Singer Roadster

Singer Motors

Industry	Automotive
Founded	1939
Defunct	1955
Products	Singer Roadster sports-tourer cars

The Singer Roadster is a sports-tourer featuring an open 2/4-seat configuration and rated at nine tax horsepower, manufactured by Singer Motors between 1939 and 1955. Introduced in March 1939 as a convertible variant of Singer's Bantam saloon, it utilized numerous components from the Bantam model.

Production ceased within half a year due to World War II, but recommenced after the conflict with the engine shifted forward to create more cabin space alongside minor refinements. The vehicle progressed into the 4A series by 1949, incorporating a four-speed Manual transmission. Later versions included the short-lived 4AB and 4AC models in 1950, succeeded by the 4AD SM Roadster in 1951. Positioned as a competitor to the MG T series, the Roadster was recognized for its stylish appearance. Manufacturing concluded in 1955. Additionally, a small quantity of bodies were custom-built by James Young.

Singer 9 Roadster 1939-1949

The initial Roadster was a two-door tourer with occasional seating for four, derived from the Bantam saloon. It housed Singer's overhead camshaft inline-four engine of 1074 cc, tuned to produce power at 5000 rpm through an efficient "hot-spot" manifold combined with a downdraught SU carburettor, featuring a slightly higher compression ratio than the Bantam.

In 1940, sliding glass panels replaced the original celluloid sidescreens, while enhancements included a chromed front bumper and twin aero screens designed for folding the windscreen. A purpose-built suitcase made effective use of available luggage space. The vehicle’s performance was constrained by the Bantam’s three-speed transmission, achieving a maximum speed near .

Marketing materials associated the Roadster with inspiration from the Le Mans model but minimized racing affiliations following safety concerns raised after the fatal Ulster TT in 1936. Engineered to be affordable, it claimed top speeds of , acceleration from zero to mph in six seconds, and zero to mph in eighteen seconds. Standard equipment comprised a spring-loaded steering wheel, concealed spare tire, twelve-volt electrical system, and windscreen wipers.

The body construction involved traditional aluminium panels mounted over a wooden frame. The suspension system consisted of leaf springs with rigid axles at both front and rear; braking was mechanically actuated.

After World War II, production resumed in 1946 incorporating updates such as rubber shackle bushes that required no lubrication, relocating the engine forward to improve passenger accommodation, and redesigning the rear lid for a flat luggage surface. These modifications enhanced handling and ride comfort through improved engine mounts and isolation. The majority of post-war models were exported, gaining favor among Indian nobility and Maharajas.

Singer 9 Roadster series 4A 1949-1950

In September 1949, the Roadster was modernized into the 4A version for the 1950 model year, equipped with a four-speed gearbox borrowed from the Singer Hunter. A Solex carburettor replaced the earlier SU unit, increasing power output by one horsepower. Entry and exit became more convenient due to improvements in driver positioning, while repositioning of the gearbox enhanced gear shifting. The bumpers were redesigned to be slightly larger, stronger, and featured rounded ends.

Singer 9 Roadster series 4AB and 4AC 1950-1953

By October 1950, the upgraded 4AB Roadster was launched, incorporating an independent front suspension system with coil springs and a combined "hydro-mechanical" Girling brake setup. Design changes included a shortened bonnet, fixed sides on the bonnet, disc wheels, and fenders that were reshaped to be more curved and deeper. The steering box was relocated to facilitate easier production for both right-hand and left-hand drive variants. Production of the 4AB continued alongside the larger 4AD model until January 1953.

A limited-run prototype known as the 4AC was equipped with a larger 1194 cc engine—a downsized version of the 1.5-litre powerplant from the Singer SM1500—demonstrating efforts to streamline Singer’s vehicle range.

Singer SM Roadster series 4AD 1½-litre 1951-1955

The ultimate Roadster iteration, designated the 4AD and officially named the Singer SM Roadster, made its debut at the October 1951 Paris Motor Show initially for export markets only. It utilized a 1497 cc engine producing 48 bhp sourced from the SM1500 saloon, mounted on a chassis and body that remained largely unchanged, while continuing to employ the hybrid hydraulic/mechanical brake system. Starting in 1953, an enhanced twin carburettor variant delivering 58 bhp was introduced. The 4AD can be identified by its larger, more rounded bumpers and extended stalk-mounted taillights compared to the earlier 4AB.

Initially available only for export, the 1.5-litre 4AD was launched in the UK market in 1953 as a complement to the smaller 4AB model.

In a road test conducted by The Motor magazine in 1951, the car achieved a top speed of , accelerated from zero to in 23.6 seconds, and recorded fuel consumption figures of . Due to its export-only status at that time, pricing details were not disclosed.

Singer SMX Roadster 1953

The experimental SMX model featured a glass fibre body and was presented at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1953. Production was limited to roughly ten units.

External links

• Singer Nine Roadster advertisements 1946 - 1955 at www.car-brochures.eu
• 9 Roadster series 4AB 1951
• 9 Roadster series 4AB 1952
• SM Roadster 1951
• SM Roadster 1953
• SM Roadster 1955