Every time that I come across a Singer automobile, it’s the Singer sewing machine that’s the first thing that passes through my mind. There’s not a relationship, it’s just an example of brand name recognition and strength. Singer Motors made many different models of automobiles, and bicycles too, but it’s their Roadster, particularly the Nine series such as this 1952 4A, that is today’s subject. While the bodywork has been completed, it’s still a project with mechanical work required. Located in Collinsville, Connecticut, this diminutive four-seater is available, here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $5,900.
Research indicates that the Singer Nine was produced between 1939 and 1949 with the Nine 4A making an appearance in ’49 and ’50, and then followed by the Nine 4AB continuing from ’50 to ’53. That being the case, interested buyers may want to check with the seller to get the model designation confusion resolved (he states that it is believed to be a ’52). Regardless, this car presents nicely – it has a deep finish over a straight body with strong chrome and complete trim. There are no included images of this roadster with its folding top in the raised position but the seller states that it is included.
Things get interesting under the hood and that’s where the project aspect comes into play. The 37 HP, 1,074 CC in-line, four-cylinder engine is missing some parts and there’s no mention of their inclusion. From what’s disclosed, the rocker arm assembly, at the least. is missing and the valves don’t look like they’ve seen any up-and-down action in a long time. The accelerator linkage is not present and the intake manifold doesn’t appear to be bolted to the engine. There’s a gear shift in place so I’ll run with the assumption that the four-speed manual transmission is still in place.
The upholstery appears to be a red vinyl material and it shows as being ill-fitting and ripped along the bottom skirt. There are floor mats in place but no carpet or underlying mat that is observable and the transmission tunnel looks like it’s open, exposing the gearbox. The seller adds, “The wooden dash houses its classic cream-faced gauges“. While not complete, there’s plenty here with which to work.
The seller concludes with, “A very exciting project, rarely seen on US roads!“. Got that right, in all of my car sleuthing, I don’t believe that I have ever spied a Singer automobile of any model designation. But, how about you, does anyone have a Singer story that they would like to share?
Where in the world would you get parts for this?
I thought the same thing when i saw the engine in 58.378 pieces… Where would you find what you need to put it back together?
Singer parts:
https://www.singerspares.com/
http://www.king-cart.com/kipmotor/category=Singer+Roadster+Nine-4A-B+Engine&cart_id=17145.16530/exchange=/exact_match=exact
https://www.prewarcar.com/parts/make-of-car-parts-singer-1
http://www.mevspares.co.uk/Singer-9-10-car-parts/
https://britishclassicspareparts.com/singer-parts/
Or put a Morris engine in it.
Thanks for this Michelle. But to be honest, not everyone has woken up to the revolution of the internet or international logistics.
In fact, as you demonstrate, spares for these are both available and inexpensive. Not a car I’d want for myself, however.
Wow. I TOTALLY stand corrected. And the Morris engine Idea sounds pretty good too. Hope it goes to a good home
England.
Just make it FWD Geo Metro 3 cylinder ICE under there, automatic probably an easier conversion linkage wise. About 20 more horses, less weight. So aside from engineering engine and trans axle support, you’re LOSING the heavy engine, trans, driveshaft, rear differential, and the related hardware. A very little very light car. That 3 cylinder is fuel injected and will just start up every time no endless valve adjustments when it’s a carb issue or carb overhaul when it’s a valve issue. Missing components gives the excuse to do it properly.
David: From my perspective the people who made the parts are long gone from this earth. I imagine it would cost someone tens of thousands of dollars to have an iron/steel engineer to redesign the lost parts and then choose the correct steel to make the parts.
Having a little metal shop experience it would cost, today, tens of thousands if made to factory standards, or original.
Singers’R’Us?
The first picture ….. at first I thought this car was a toy car.
Something like a Buddy L, or Tonka car.
Do you agree ? or am I going 🤪🤪
I thought the same.
JO
it does look like a matchbook replica- showing what COULD be.
Yes, just the once. Parked in a crumbling old stone hut on a narrow track road leading to a weather observatory station. At over 1,100 feet elevation, the weather is chronically damp, wet and windy. I could only guess that someone connected with the observatory owned it. Peering through the gap in the wooden door, it was this same red and all I could see was the front grill shining through the gloom.
