Singer SM1500

Singer SM1500
SM1500 early model before headlamps were raised
Overview
Manufacturer	Singer Motors Limited
Production	1948–1954 17,382 produced
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door coupé utility [1]
Powertrain
Engine	1,506 and 1,497 cc overhead cam
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107 in (2,718 mm) [2]
Length	176 in (4,470 mm)[3]
Width	63 in (1,600 mm)[3]
Height	64 in (1,626 mm)[3]
Chronology
Predecessor	Singer Super 12
Successor	Singer Hunter (see below)

The Singer SM1500 is an automobile produced by Singer Motors Limited from 1948 to 1954. It was the first new model produced by Singer after World War II being officially announced in 1947 with deliveries starting for export in 1948 and for the home market in 1949.

The car had a pressed-steel body mounted on a separate chassis with independent suspension at the front using coil springs. The brakes were hydraulically operated using a Lockheed system with 9 in (229 mm) drums. The four-speed gearbox had a column change.

The car was almost unique among British volume-produced saloons in featuring an overhead camshaft engine.^[4] Both Wolseley's postwar cars and the Morris Six MS also used Wolseley's normal single overhead camshafts. Singer's engine was based on the one used in the Super 12 but with larger bore and shorter stroke, giving a capacity of 1506 cc. From 1951 the stroke was further reduced to give a capacity of 1497 cc to bring it into the sub 1500 class.^[5] From 1952 a 58 bhp (43 kW) twin-carburettor version was available for an extra £28.^[3] It was reported that the engine block was so tough that the manufacturers were happy to quote 65,000 miles (105,000 kilometers) as a "normal" interval between rebores.^[4]

Inside, the car had a bench front seat with folding armrest and was optionally covered in leather. The metal trim was given a wood-grain finish.^[6] The car was considered well equipped in 1952, with a "heating and demisting unit" fitted as standard.^[6]

raised headlamps, wider grille

Also in 1952 the car was face-lifted with a reworked grille, and raised headlamps. Offered only as an optional extra was leather upholstery, for slightly less than £39 (UK market).^[6] Otherwise the interior trim used Vynide,a "plastic material".^[6]

A twin-carb version tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 76 mph (122 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 23.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.6 L/100 km; 18.7 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1168 including taxes.^[3] A single carb version tested by The Autocar Magazine that same year managed a top speed of only 71 mph (114 km/h), a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 27.9 seconds and an impressive overall fuel consumption figure for the road test of 29 miles per imperial gallon (9.7 L/100 km; 24 mpg_-US).^[6]

In addition to the four door saloon a coupé utility variant was produced, the model being advertised in Australia as "specially designed for Australian conditions".^[1]

17,382 SM1500 cars were made.^[5]

Singer Hunter

Singer Hunter
Singer Hunter
Overview
Manufacturer	Singer Motors Limited
Production	1954-1956 4,750 produced
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Powertrain
Engine	1,497 cc overhead cam
Chronology
Predecessor	Singer SM1500
Successor	Singer Gazelle

In September 1954 the car was re-branded as the Singer Hunter with a traditional radiator grille and fibreglass bonnet lid. The Hunter was well equipped with twin horns and screenwash as standard. A horse-head mascot was fitted over the radiator. 4772 Hunters were made.^[5]

The Times motoring correspondent tested the new model and reported in June 1955 under the headline "Reversion to "Traditional" Radiator Shell" followed by "Cushioned Comfort" that this car was intended for the motorists who are prepared to pay for a rather better finish and more complete equipment than usually available in cars of this size.^[7]

He remarked that the Singer was unusual in having a completely flat windscreen — less expensive to replace — and a good view through it spoiled by unusually thick pillars, door surround and ventilator window surround. He put the car's fast cruising speed at 67 mph. Top gear acceleration was excellent and the engine quiet beneath its plastic bonnet. The steering column year lever was "rather stiff". A central old fashioned floor-mounted lever was now available.^[7]

The car's outstanding feature was its springing, its ride smoother than most cars provide.^[7]

Hunter S and Hunter 75

New models were announced by Rootes for the 1955 Earls Court Motor, a more basic model, the Hunter S, and a more powerful Hunter 75 which had a twin overhead camshaft engine (using an HRG designed cylinder head).^[8] Very few, possibly 20, of the 75s were made before the range was cancelled.^[5] The Singer Gazelle was announced in September 1956 but the Hunter remained available.^[9]

Right to its end this Singer won the popular vote for the most spectacularly unattractive British car

Product placement

The Hunter has an odd claim to fame. It appears in the film Fire Maidens from Outer Space by Cy Roth, sometimes called the worst film ever made. The car appears in several rather pointless tracking shots at the beginning of the film. As the film was produced just as the Singer company was heading for bankruptcy and take over in 1956, it can be assumed this was an early form of product placement.

The Hunter name was revived by Rootes in 1966 for their Rootes Arrow range, in the form of the Hillman Hunter.

References