 4AB Roadster offside engine compartment with 1074cc engine and correct air filter

1951 4AB Roadster nearside engine compartment showing the correct air filter with cast aluminium elbow

4AC Roadster

1951/2: Chassis numbers 4AC1U to 4AC13V

Externally, the 4AC was virtually identical in bodywork to the late 4AB and the 4AD. However, the 4AC is generally thought of as a prototype with only about 12 or 13 of them ever being built. The 4ACs were sometimes referred to as Bantam Roadsters and some of them did carry the SM Bantam boot badge.

The fundamental difference between the 4AC and the 4AB/AD was under the bonnet, where it had a 1200cc engine, in place of the 1074 cc 4AB or 1500cc 4AD power plant. The upgrade was as a result of Singer wanting to rationalize their engine production facilities. After the war, the company had introduced the SM1500 Saloon, with its all new short stroke 1500 cc engine. In order to economize, they simply took the same block, but reduced the bore to build a 1200 cc engine, thus creating the 4AC.

1953 4AC Roadster showing C section bumper

1952 4AC Roadster showing the Singer Motors script badge and rear stop/tail lamps fitted on stalks

1952 4AC windscreen stanchion (wing mirror and the turnbuckles round the top of the screen non-original)

1952 4AC Roadster showing speedo, panel light switch and the headlight main beam/dip switch (St Christopher badge non original)

4AD Roadster (SM Roadster)

1951: Chassis numbers 4AD1U to 4AD417U

1952: Chassis numbers 4AD418V to 4AD1963V

1953: Chassis numbers 4AD1964W to 4AD2869W (includes 451 twin carb Roadsters)

1954: Chassis numbers 4AD2870X to 4AD3333X (includes 298 twin carb Roadsters)

1955: Chassis numbers 4AD3334Y to 4AD3439Y (includes 43 twin carb Roadsters)

1956: Chassis number 4AD3440Z

Main identifying features:

Left hand drive option
1497 cc engine
Option of twin carburettors from 1953 (4ADT model)
“C” section bumpers
Front bumper with a starting handle hole which lined up with the hole through the valance
Two rear stop/tail lamps fitted on stalks on the rear wings
Rear panel was plain, with a near-vertical sheet metal bracket fitted that would accept any shape or size of number plate
Winged radiator mascot depicts an “S”
Slightly different windscreen frame, with the windscreen wiper and the relay spindles set higher in the frame
Radiator grille slats were reduced in width (from approx. 7/8” wide to approx. ¾” wide) but with wider gaps commencing 4AD721V
From 1953, the dashboard was covered in cream Vynide
From 1955 two over-centre catches were fitted on each half of the bonnet to hold it closed (in addition to the budget lock)

1955 4AD Roadster (spot lamps are a later addition)

1955 4AD Roaster showing the rear stop/tail lamps fitted on stalks, plain rear panel and near vertical metal bracket for the number plate

1953 4AD Roaster showing the hood and offside sidescreen

1955 4AD Roadster showing the starting handle hole through the bumper and valence and narrower radiator slats with wider gaps (spotlamps are extras)

1955 4AD Roadster back seats and hood frame

1955 4AD Roadster showing an "S" at the front of the winged radiator mascot

1954 4AD Roadster showing bonnet over centre catch and glass sliding windows in the sidescreens - the latter were an optional extra

1954 4AD showing the cream Vynide dashboard covering and bonnet catches (aero screen and central rear view mirror are later additions)

1953 4AD Roadster showing the bonnet lock

1954 4AD Roadster showing the boot badge

1955 4AD Roaster offside engine compartment - 1497cc engine

1955 4AD Roaster nearside engine compartment - 1497cc engine (red key for battery isolator switch and in-line petrol filter are additions)

1952 4AD Roadster brass chassis/engine plate

SMX Roadster

At the 1953 Motor Show Singer Motors made automotive history by being the first British manufacturer to announce a production model with a body shell constructed entirely of fibreglass.

Known as the SMX, the new car was essentially a re-bodied SM Roadster (alternatively known as the 4AD) with the only other changes being the fitting of a larger, 10 gallon petrol tank and 5.50 X 15 tyres as opposed to the SM Roadster's 5.00 X 16. The price was reputedly set at £670 compared with £519 for the 4AD.

