Registration: HSK 396
Chassis: LA41D1562V
Odometer: 53,000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt
- Attractive looking fifties roadster
- Comes with side screens and a tonneau cover
- Owned for the last 19 years by the present owner
- Lots of documentation
- Previously restored
The Singer 4AD Roadster was a British sports car produced by Singer Motors in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was an evolution of the Singer 9 Roadster, featuring a more refined design and improved mechanical components. Introduced in 1949, the 4AD was powered by a 1,497cc overhead-cam engine, delivering around 48 horsepower, and was equipped with independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes, making it a competitive option for its time. It had a distinctive, curvy body with sweeping wings, a folding soft top, and a two-seater layout with an optional rear seat. While it was not as fast as some of its contemporaries, the 4AD was praised for its handling and reliability. Singer exported many of these roadsters, particularly to the US market, where they were seen as affordable alternatives to MG and Triumph models. However, Singer Motors struggled financially in the 1950s, leading to its acquisition by the Rootes Group in 1956, marking the end of the 4AD’s production and the era of Singer sports cars.
We are delighted to offer this 1952 Singer 4AD Roadster in red with black interior. Initially it appears the Singer went for export but was brought back to the UK in 1991, at which point it was restored and converted to RHD. There is a separate file containing pictures of the restoration plus an invoice when it was sold for £5,500 in April 1991.
1997 saw the engine being rebuilt at a total cost of £2,000 (receipt on file) before it was again sold in 2004 for £8,750. The vendor purchased the Singer in 2007.
Despite this being an older restoration, this little Roadster presents beautifully and has clearly been cherished. The brightwork is in lovely condition and contrasts nicely with the red paintwork. The hood, whilst faded in places, appears free from any rips and tears, and the plastic windows are clear. There are signs of minor splitting of the paint by the boot, and one or two minimal blemishes, but overall it presents very nicely. There is also a tonneau cover included. Matching Excelsior branded tyres also feature.
The inside is as nice as the exterior. The refurbished grey seats edged in red look great and seem supple and free from obvious damage, and the wood dash is in nice condition. It’s pleasing to see it retains a charming banjo-style wheel.
The Singer comes with a V5C, a collection of MOTs, previous tax discs, the aforementioned restoration photos, invoices and a separate orange file containing technical information and Singer Owner’s Club information. There are also a couple of glass trophies awarded to the vendor in 2014 and 2019. The vendor has told us that during his ownership, the Singer has been treated to a new clutch, exhaust, and a dynometer (alternator in the style of a dynamo). The Roadster also features electronic ignition and we understand the semaphore indicators are working as they should.
There remains a huge amount of affection for the brand and its cars, particularly the pre-Rootes models. Our vendor has loved and cherished this example for nearly 20 years and is only selling as he feels the time is right to move it onto another enthusiast.
Overall, a charming and very usable example with history - so don’t miss out!
