Singer Roadster
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Singer Roadster | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Singer Motor Company |
| Production | 1939–1955 11,063 approx produced[1] |
| Predecessor | Singer 9 sports |
| Body style(s) | 2-door tourer |
| Engine(s) | 1074 and 1497 cc overhead cam |
| Transmission(s) | 3 or 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 91 in (2,311 mm)[2] |
| Length | 151 in (3,835 mm)[2] |
| Width | 58 in (1,473 mm)[2] |
| Height | 58 in (1,473 mm)[2] |
The Singer Roadster was launched by the Singer Motor Company in 1939 as an open version of the Bantam saloon. Production was suspended for the duration of World War II following which production of the car was re-started in virtually unchanged form. It was upgraded to the 4A model in 1949 with a four speed gearbox. The short lived 4AB and 4AC models came in 1950 followed finally by the 4AD or SM roadster in 1951. The last production was in 1955.
Contents |
[edit] Singer 9 Roadster 1939-1949
The original Roadster was a four seat, two door tourer and had the overhead camshaft, 1074 cc engine used in the Bantam range but tuned slightly to give 36 bhp by fitting a better manifold and SU carburettor. Performance was handicapped by the use of a three speed gearbox and top speed was in the order of 65 mph (105 km/h).
The body was built in the traditional method of aluminium panels nailed to a wooden framework. The suspension used leaf springs and was non independent with rigid axles front and rear. The brakes were mechanically operated.
Post war cars had the chassis stiffened and the engine mounted further forwards.
Nearly all production post war was exported.
[edit] Singer 4A Roadster 1949-1950
The Roadster was updated to the 4A model in 1949 by fitting the four speed gearbox from the Singer Hunter. A Solex carburettor replaced the SU used on the previous car.
[edit] Singer 4AB Roadster 1950-1952
The 4AB received a new chassis with independent front suspension by coil springs. The engine remained unchanged but the brakes became a mixed hydraulic/rod system.
The limited production 4AC used a slightly larger 1194 cc engine.
[edit] Singer 4AD Roadster 1951-1955
The final version of the Roadster used the 48 bhp, 1497 cc engine from the SM1500 saloon fitted to a virtually unchanged chassis and body. Power was increased to 58 bhp in 1953.
Although early production was still all for export, from 1953 cars became available on the domestic market.
A car version tested by The Motor magazine in 1951 had a top speed of 73 mph (117 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 23.6 seconds. A fuel consumption of 25.8 miles per imperial gallon (10.9 L/100 km/21.5 mpg US) was recorded. No price was quoted for the car as it was for export only. [2]
3440 SM1500 cars were made.[3]
[edit] Singer SMX Roadster 1953
This experimental version had a glass fibre body. Probably around 10 were made.
[edit] References
- ^ Sedgwick, Michael (1993). A-Z of Cars 1945-1970. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7.
- ^ a b c d e "The Singer SM1500 Road Test" (September 26 1951). The Motor.
- ^ Robson, Graham (2000). A to Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
