Automotive history is littered with the remnants of British auto manufacturers and the more obscure Singer Motors is not the least of those former marques. Not the most noteworthy, but Singer had a long run and produced some notable models, among those, the 4AD (1951-1955), such as our 1953 subject car. These get a good deal of coverage – it’s not the first to be featured on Barn Finds. Today’s find is located in Folsom, California and is available, here on craigslist for $2,800. Thanks to T.J. for this tip!
The prominent grille of this roadster is notable, it reminds me of an MG T series with its upright arrangement. Being a 4AD means that this aluminum-bodied roadster was an export, left-hand drive model. The body is in fair shape though the bumpers are missing and that previously mentioned prominent grille has been kissed by something. The seller states this car is mostly complete and makes note of its recently powder-coated wheels and wide-white tires. The tires do make a visual statement but it seems that some paint and bumpers would make an even bigger statement.
Power is provided by a 48 HP, 1,500 CC, in-line, four-cylinder engine. There was a 58 HP variant too but that was a dual carburetor engine, something this example does not feature. The seller states that he has not tried to start this car so I’ll mark it down as a non-runner. And I guess I don’t understand that mentality, it seems that the value would be enhanced if this Singer was a runner, and even if it didn’t start, the non-running condition could be better diagnosed. Zero to 60 times for the 4AD was recorded as being 23 seconds or more – hardly a speed demon. A four-speed manual transmission is the standard and only gearbox available.
One of the first things one notices about the interior is the woodwork. Not elegant burled walnut dashboards, but wood frame construction that the aluminum body panels, like doors, are attached to. The gauges and switchgear appear to all be present but the seat bottoms are nothing but a frame and springs at this point. This is considered a two-seater though there is a space to accommodate another (or two if they’re small) behind the front seats. There is no word regarding the presence of a folding top (hood) or side curtains.
The seller adds, “have some extra parts, trim and cool stuff that goes with it…” I’d like to know what the “cool stuff” is though items like bumpers would be of more interest. This Singer could be a promising project, especially taking its price into account. It would be one to consider if you’re searching for a British undertaking other than the standard MG or Triumph, right?
My first car was a Singer SM 1500 like this one. The Singer has an overhead Cam, alloy coach work, front hinge doors and a rear seat standard. It competed with the T series MG in the US. I notice the rear wheels are too wide for the car in the back. A common problem was broken axle half shafts. There are no replacements so an axle swap is in order. If you have one you better buy some more as I did. 60 years later I still have them. No real following and no real sale value. Too bad as they are fun to drive. Hope this one finds a home.
Very nice, but can you make a quilt with it?
Good chassis and running gear but the designers came from at least 3 different schools of thought and all got their ideas included in the final product. Robert… where did the engines come from?
The SM 1500 engines came from the popular in England Singer Hunter sedans. The engines were also used in the HRG cars of the period. I am a big time MG person. A Singer will out perform a stock T series MG. Just saying as I have both. The engines were made by Singer.
2 Singers posted on the same day? What are the odds of that?
Never had much interest in furin cars but for the singer.. . I first saw one in a ad and then got a toy one for Christmas in about 1954-5 and I was 6-7. I then saw a real one im my home town of Shinglehouse ,Pa and from that day on ,I wanted one but never found one. Now at 74 ,I guess it wasn’t ment to bealtho over the years I have owned a lot of American classics and still have 3. All Fords….God is Good
I had the opportunity to drive one and write it up for AutoWeek in, whew, 1983.. Here’s the story. https://rememberroad.com/what/singer/singer-roadster-the-last-aria-of-a-dying-diva/
These are a Girls car (and before you climb into me I will explain)
Betty Haig won Olympic Gold in a singer car
Pat Moss won numerous events in a singer car
Endorsement by Marilyn Monroe
Three very cool Women