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$477 No Reserve! 1954 Singer 4AD Roadster

No, it’s not an MG! The Singer Roadster was actually introduced right before World War II but production continued until 1955 (one car was finished in 1956). It naturally competed with the MG T-Series cars but was a little less sports car and a little more tourer. This one is being offered for sale here on eBay, with the opening bid set at a rather unusual $477 without a reserve. The car is currently stored in Murphysboro, Illinois.

While the metal part of the body actually doesn’t look too bad, remember that a lot of that bodywork is backed by wood components — which basically don’t exist anymore once you look closer. Despite the low entry price, I doubt that it will make financial sense to restore this car to original specification. Which leads me to the question — what would you do with it?

Despite being held together with straps, wire and string, the metal body parts are quite attractive. As much as it may seem like sacrilige to some, I would be looking for another set of mechanical and frame components to put the shell on. I can hear the “LS” yells now. Not my speed, but that may work for some of you. One option would be the readily available Triumph Spitfire/GT6 platform, with late model rusty Spitfires going for less than $500 where I am. However, I’m thinking Miata subframes and some structure to tie them together, but I’d love to hear what you are thinking.

I’d make a lot of effort to retain some classic look in the dash and I love the “banjo” steering wheel.

As you can see, this car was originally sold in France. I’d love to have its full history. The 4AD model was sold from 1951 to 1955, with the 4AD intended for export with a larger 1497 cc engine and the similar but smaller-engined 4AB sold in the home market. The larger engine provided an increase of 12 horsepower over the 4AB (to a ground-shattering 48–there was also a twin-carb version that made 58). In a period review, The Autocar stated that the larger engine made it “a lively open tourer with a performance that falls somewhere between that of a similarly powered saloon and an out-and-out sporting car”. I still think it would be more fun with another drivetrain, like the one we previously featured and sold here.

Despite being called a 1950 model in the ad, we can tell from the serial plate above that it was actually produced in early 1954, and was one of 475 4ADs produced that year. Even with them being that rare, Hagerty only values the cars at $30,000 in concours condition, and that quickly drops as you go down the condition ladder. So, Barn Finds readers, what would you do with this car?

Comments

  1. Avatar Weasel

    I think the body is aluminum

    Like 0
    • Avatar r s

      Aluminum doesn’t turn brown when it oxidizes.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Weasel

        You’re right. Fenders and running boards were steel. Body tub was aluminum.

        Like 1
      • Avatar r s

        Solves the whole puzzle for me. Thanks.
        Whatever it’s made of IMO it looks like it’s too far gone to do anything with. I wonder how cars get THAT dilapidated.

        Like 0
  2. Avatar CCFisher

    I hope, for the seller’s sake, that the two people on earth who might possibly be interested in this are watching the auction.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Kiwi Glen

    Don’t forget that this make of car is the only gold medal winner at the 1936 olympics

    Like 1
  4. Avatar luke arnott

    Had an OHC engine as I recall.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Mark Evans

    Really like the idea of putting this on a Miata underpinnings. In Japan Mitsuoka makes something along these lines with a Miata as the base.Really like this. If it’s too far gone make it a Planter.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar stillrunners

    nice lines…….

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Jim Simpson

    I like it! If a 21 window VW van can pay far beyond its restoration cost, then this car could, as well. Although not as well preserved as a million-year-old Hostess Twinkie, it would definitely be a conversation piece. As far as rarity goes- probably over the top! Yes, I agree– probably someone out there collects green pancakes, and this is THE venue fort him. I wish that there was some follow up on these cars with “Found as” and ” Now restored” photos on Barn Finds. .

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Maestro1

    The car is too far away for me but I remember a few of these on the East Coast when I lived there. Miata underpinnings great idea. Forget about market values. This is one you love and keep.

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Kelly Breen

    Those old British engines are Model A Ford simple. The frame and suspension will be steel while the bodywork frames will likely be ash – many pre war American cars were built this way. Someone who knows traditional coach work (horse drawn) could make a go of this car. Farming it out for restoration would not be economical. The big payout would be keeping it as original as possible.

    Like 1

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