The main body shell was comprised of two sections. The entire front from the scuttle forward, was a single unit, hinged to the front cross member so that it could be raised to give easy access to the engine. The second piece was the rear, which extended backwards from the trailing edge of the doors and curved over the rear wheels, incorporating the luggage and spare wheel compartments. The car was a full four seater, with twin front bucket seats and a bench-type rear seat. A forward tilting rear squab provided access to the rear luggage compartment.

Although Singer was the first to announce a fibreglass production model, they were reluctant to actually show it when it became evident that it would be too expensive after they had rectified indifferent quality fibreglass body panels and considered retooling for steel alternatives. Sadly the SMX died forever. Only 4 SMX Roadsters are believed to have been completed. The photos below are of the only known surviving car.

1954 SMX Roadster showing the hood and near side sidescreen

1954 SMX Roadster showing the number plate light and built in reversing light ("Singer" under the number plate is an owner addition)

1954 SMX Roadster showing a new style radiator mascot (although this was not present on the Motor Show car)

Singer SM1500

The SM1500 was launched at the 1948 Earls court Motor Show and made available from June 1949 for UK sales at a price of £630 plus purchase tax. It featured an American style radiator grille that was not liked by all customers in the UK but the car was targeted at the US market. Key features include:

1506cc OHC engine
Bodies made by Pressed Steel, mounted on a separate chassis
Until early 1952 the car had a front body panel, the joint of which ran round the outside of the headlamps, and a nine-slat grille
In later cars the jointing of the front panel was changed to run into the headlight opening and a seven-slat grille so the headlamps were set higher from the ground (but there were some highbred cars!)
The first 1400 cars had wooden framing to the doors
The 1953 model had a larger rear window box-pattern with continuous bumpers incorporating the number plate in lieu of the flat quadrant bumpers previously used and a chrome strip down the part of the side of the car
1953 also saw the option of a second Solex 30FAI carburettor and the introduction of push button door handles instead of the lever type and circular instruments to replace the “Hovis tin” type

After a run of 19,382 cars (plus 2 prototypes) production ceased in 1954 when an upgraded model became the Singer Hunter.

1952 SM1500 still showing earlier type of grill

1952 SM1500 - the car has additional indicators fitted

1952 SM 1500 showing the flat quadrant 2 piece bumpers

1952 SM1600 boot showing the number plate light

1953 SM1500 showing the later style 7 slat grille and higher headlamps

1953 SM1500 showing the continuous bumper incorporating the number plate

1952 SM1500 - dashboard with "Hovis tin" instruments

1952 SM1500 - close up of the "Hovis tin" instruments

1952 SM1500 showing rear seats and semaphore direction indicator

1952 SM1500 showing front and back seats

1952 SM1500 - close up of the earlier 9 slat grill

Singer Hunter

Launched in September 1954, the Hunter was essentially an updated SM1500 with a front grill that reverted to a more traditional chrome radiator shell, a fibreglass bonnet to reduce the front end weight and a horse head mascot on the top of the bonnet. The chassis and running gear came from the SM1500 but with a different camshaft profile and mechanical pump. The car included chrome accessories that most cars could not match, even as optional extras. It was hoped that the car would rejuvenate Singer even though it was seen as expensive but this did not prove to be the case.

New models were announced for the October 1955 Earls Court Motor Show - a more basic model, the Hunter S, and a more powerful Hunter 75 which had a twin overhead camshaft engine (using an HRG designed cylinder head). Very few of the 75s were made before the range was cancelled.

During the 2 years of production only 4,772 Hunters were made.

1955 Hunter with Singer script badge on the front wing

1956 Hunter showing the raised flutes around the wheel arches

1954 Hunter showing the Hunter script badge on the front wing

1956 Hunter showing recessed number plate and Singer Hunter script badge

1956 Hunter showing close up of the Hunter script on the front wing

1956 Hunter - dashboard and steering wheel

1956 Hunter - bench front seat with folding armrest

1956 Hunter - walnut door capping and window catch

1956 Hunter - engine compartment from front

Singer Tractor

By the early 1950s weakening demand for Singer's passenger cars encouraged the firm to diversify. In April 1953 the rights to the OTA Monarch tractor were acquired from Oak Tree Appliances. Renamed 'Singer Monarch,' this four-wheeled lightweight agricultural tractor was powered by a Ford E93A industrial engine and was claimed by its makers to be 'ideal for small and medium acreages and for the farmer that wants an extra tractor for all but the heaviest work.' The cost was £279 ex-works. Singer made some minor modifications and in 1955 the colour scheme was changed from "Co-op blue" (usually with red wheels) to orange. The earlier tractors were known as Singer Monarch Mk 3 and the later as Mk 4. In December 1955 Singer fell prey to the Rootes Group and production subsequently ceased.

