Lot Ended
Description
Fully restored over the last few years including rebuilt engine and
many new parts; very smart example of this sporting four-seater
From
the late 1920s to the mid ‘30s the Singer Car Company made a prolific range of
machines and by 1928 had become the third largest car manufacturer in
England.
What really set Singer apart was their success in the trials and
reliability events of the day, their sports models being thinly disguised
competition vehicles that could be driven on the road during the week, but with
minimal preparation could also be raced at the weekend. Introduced in 1932, the
Nine Sports was typical of the breed and quickly established a formidable
reputation on sporting events both at home and abroad.
It was fitted with
the same jewel-like 972cc overhead cam engine as the Nine and the Junior, but
with various performance tweaks including twin SU carburettors that raised power
to around 35bhp and gave it a top speed of some 70mph. The close-ratio gearbox
(with optional ‘Perm-Mesh’ clutchless operation) made it especially suited to
trials work where maximum speed was not as important as power and
acceleration.
Suspension was by half elliptic springs all round with
adjustable André Hartford shock absorbers, while stopping power came courtesy of
Lockheed 10-inch hydraulic brakes front and rear. From 1933 a four-seat version
was available, styled by Eric Neale, which had a louvred bonnet and scuttle,
cutaway doors, Rudge-Whitworth knock-off wire wheels, sprung steering wheel and
Jaeger instruments.
First registered in London in July 1934, this
four-seater Sports was acquired by a owner in a dismantled state in 2005.
He set about a full restoration which included fitting new wings front and rear,
new brakes and suspension, a new windscreen, new tyres and a full interior
retrim in dark red hide. The radiator was also reconditioned and a new core
fitted.
When the restoration was virtually completed, illness intervened
and the car was laid up until 2013 when it was sold by Brightwells. The new
owner lavished much time and money on the car, including getting the
carburettors, distributor and steering box rebuilt and the brakes overhauled
with many new parts. The wiring was renewed and the Jaeger chronometric speedo
and rev counter were rebuilt and an additional temperature gauge was fitted
behind the gear stick. A new hood, hood cover and tonneau were also fitted. The
engine was also fully rebuilt when the crankshaft snapped while attending a
rally in France in 2016, since when the car has only covered a few hundred
miles. This used a brand new Allen crank and line boring by Coventry
Boring.
Documentation includes a good file of bills charting the works
carried out to date, an old green log book from 1967 when the car was in
Reigate, owner’s handbook, workshop manual, parts catalogue plus other technical
literature about the model.
These lovely little sportscars are great fun
to drive and this freshly rejuvenated example, which retains its original
(transferable) number plate, looks mighty tempting at the guide price
suggested.
Contact [email protected]
* All charges are subject to VAT