Marque: Singer - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Singer
The first Singer cars - built under licence from Lea-Francis and designed by Alex Craig - were produced in 1905 by George Singer, who had worked for Coventry Machinists before producing cycle, tricycles and then cars.
Singer died a year after the company went into receivership (in 1908) and the firm was re-established as Singer and Co. (1909) Ltd.
Early models from the new business…
Singer Gazelle (To 1967)
PRICE: Saloon/estate: £300 - £2000+; Convertible: £1000 - £4500+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1956-67 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon; Two-door cabrio; Five-door estate - Engine:
Series I (1956-57)/Series II (1957- 58): Overhead camshaft in-line four-cylinder 1496cc 49bhp; Series IIA (1958)/Series III (1958- 59)/Series IIIA (1959-61)/Series IIIB (1961): Overhead valve 1494cc: Series IIA/III 56bhp; Series IIIA 64bhp Series IIIB 60bhp; Series IIIC (1961-63)/Series V (1963-65): 1592cc 53bhp; Series VI (1965-67): 1725cc 59 bhp - 0-60 mph:
1.9.5-26 sec - Top Speed:
75+- 85 mph - MPG:
24-32
Products of unashamed but logical Rootes badge-engineering, Gazelles were attractive cars whichwere more lavish versions of the equivalent Hillman Minxes on which they were based. However, it should not be forgotten that the first Gazelles made 50 years ago used Singer’s own overhead camshaft engine (ex-Hunter). Rare and especially desirable are the convertibles; these are wonderful dropheads for family use. Five-door estates are now all but extinct, sadly Trusty, civilised and practical workhorses the lot of them.
Singer Vogue
PRICE: £300 - £2500+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1961-67 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon five-door estate - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder Series I/II/III: 1592cc; Series I 62bhp; Series II 58 bhp Series III 78bhp; Series IV: 1725cc 85bhp - 0-60 mph:
Series I/II: 20+ sec; Series III: 15 sec; Series IV: 13 sec - Top Speed:
Series I/II: 85 mph; Series III: 90+ mph; Series IV: 98 mph - MPG:
23-32
Better-equipped than the Hillman Super Minx, the Vogue is a well-respected classic which provides an blend of luxury and practicality. Vogues are distinguishable by twinned headlamps, a rounded grille, bright wheel trims and more luxurious trim. By the time the car was launched, it had been subjected to three quarters of a million miles of hard testing. The opulent interior incorporated a walnut veneer facia, extensive soundproofing, standard-fit heater/demister, also folding side and central arm rests. Later (Series III) versions featured a less rounded roof line plus additional side windows behind the rear doors. Good value, if you can find a decent one.