291 Singer Monarchs were made of which only 14 were the later Mk 4 model.

Singer Monarch Mk 3. Co-op blue with red wheels is correct for the Mk 3 model rather than all blue

View from the seat showing the chassis plate in front of the steering wheel

Singer Monarch with part rear hydraulics fitted

Ford E93A industrial engine in Mk 3 Singer Monarch

Singer Gazelle

The Gazelle was the first Singer to be produced following the takeover of the Singer company by the Rootes Group in 1956. It was a version of the mainstream Hillman Minx, differing mainly in retaining the Singer overhead cam engine. Externally, the only significant difference was a restyled nose based around a traditional Singer grille.

The body style followed by the Gazelle between 1956 and 1967 came to be known as the "Audax" body, with significant input from the US based Loewy design organisation, highly regarded at the time partly on account of Loewy's input to several iconic Studebaker designs.

The Series VII Gazelles, made from 1967 to 1970, adopted the “Arrow” styling.

122,902 Gazelles were built from 1956 to 1970.

Series I

The new Singer Gazelle was launched in September 1956 as the Series I at a cost of £898 7s 0d. It was available in four door saloon and two door convertible body styles.

Main identifying features:

Powered by the Singer Motors 4-cylinder, ohc, in-line 1497cc engine (73 x 89.4mm) which produced 49bhp at 4,500rpm
4-speed gearbox, no synchromesh on 1st gear
Bench front seat
Traditional Singer heart shaped grille
Chrome cow-horn shaped side bars and four vertical chrome strips
Single chrome side stripe running along the body waistline
Gazelle script badges on the front doors
The level of trim inside was luxurious and smart utilising contrasting vinyl and seat piping, heavy walnut veneered facia and door cappings and sound deadening.

4,344 Series I models built (3,614 saloons and 730 convertibles)

Chassis numbers - A760001 to A76004344

Saloon

Gazelle Series I Saloon - showing the Gazelle script door badge

Gazelle Series I Saloon - engine compartment

Gazelle Series I Saloon showing rear light arrangement

Gazelle Series I Saloon - front bench seat

Convertible

Series II

The Series II Gazelle was offered from October 1957 to February 1958. The model line-up included an estate car as well as a saloon and convertible.

Main identifying features:

Optional overdrive
Increased capacity fuel tank from 7.25 to 10 gallons
Headlights given deep chrome cowls
New style chrome side vents incorporating sidelights/indicators and bonnet motif
Coloured flashes along the sides, pointed at the front
Bench front seat but individual seats were available as an option.

1,582 built (1,112 saloons, 207 convertibles and 263 estates)

Chassis numbers - A7800001 to A7801582 (pre-production cars A7700001 to A7700019).

Saloon

Convertible

Gazelle Series II Convertible with the hood fully down

Estate

Series IIA

The Series IIA was offered from March 1958 to September 1958 and was available as a saloon, convertible and estate. The outward appearance was the same as the Series II. However, it was fitted with the new Rootes OHV 1494cc power unit (56bhp) with single Solex 32PB carburettor and a re-circulating ball type steering box.

3,824 built (2,961 saloons, 345 convertibles and 518 estates)

Chassis numbers - A7850001 to A7853824.

Saloon

Convertible

Estate

Series III

The Series III Gazelle was launched in August 1958, in saloon, convertible and estate bodies. Production finished in August 1959.

Main identifying features:

Side flash on the rear quarters of the car was narrower in size and extended around the lower boot area
Gazelle script badge was added to the flash just behind the headlights
Centre folding armrest was fitted to the front bench seat

10,929 built (saloons 7,994, 1,724 convertibles and 1,211estates)

Chassis numbers - A7900001 to A7910929

Saloon

Gazelle Series III Saloon showing the Gazelle script badge on the flash behind the headlights

Gazelle Series III Saloon showing the extended side flash round the lower boot

Gazelle Series III Saloon - spare wheel held vertically in the boot

Gazelle Series III Saloon dashboard showing the lever on steering column for flashing indicators and bench front seat

Gazelle Series III Saloon engine compartment

Convertible

Estate

Series IIIA

The Gazelle Series IIIA was produced from from September 1959 to September 1960. It included several design improvements and engine modifications:

