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 previous 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 matthew.parkin@brightwells.com