Singer 9 sports
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1933 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Automobiles (Singer Nine, Singer Nine Roadster, Singer Le Mans, Singer Nine Vans) |
The Singer Nine was manufactured by Singer Motors Limited between February 1933 and 1937, with production resuming from 1939 to 1949 exclusively as a Roadster. Launched as an affordable alternative to the previous Junior series, the "Nine" engine was initially installed in the Junior's body during manufacturing challenges in 1932, resulting in the hybrid "Junior Nine," distinguishable by its distinctive cursive "Nine" emblem.
In 1936, the saloon model was replaced by the more compact Bantam Singer Nine, although sportier versions persisted until the Bantam-based Nine Roadster took over in 1939.
Singer also built six "Nine" 5cwt vans, with only one known survivor, notable for its extensive use by builders Harry Kilminster Ltd throughout World War II.
History
The Nine was equipped with an overhead camshaft engine evolved from the earlier unit used in the 8HP Junior. An initial version, known as the "Junior Nine," was showcased at the 1931 Olympia Motor Show four months prior to the official launch of the Nine. It produced via a four-speed manual transmission.
Saloon
Nine Sports and variants
Starting in October 1933, the "Nine Sports" four-seat tourer was introduced, featuring shortened front wings and the removal of running boards. It secured thirteenth place at the 1933 24 Hours of Le Mans. That same year saw the debut of the sportier two-seat Singer Le Mans, equipped with twin Solex (30 IF) carburettors delivering at 4600 rpm and capable of reaching speeds with the windscreen lowered—offering competitive performance at a more accessible price. The Nine Sports also achieved second place in its class during the 1933 Alpine six-day trial (Coupe Internationale des Alpes).
Although rated at 34 bhp at 4600 rpm, its two-bearing crankshaft limited dependable operation to below 3600 rpm, with a consistent output closer to 28 bhp.
In 1934, front wings were lengthened to better shield the paintwork. By 1935, as the Le Mans introduced a four-seater variant, running boards returned to the Nine Sports alongside larger doors and a more rounded rear design, earning it the nickname "Long-tail Nine." The simpler, shorter Bantam Nine featuring an upgraded three-bearing engine was launched in 1936. The original Nine ceased production in 1937 in favor of this model but was revived in 1939 as a Bantam-based Roadster, continuing until 1949 and through various versions until 1953.
Le Mans
Produced between 1933 and 1937, the Nine Le Mans was powered by a higher-performance 972 cc inline-four engine with reinforced valve tappets, a thicker camshaft, and an enlarged cast aluminium oil sump holding approximately two gallons. This configuration delivered sustained power output paired with a close-ratio gearbox. The chassis design featured a dropped frame behind the radiator, lowering its stance compared to the Sports model. Competition styling included omitted running boards, an externally mounted fuel tank, and dual spare wheels positioned on the rear axle for added weight. Unlike rival MGs, Singer employed more dependable hydraulic Lockheed brakes. While not a dominant force at Le Mans itself, this model excelled in hillclimb events, trials, and endurance competitions such as the Liège-Rome-Liège and Alpine Cup Rally. In 1935, a four-seater variant combined elements from both the Sports and standard Le Mans models.
Special Speed
Debuting in 1935, the Special Speed featured an expanded passenger cabin achieved by repositioning the spare wheels and incorporating running boards integrated with the fuel tank. Its engine received enhancements including twin vertical Solex carburettors, an inclined spark plug cylinder head, a heavier flywheel, and a counterbalanced crankshaft to boost performance. Between 1936 and 1937, the Special Speed model supplanted the standard Le Mans variant.
Le Mans Replica
In 1935, Singer introduced the high-performance Le Mans Replica, priced at more than double that of a standard Le Mans, aimed specifically at dedicated motorsport enthusiasts. Only four units were constructed, all retained by Singer throughout the 1939 racing season. One of these secured a notable finish as the leading one-litre car at the 1935 24 Hours of Le Mans, placing second in its class. These lightweight specials also participated in events at Brooklands, Donington, and the Ulster RAC Tourist Trophy. They featured a 10:1 compression ratio alongside extensive engine modifications, replacing traditional ash-frame bodies with streamlined steel channel-section constructions and utilizing Electrum rather than cast aluminium. Weighing approximately , they were lighter by around compared to standard two-seater models and achieved speeds exceeding .
Despite being marketed as "replicas," these Works Team vehicles differed substantially in mechanical terms, possessing unique chassis designs, front axles, body mountings, and altered differential ratios. Three of the four competed at Le Mans in 1935 and were engineered to comply with production criteria for the TT race. Impressively, all four remain extant today, with three still operational. These replicas delivered significantly greater power and speed relative to their standard counterparts.
Carburettors
The majority of Singer Nines came equipped with Solex 30 IF "down-draught" carburettors, while some were fitted with the less common 30 FHG horizontal models, few of which have survived. Following World War II, Solex provided a complimentary upgrade program that replaced original carburettors (either 30 IF or FHG) with modern cast aluminium versions—30 FAI (vertical) or 30 AHG (horizontal)—while reclaiming the originals.
Throughout the 1930s, Singer engines utilized various carburettor types. Models such as Junior, Nine, 14hp, 1.5 Litre, and 2 Litre typically featured single or twin Solex carburettors; saloon versions generally employed single units. The experimental 1.5 Litre Crossflow engine incorporated twin SU carburettors but was limited to a production run of just 72 cars, with only eight verified survivors. Certain later Juniors from 1930 and 1931 were equipped with single SU carburettors before the 1932 "Junior Nine" reverted back to Solex units.
Roadster
The Roadster represented a variant within the Bantam Singer Nine lineup. In 1939, Singer cautiously re-entered the sports tourer segment by launching the open four-seater Nine Roadster on March 6. It was powered by a lightly tuned version of the larger 1074 cc overhead camshaft engine derived from the Bantam Nine and utilized its three-speed transmission.
Singer Commercials
Singer manufactured a modest selection of commercial vehicles, with only a few surviving examples known today.
Singer Nine Van
Production of Singer Nine vans was limited to six units; only one 1934 model is confirmed to survive and remains in use by a small business located in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. Another van was dismantled in 1953 due to engine failure; the other four are believed to have been scrapped following their service lives.
Singer Ten Van
The Singer Ten van enjoyed higher production figures and proved beneficial for supporting team activities within the Singer racing squad. Despite this greater output and utility, only a single example survives today and is preserved at the Coventry Industrial Museum.