Twin Solex 32PB1S carburettors
Special manifolding
Close ratio gearbox with central located gear lever
New steel headlamp cowls with chrome rims
Side flashes shortened at the rear wing
Smiths Easidrive an optional extra on automatics
Deeper front windscreen
Saloon and convertible models - new rear wings with outward turning fin on the upper edge of the wings
Three separate rear lights replaced the original single cluster light

12,491 built ( 9,444 saloons, 1,291 convertibles and 1,756 estates)

Chassis numbers – B7000001 to B7012491

Saloon

Gazelle Series IIIA Saloon showing shortened side flash

Gazelle Series IIIA Saloon showing headlamp cowls

Gazelle Series IIIA Saloon showing new rear wing shape and separate rear lights

Gazelle Series IIIA Saloon - front bench seat

Gazelle Series IIIA Saloon showing engine compartment

Convertible

Gazelle Series IIIA Convertible showing separate rear lights

Gazelle Series IIIA Convertible showing shorter rear flash than Series III cars

Gazelle Series IIIA Convertible showing door card

Gazelle Series IIIA Convertible showing hoof frame

Gazelle Series IIIA Convertible showing wheel and whitewall tyre (optional extra)

Gazelle Series IIIA Convertible showing engine compartment

Estate

Series IIIB

The Series IIIB was launched September 1960 and ran until July 1961. Changes included:

Hypoid rear axle replaces spiral bevel type
Single Solex 32 PB1S carburettor fitted
Gearbox improved and filler plug replaced dip stick.

8,271 built (6,592 saloons, 524 convertibles and 1,155 estates)

Chassis numbers - B7035001 to B7043272

Saloon

Gazelle Series IIIB Saloon - interior showing individual front seats which were an optional extra

Gazelle Series IIIB Saloon - instrument cluster

Gazelle Series IIIB Saloon engine compartment

Convertible

Estate

Series IIIC

Launched in July 1961, this was to be the last Gazelle model to include an Estate in its line-up. The Series IIIC took the place of the planned Series lV as during the 1960/61 period Rootes had developed a new larger body design that was intended to replace the older Audax models. However, a last minute change of mind led to this new model being launched as a totally new Singer - the Vogue. Therefore no Series IV ever appeared in the Gazelle line up, and in its place came another version of the Audax body style - the Series lllC. Production lasted until September 1963.

New, larger Rootes 1592 cc engine
Both front doors were adorned with 1600 badges
The engine was fitted with a Zenith carburettor
Larger warning lights
Heater became standard for the first time
An ammeter and oil pressure gauge were options available at extra cost

In February 1962 the Convertible was discontinued, followed by the Estate in March 1962 and Saloon in September 1963.

15,115 built (14,242 saloons, 249 convertibles and 624 estates)

Chassis numbers – B7150001 to B7165115

Saloon

Gazelle Series IIIC Saloon - engine compartment with 1592cc engine

Convertible

Estate

Series V

The Series V launched in September 1963 and was produced until August 1965. Available in saloon form only.

Main identifying features:

Front disc brakes
No greasing points
Wider rear doors and fixed rear quarter light
Revised body styling to give a squarer rear window line
Roof and bonnet lines lowered
Individual front seats
Redesigned dashboard with instruments located in front of driver
Headlamp flasher
Rear floor mounted ash tray
Gazelle script badge on rear of flashes
Oval single rear lighting unit incorporating stop, side and indicator lights
Borg Warner automatic transmission as optional extra.

In September 1964 the model was updated using an all synchromesh 4 speed gearbox and new diaphragm clutch, reclining front seats, full carpeting, dimmable warning lights, instruments with vertical markings and a floor mounted gear selector lever.

20,022 saloons built

Chassis numbers -B7300001 to B7311804 and B73100001 and B73108218

Gazelle Series V Saloon showing oval rear lights and fixed rear quarter light

Gazelle Series V Saloon showing squarer rear window line

Gazelle Series V Saloon - automatic transmission was an optional extra

Gazelle Series V Saloon individual front seats and redesigned dashboard

Gazelle Series V Saloon showing individual front seats and interior sun visor

Gazelle Series V Saloon engine compartment

Series VI

Launched in September 1965, production continued until December 1966. Saloon form only.

