1953 Singer 4AD Roadster

George Singer began building bicycles in England in 1874 and started building cars in 1901 as Singer Motor Cars.  Singer's 1901 cars were three wheel motorized vehicles.  After that Singer added motorized bicycles.  Eventually these became full motorcycles and they were entered in numerous competitions.  Singer's first four wheel vehicle was introduced in 1905 with a two cylinder engine built with horizontal cylinders.  By 1908 the cars were entered in races.  Singer Motor Cars was 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. By 1928 Singerwas Britain's third largest car maker after Austin and Morris.  The Singer 9 Roadsters came 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 period 1939 to 1952 the total production of the Singer Roadsters was reported to be 7,623 vehicles.  From 1951 through 1955 Singer produced their final roadster, that being the 4 AD Series. This model had a 1497 cc engine delivering 48 horsepower. 

Into the 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, possesses many 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 some TLC 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.