Singer Gazelle
| Company type | Car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Hillman Minx (platform) |
| Founded | 1956 |
| Founder | Singer Motors (under Rootes Group ownership) |
| Defunct | 1970 |
| Fate | Discontinued |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom, Australia |
| Products | Automobiles |
Gazelle I and II
Following Singer’s acquisition by the Rootes Group in 1956, the Gazelle became the first model introduced under their ownership. It was derived from the Hillman Minx platform but maintained Singer’s distinctive overhead camshaft engine. The most notable exterior alteration was a front grille redesigned to reflect traditional Singer aesthetics. This model debuted in late September 1956.
The Gazelle’s body style, produced between 1956 and 1967 and referred to as the "Audax" design, incorporated considerable influence from the US-based Loewy design firm, renowned for its work with Studebaker.
Initially offered as both a saloon and convertible, the Gazelle Series II, launched in autumn 1957, expanded the range by adding an estate version. It also introduced optional features such as overdrive and a larger fuel tank capacity. The Series II displayed revised front-end styling, featuring horizontal chrome vents that housed side lights and indicators flanking an oval-shaped grille.
The suspension system included independent coil springs at the front and a live rear axle supported by leaf springs. Steering was managed through a worm and nut mechanism. Seating arrangements consisted of a standard front bench with optional individual seats; in bench-seat models, the handbrake was located between the door and seat.
The convertible model offered a two-position soft top—either fully lowered or rolled back behind the front seats in a “coupé de ville” style—with side windows that retracted completely. To compensate for the diminished structural rigidity caused by removing the roof, extra underbody reinforcement was fitted.
A 1957 road test of a Gazelle equipped with overdrive recorded a maximum speed of , acceleration from 0 to in 24.8 seconds, and fuel consumption of . The tested vehicle’s price was £1016, inclusive of £332 tax, with options such as overdrive, heater, and radio included.
Gazelle IIA to IIIC
In 1958, the Gazelle II was renamed the IIA and replaced Singer’s overhead camshaft engine with a more powerful Hillman pushrod overhead valve unit, increasing power output from 49 to 56 bhp.
Continuing Rootes Group’s practice of gradual enhancements, the III model appeared in September 1958 featuring upgraded seating with a folding central armrest and introducing two-tone paint schemes. The IIIA, released in September 1959, added modest tail fins, a larger windshield, and an improved engine fitted with twin Solex carburettors that raised power to 60 bhp. It also offered a floor-mounted gear lever and an optional Smith's Easidrive automatic transmission for domestic buyers.
Autocar Magazine’s Used Car Test from early 1961 emphasized performance variations among Gazelle III versions, reporting a 0-60 mph time of 19.9 seconds for a used twin-carburettor model compared to 23.9 seconds for a new single-carburettor IIIb.
The IIIB, launched in September 1960, reverted to a single carburettor setup aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and simplifying maintenance in less accessible markets. This version also introduced a hypoid bevel rear axle instead of the earlier spiral bevel type.
From July 1961, the IIIC featured an enlarged 1592 cc engine producing 53 bhp. Convertible production was discontinued in February 1962, followed by estate variants ceasing production in March of that year.
A 1959 test of the Series III convertible powered by the 1494 cc engine recorded a top speed of 83.4 mph, acceleration from 0-60 mph in 21.2 seconds, and fuel consumption at 32.5 mpg (imperial). The test vehicle cost £1,003 including £295 tax and optional overdrive; this convertible model was priced £67 higher than its saloon counterpart.
Gazelle IV
In July 1961, the Rootes Group introduced the new Singer Vogue, which utilized the body originally designed for the Gazelle IV.[1] As a result, the Gazelle IV name was never officially applied.[1]
Gazelle V
Launched in August 1963,[1] the Gazelle V presented a refreshed body style featuring extended rear doors and a redesigned rear window. The front brakes were upgraded to disc brakes, and starting in 1964, the model incorporated a new gearbox equipped with synchromesh on first gear. An optional Borg Warner automatic transmission was available, featuring a floor-mounted gear selector.
Gazelle VI
The Gazelle VI, introduced in 1965,[2] represented the final iteration of the "Audax" series. It came with a newly developed 1725 cc engine incorporating a five-bearing crankshaft, initially rated at 65 bhp before being detuned to 59 bhp. The front grille design shifted from the classic Singer oval to a rectangular shape mounted on the front panels instead of the bonnet.
Gazelle VII
Arriving in 1967 as part of the Rootes Arrow lineup,[1] the Gazelle VII was available solely as a four-door saloon. The initial offering included a 1725cc engine paired with an automatic transmission, followed by a manual version equipped with a 1496cc engine.[1] Production ceased in 1970, marking the end of Singer model manufacturing.[1]
Singer Gazelle
Between 1957 and 1961, Rootes Australia manufactured the Singer Gazelle in Australia. This range included Sports Saloon, Station Wagon, and Estate Van variants.
Hillman Gazelle
Following its acquisition of Rootes Australia in 1965, Chrysler Australia produced a version of the Gazelle VI under the name Hillman Gazelle.
Scale models
- Meccano Dinky Toys No. 168 (manufactured from 1959 to 1963), Series 1 Gazelle, at a scale of 1:44.