Main identifying features:

New 1724cc 5 bearing crankshaft engine with cast iron head fitted
Rootes 1725 badge on front wings
Singer name on bonnet
New full width radiator grille
Rectangular front side/flasher lights
Locking buttons for front opening quarter lights
Self adjusting rear brakes

14,842 saloons built

Chassis numbers – B706000001 to 706014842

Gazelle Series VI Saloon with additional indicators on front wings

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing Singer name on bonnet

Gazelle Series VI Saloon - the interior sun visors were standard equipment

Gazelle Series VI Saloon - the external sun visor was an optional extra

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing polished nave plates and wheel trim discs, whitewall tyres were an optional extra

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing oval single rear lighting unit incorporating stop, side and indicator lights

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing rectangular front/side flasher lights

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing grill and Rootes Group badge

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing Gazelle script on rear wing

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing 1724cc 5 bearing crankshaft engine

Gazelle Series VI Saloon number plate light

Gazelle Series VI Saloon dashboard and fully reclining front seats

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing seats and opening front quarter light

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing Rootes 1725 badge on front wings

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing front opening quarter light - open

Gazelle Series VI Saloon showing front opening quarter light - shut

Series VII (Arrow)

Launched in January 1967 as the “New” Gazelle saloon. The model was discontinued in March 1970

Main identifying features:

Arrow/Hunter body styling
1496cc cast iron head engine
1725cc unit available for option with automatics
Single chrome waistline stripe extends around rear of car
Rectangular rear lamps mounted horizontally
Lucas rectangular 2FR front headlamps inset in new full width grille assembly
Chrysler Pentastar badge on nearside front wing

31,482 saloons built

Chassis numbers – B711000001 to B&11025402 and B712000001 to B71200680

Gazelle Series VII (Arrow) showing the front headlamps inset into new grille

Gazelle Series VII (Arrow) - the wheels are non standard

Gazelle Series VII (Arrow) engine compartment

Singer Vogue

Mark I

The Mark I Vogue was launched in July 1961, initially as a saloon at a cost of £929 including purchase tax. In February 1962 production began of an estate car version which was formally launched in May of that year.

Main identifying features:

Powered by the Rootes 4-cylinder OHV 1592 cc engine (81.5 X 76.2mm) which produced 62 bhp @ 4,800 rpm
Twin cowled headlamps surmounting a new frontal design with larger centre grille, flanked by chrome side air intake grilles which housed the side lights and indicators
Plain white indicator lens
Short chrome strip along the centre of the bonnet peak
Push button operated boot lid
Front bench seat, full width parcel shelf and burred walnut veneer dashboard with horizontal instrumentation
Fuel tank mounted behind rear seat
All drum braking system
Optional extras - Smiths Easidrive and Laycock overdrive transmission

7,423 Mark I Singer Vogues built.

Chassis numbers - B7100001 to B7107423 (estate car production starts at B7102197)

Saloon

Vogue 1962 Mark I Saloon. Note the front bench seat, rear seats, door card and walnut door cappings.

Note the front bench seat, full width parcel shelf, burred walnut veneer dashboard with horizontal instrumentation, and door cards

Vogue 1962 Mark I Saloon. Note the chrome strip along the centre of the bonnet peak, plain white indicator lens covers and the plain chrome overriders.

Vogue 1962 Mark I Saloon. Note the curved rear windscreen.

Vogue 1962 Mark I saloon - the sun visor is not original equipment.

Estate

Mark II

The Mark II Vogue was announced in August 1962.

Main identifying features:

Individual front seats replaced the bench seat
The petrol tank moved to the nearside rear wing of the boot to improve storage capacity
Twin reversing lamps fitted,
No bonnet peak chrome strip
Boot handle replaced push button operated lid
Amber indicator lens replaced the white indicator lens
Headlamp flasher was moved to the steering column
Two speed wipers were fitted.
Borg Warner 35 automatic transmission replaced the earlier and somewhat problematic Smiths Easidrive system.

20,021 Mark II Vogues built

Chassis numbers: B7200001 to B7220021

Saloon

Vogue 1963 Mark II Saloon. With whitewall tyres.

Vogue 1963 Mark II Saloon. With elliptical overriders and rubber buffers.

Vogue 1962 Mark II Saloon . Individual front seats.

Vogue 1964 Mark II Saloon. Door cards and walnut veneer door capping's.

Estate

Mark III

The Mark III Vogue was launched in October 1964 at a cost of £914.

