Vehicle Description
1953 Singer 4AD Roadster
George Singerbegan building bicycles in England in 1874 and started
building cars in 1901 asSinger Motor Cars. Singer's 1901 cars
werethree wheelmotorized vehicles. After that Singer addedmotorized
bicycles. Eventually these became full motorcycles and they were
entered in numerous competitions. Singer's first four wheel vehicle
was introduced in1905with a two cylinder engine built with
horizontal cylinders. By 1908 the cars were entered in races.
Singer Motor Carswas quite involved in armaments during the First
World War and the profits were strong. This helped put Singer on a
better financial footing compared to the first years of his
automobile and motorcycle manufacturing. The war profits helped the
company expand during the 1920's. By1928Singerwas Britain's third
largest car maker afterAustinandMorris. TheSinger 9 Roadsterscame
out in 1939. These were four passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, the
car was in production for about a year before World War Two began
in Europe. The Singer 9 Roadster was a very good looking sports
car. During this period1939 to 1952the total production of the
Singer Roadsters was reported to be7,623 vehicles. From 1951
through 1955 Singer produced their final roadster, that being the4
AD Series. This model had a 1497 cc engine delivering 48
horsepower.
Intothe Singer Roadster is built a combination of qualities which
are not usually found in one car. With distinctive lines, it has a
powerful 1,500 cc. engine, (available with single or twin
carburetors) ,and a lightweight coach built body, giving vivid
acceleration and high cruising and maximum speeds. A top speed of
about 75 mph and cruising speeds of 55-60 are normal, (excerpt
taken from a Singer Motor Company advertisement). This sport Brit,
fresh out of display storage, possessesmany of the qualities one
could want in a British sports car at a crackingly good price,and
you're almost guaranteed not to see another one on the road. Turn
some wrenches,twist the key, and let's go motoring!
Exterior
On the body tub, center hinged hood, and vented side panels maroon
paint covers all the original aluminum that is fairly straight,
gaps that are well minded and an aged but very presentable paint
job. Curvaceous fenders grace the sides of the car and meet up via
thin running boards. From fenders to running boards, body panels to
hood flaps, trunk to rear bumper, there are a few notable faults in
the form of dings,waves and dents. The front grille with correct
chromed vertical slats which are surrounded by chrome and topped
with the iconic factory swept back chromed radiator cap will leave
you gazing when the car comes and goes. A black convertible top and
tan canvas side panels are also included which are rarely seen, and
all in usable condition. Dog dish wheel covers work with smooth
maroon steel wheels wrapped in wide white wall tires on all 4
corners specing out at 5.25/5.50-16 rubber.
Interior
Flip open either door and gaze around at your passenger compartment
where you'll see a wonderfully curved dual hump designed dash
draped in aged walnut veneer with just a hint of maroon aluminum
riding the wave of the top edge. A center mounted ignition/headlamp
switch and choke pull is flanked by the instrument to the left and
an open glovebox to the right. Fronting the curvaceous dash is the
original steering wheel in full banjo style, presenting with a
black leatherette cover and chromed ribs. Smooth oxblood marbled
vinyl lowback bomber style bucket seats show little to no wear and
have the convenience of a full back and individual bucket seats.
The door panels are in black and are in just as good of shape as
the seats, all nice. Red carpet covers the rear section of the
floors and console as well as a small storage area behind the seats
and under the convertible top stowage. The front floors are red
painted sturdy wood...smashing baby!
Drivetrain
A lift of the bonnet and you will feast your eyes on an original
copper painted 1497cc motor. You'll be met with copper painted
rocker covers, aqua air cleaner covers, black fan, and did I
mention it's equipped with the racier dual 1-barrel carburetors?
Finally, you'll be ready to let the clutch out on the 4-speed
manual transmission to send power back to the 4.875 geared rear
axle.
Undercarriage
As is the norm with these small cars, no attempt was made to put
the car on the lift, nor were undercarriage shots taken for some
unknown reason. So we can hope for the best and assume the worst.
Independent coil spring suspension up front works with leaf spring
suspension in the rear and Girling hydro-mechanical drum brakes are
on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
We note that this engine does turn over by hand, but someTLC should
be provided before any attempt to start the car is made.
The beneficiary of an older restoration, and fresh off of long term
display,we now have a great example from 1953 British motoring
sports car style. No rust, just maroon paint, fully resorted frame,
4-cylinder 1497cc engine and smooth 4 speed transmission, and let
the wind mess up your hair! A cracking good time mate!
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
