Singer Roadster

Singer Roadster
1947 Singer 9 Roadster
Overview
Manufacturer	Singer Motors Limited
Production	1939–1955 11,063 approx produced
Assembly	Coventry, England
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Dimensions
Wheelbase	91 in (2,311 mm)
Length	151 in (3,835 mm)
Width	58 in (1,473 mm)
Height	58 in (1,473 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Singer Bantam tourer
Successor	none

9 Roadster
1948 Singer 9 Roadster
Overview
Production	1939-1949
Powertrain
Engine	1074 cc I4
Transmission	3-speed manual
Chronology
Predecessor	Singer Bantam tourer
Successor	Singer 9 Roadster series 4A see below

9 Roadster series 4A
9 Roadster series 4A 1950
Overview
Production	1949-1950 4122 made
Powertrain
Engine	1074 cc I4
Transmission	4-speed manual
Chronology
Predecessor	Singer 9 Roadster
Successor	Singer 9 Roadster series 4AB Singer 9 Roadster series 4AC see below

9 Roadster series 4AB and 4AC
9 Roadster series 4AB registered May 1952 1074 cc
Overview
Production	October 1950-January 1953 1000 approx made
Powertrain
Engine	1074 or 1194 cc SOHC I4
Transmission	4-speed manual
Chronology
Predecessor	Singer 9 Roadster series 4A
Successor	none. Singer SM Roadster remained in production

SM Roadster series 4AD
1954 Singer SM Roadster series 4AD
Overview
Also called	Singer SM 1500C (USA)
Production	1951-1955 3440 made
Powertrain
Engine	1497 cc 48 bhp I4 1497 cc 58 bhp I4
Transmission	4-speed manual
Chronology
Predecessor	Singer 9 Roadster series 4A
Successor	none

The Singer Roadster is a nine tax horsepower open 2/4-seater sports-tourer automobile manufactured by Singer from 1939 to 1955. It was launched in March 1939 as an open version of Singer's Bantam saloon and using many Bantam parts.

After less than six months production was suspended for the duration of World War II then restarted with the engine moved forward, more interior space and other minor modifications. The Roadster was upgraded to the 4A model in 1949 with a four speed manual gearbox. The short lived 4AB and 4AC models were released in 1950 followed by the 4AD SM Roadster in 1951. The last cars were made in 1955.

Roadster tune

detachable

36 @ 5,000 rpm

The original Roadster was an occasional four-seat, two-door tourer, mostly based on the Bantam saloon with a cheery character. It had Singer's overhead camshaft, 1074 cc inline-four engine used in the Bantam range but tuned slightly to give 36 hp (27 kW) at 5000 rpm by fitting a high efficiency "hot-spot" manifold and downdraught SU carburettor, as well as having slightly higher compression. For 1940 sliding glass panels replaced the celluloid in the sidescreens along with other equipment improvements. A chromed front bumper was now standard as were twin aero screens for use when the windscreen was folded flat to reduce frontal area. A fitted suitcase was supplied to take full advantage of the usable space in the luggage compartment. Performance was handicapped by the use of the Bantam's three speed gearbox and top speed was in the order of 65 mph (105 km/h).

Advertising copy incorporated "from the inspiration of the Le Mans model" though the Singer sports-racing link remained deliberately muted after the death of 8 spectators in September 1936's RAC Tourist Trophy on Ireland's Ards Circuit, the Ulster TT. In that era the TT was a handicap and won by either MG or Riley. Unlike the Le Mans the Roadster was designed and built so it could be sold at a moderate price.