Main identifying features:

Revised styling - a much sharper roof line with a flat rear window and deeper, wider windscreen
Fully reclining front seats standardized
Combined wiper washer switch fitted
Dimmable warning lights
1600 tuned engine with aluminium cylinder head coupled to the Rootes all new 4 speed synchromesh gearbox
Changes to the roof re-enforcing ribs of the estate model - running the length of the car rather than across the width of it

10,000 Mark III Vogues sold in saloon and estate car format.

Chassis numbers: B74000001 to B74010000

Saloon

Vogue Mark III Saloon showing flat rear window

Vogue Mark III Saloon showing the Automatic badge on the boot

Vogue Mark III Saloon - dashboard and reclining front seats

Vogue Mark III Saloon showing 1600cc tuned engine with aluminium cylinder head

Estate

Vogue Mark III Estate - wing mirrors were an optional extra

Vogue Mark III Estate boot and rear door pockets

Vogue Mark III Estate engine compartment

Mark IV

The Mark IV Vogue was launched September 1965 and represented a significant improvement on the performance of the earlier Vogues.

Main identifying features:

New 1725cc, 5-main bearing aluminium head engine
Alternator instead of the earlier dynamo
1725 badges placed on the front wings
Chrome surrounds fitted to the headlamps

By its close of production 10,329 Mk IV Vogues had been built.

Chassis numbers: Saloon - B774000001 to B774009520

Saloon

Vogue Mark IV Saloon showing the chrome surrounds fitted to the headlamps

Vogue Mark IV Saloon - front seats and dashboard

Vogue Mark IV Saloon - Rootes 1725 badge on front wings

Estate

Vogue Mark IV Estate with optional wing mirrors

Vogue Mark IV Estate showing Rootes 75 badge on lower front wings

Mark V (Arrow)

The Mark V Vogue launched at the 1966 Motor Show in Earls Court. Initially it was only available as a Saloon – the Estate version followed in April 1967. The body shells were shared with the Hillman Hunter and Singer Gazelle and made by Pressed Steel at Cowley. They were then sent by rail to the Ryton on Dunsmore plant for painting and assembly.

Main identifying features:

Saloon - 1725cc ( 81.5 X 82.55 mm), 80 bhp, 5 main bearing engine was canted over 10 degrees
Estate - initially a down-tuned 73 bhp 1725 cc engine which was fitted with a cast iron cylinder head and dynamo but replaced with the higher saloon specification in October 1967
12v alternator
First British car fitted with rectangular headlamps and the first to have Amblair upholstery as standard
All new “Arrow” body incorporated a full width grille of horizontal bars with a raised centre panel
A broad chrome twin stripe ran down the sides of the car and a single stripe acros the boot lid
Overdrive and Borg Warner 35 automatic transmission were available at extra cost
September 1968 servo assisted front brakes became standard and the tail gates of the estates were given a handle rather than a push button lock lift
All the new Singers now carried the Chrysler Pentastar badge
October 1969 new style soft grain upholstery was introduced and the Vogue script badge was replaced with a blocked style

Discontinued in March 1970 following decision to axe the Singer name.

47,655 Arrow Vogues were built.

Chassis numbers – Saloon - B751000100 to B752502453, Estate B781000001 to B782500391

Saloon

Vogue Mark V (Arrow) celebrating 50 years of the Vogue at the NEC in 2016

Vogue Mark V (Arrow) showing the full width grill with raised centre panel and rectangular headlamps

Vogue Mark V (Arrow) showing broad chromed twin stripe down the side of the car

Vogue Mark V (Arrow) showing the Vogue badge on the bonnet

Vogue Mark V (Arrow) showing single chrome strip along the boot lid

Vogue Mark V (Arrow) showing Amblair upholstery

Vogue Mark V (Arrow) - engine compartment with 1,725cc canted engine

Estate

Mark V (Arrow) Estate showing Vogue badge on the front door

Mark V (Arrow) Estate showing single chromed strip along the boot and Singer badge below the window

Mark V (Arrow) Estate showing dashboard and Amblair upholstery

Mark V (Arrow) Estate showing rear seats with Amblair upholstery

Mark V (Arrow) Estate engine compartment

Singer Chamois

Mark I

Introduced in 1964 this was a more luxurious version of the Hillman Imp with external styling detail-grille and side flashes, wider wheels and Dunlop tyres. £581. 40,678 built.

Mark II

1965-1970. Suspension changes took place in 1967 and a facelift occured in October 1968 with a new facia and twin headlamps. 40,678 of all types built.

Coupé

On sale from 1967-1970 this shared its body style with the Hillman Imp Californian and Sunbeam Stilleto.