A long time ago at age 16 my dad bought me for my first car a Singer SM 1500. The year was 1963. Along with a pile of parts four more were included. I drove it in High School and heard every joke that could be made about a Singer. It beats walking and I learned a lot about English cars. Today with a collection of British cars The Singers live on now in my barn. I should get it out again. The engine turns over and the gas had been drained. True barn find in my barn this time. Parts ! no problem. Cheers
My Dad got me an MGB GT in my high school junior year. No engine! It was quite a nice shell. 1978. It was a ’69 I believe. Seller couldn’t get a title, so we returned it. Found a ’70 Opel GT basket case. Pulled engine and trans, rebuilt it all myself pouring over every book and diagram I could find. My last 2 weeks of my senior year, drove it to school. Oil on the brakes prank, tapped the bumper of another student trying to leave the parking lot. Folded the nose in about half a foot. Straightened it and drove it about 6 months until I found an Opel Manta in beautiful shape. Not fast, but loved it. Until it started stalling in the middle of nowhere as a bad habit. By the time I found it was old spark plug wires failing when they got too hot, I was ready to start driving Japanese cars. Always went back to my Alfas, BMW, VW, Audi etc, but Japanese cars from late 70’s – late 90’s seem to be the best production cars overall. Ford Focus first 5-6 years also really good cars. BTW: Dad had 2 XK 120’s and a XK150 growing up. He was into all cars, but Porsche 356 and his Jags were his favorites. He had a French Simca racing convertible he put an MG Sprite motor in, right after he sold the newlyweds MG Magnette. He mentioned Singer was around in New Jersey and Los Angeles. He almost bought an old Singer here in Texas but decided on a Fiat 850. But by then he didn’t have any zip to get it going again. Yes, I got the virus from my father.
Be well. Sounds like you’re surrounded by reliable friends (cars lol!). Hey, cars don’t give us any lip. Give love after getting love.
Only time I’d say. LS SWAP lol
But seriously some modern 4 cylinder swap would be nice
Looks like it’s also missing the bobbin.
Wow, that was “sew” cool I’m in stitches. ;)
Clever post in a blog ‘thread’? I think I’ll just go sew some buttons now.
There’s a pretty active Singer car club here in the states, I’ve met some members and seen their cars at the British Invasion car show in Stowe, Vermont. Go all out with their displays, like building a replica roadside service station for the show.
Might be the same group connected with http://www.singercars.com? (North American Singer Owners Club)
Singer,Alvis, British unusuals abound! Always simple, easy to work on if sorta lost in the ’30’s, ’40’s in terms of construction. But always more interesting at a show than the run of the mill Brits that everyone is already over!
THE INDEPENDENT SINGER ENGINES WERE MARVELOUS .
THE OVERHEAD CAM WAS WAY AHEAD OT IT’s TIME .
THE 4A HAS THERMOSIPHON COOLING WITH NO WATER PUMP .
PARTS ARE DEFINITELY A PROBLEM AND THE BLOCKS IN THESE CARS WERE VERY SUSCEPTIBLE TO FREEZING , EVEN WHEN DRAINED !
QUITE A FEW OF THEM HAVE BEEN RE-ENGINED WITH A 1275 FROM
THE MG MIDGET . GOES FASTER AND PARTS ARE AVAILABLE .
I HAD A ’51 4A THAT I PUT THE MOTOR TOGETHER AND CARVED NEW WOOD FOR . THE WOOD IN THESE CARS IS MORE COMPLEX THAN THE T-SERIES MG OR THE MORGAN .
THE BRITISH CLUB HAS BLUEPRINTS . THERE IS ALSO THE NASOC
NORTH AMERICAN SINGER OWNER’s CLUB .
I ALWAYS LOVED THEY WAY MY ORIGINAL ENGINE RAN AND THINK
IT WOULD BE WORTHWILE IF THE ORIGINAL ENGINE CAN BE RESTORED .
ANOTHER ODDBALL THING ABOUT THESE CARS IS THE BRAKES .
THEY HAVE 4 WHEEL MECHANICAL BRAKES THAT WORKS WITH
A INGENIOUS SYSTEM OF RODS , LEVERS AND BELL CRANKS .
THEY WORK FINE BUT NEED FREQUENT ADJUSTMENT .
THESE CARS ARE A DELIGHT IF YOU CAN PUT THINGS RIGHT AGAIN .
LIKE THE MG-TC , EVERY ONE OF THE 4A MODELS MADE WAS
RIGHT HAND DRIVE .