Singer SM1500
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Defunct | 1956 |
| Fate | Acquired by Rootes Securities |
Area served | United Kingdom, export markets including Australia |
Key people | Leo Shorter (Chief engineer) |
| Products | Automobiles (Singer SM1500, Singer Hunter) |
The Singer SM1500 was a small family car manufactured by Singer Motors between 1948 and 1956. It represented the first post-World War II model designed to succeed the Super Ten and Super Twelve series.
Following a modest update in 1952, the SM1500 adopted a classic Singer-style radiator grille in 1954 and was rebranded as the Singer Hunter. Production of this variant continued until shortly after Singer Motors was acquired by Rootes Securities in early 1956. The durable Singer engine was also briefly installed in a modified Hillman Minx variant known as the Singer Gazelle.
Design and development
The initial prototype and key specifications of this new vehicle were revealed in November 1947, with an early production example showcased at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1948. Demonstrator units were dispatched overseas during Christmas 1948, and manufacturing commenced just before July 1949, primarily targeting export markets.
During a shareholders’ meeting in December 1950, the chairman highlighted that Singer had not produced automobiles since March 1940 due to wartime interruptions, meaning the SM1500 incorporated technology developed prior to the war.
SM1500
The SM1500 featured a pressed-steel body mounted on a separate chassis, incorporating Packard-designed coil spring independent front suspension constructed under licence. Its braking system comprised hydraulically operated Lockheed 9-inch drum brakes. The four-speed gearbox utilized a column-mounted shifter, which made engaging second gear and reverse somewhat problematic.
Distinct among British mass-produced saloon vehicles, it was equipped with an overhead camshaft engine derived from the Super 12 unit but with an increased bore and shortened stroke—initially displacing 1506 cc before being reduced to 1497 cc to comply with sub-1500 cc regulations. From 1952 onwards, a twin-carburettor version delivering 58 bhp was offered for an additional £28. The engine block was known for its robustness, with recommended reboring intervals of up to 65,000 miles.
Chief engineer Leo Shorter styled the bodywork, drawing inspiration from Howard Darrin’s 1946 Kaiser-Frazer, although the design was regarded as lacking elegance and was often deemed unattractive. Inside, the car featured a front bench seat with a fold-down armrest, optional leather upholstery, and wood-grain metal accents. Heating and demisting systems became standard equipment by 1952.
While spacious, stable, durable, and reliable, the SM1500 suffered from heavy controls and a challenging steering column gear change. Initially enjoying strong sales—including popularity among police forces and regional taxi operators—its appeal diminished as competitors adopted full-width body designs and due to its relatively high price.
Face-lift
In 1952, the vehicle underwent a design update that included a redesigned grille and elevated headlamps. Leather seating was introduced as an optional upgrade priced just below £39 in the UK market; otherwise, the cabin featured Vynide, a synthetic leather-like material.
A twin-carburettor variant evaluated by The Motor magazine in 1952 recorded a maximum speed of and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 23.5 seconds, with fuel efficiency measured at . The tested model was priced at £1168 including taxes. Meanwhile, a single-carburettor version assessed by Autocar achieved a top speed of , completed 0-60 mph in 27.9 seconds, and demonstrated commendable fuel economy.
In Australia, a coupé utility version was produced and marketed as being "specifically engineered for Australian conditions."
Overall, production reached 17,382 units of the SM1500 model.
Singer Hunter
In September 1954, the car was renamed the Singer Hunter and featured a classic radiator grille alongside a fibreglass bonnet. Standard fittings included twin horns and a screenwash system, complemented by a horse-head hood ornament above the radiator. Total production amounted to 4,772 examples.
A motoring correspondent for The Times remarked in June 1955 that the Hunter appealed to buyers desiring superior finish quality and more comprehensive equipment than typically found in this class. The car sported a completely flat windscreen—economical to replace—although visibility was somewhat reduced due to thick pillars and door frames. Its cruising speed hovered around 67 mph, supported by strong top-gear acceleration and a quiet engine concealed beneath the plastic bonnet. Gear selection was available via a steering column lever, with an optional central floor-mounted shifter.
The vehicle’s most notable feature was its suspension system, which provided a smoother ride compared to many rivals.
Hunter S and Hunter 75
At the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1955, Singer unveiled two new variants: the more basic Hunter S and the higher-performance Hunter 75 equipped with a twin overhead camshaft engine featuring an HRG-designed cylinder head. Production of the Hunter 75 was very limited, with estimates suggesting only about 20 units were built before the model line was discontinued. Although the Singer Gazelle debuted in September 1956, the Hunter continued to be sold alongside it.
The Hunter name was later revived by Rootes in 1966 for their Rootes Arrow series, specifically under the Hillman Hunter badge.
In popular culture
A Singer Hunter is featured in Cy Roth’s film Fire Maidens from Outer Space, which some critics have labeled as one of the worst movies ever produced.