Singer Ten
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1912 |
| Products | Automobiles (Singer Ten series) |
The Singer Ten designation was used for multiple automobile models manufactured by Singer Motors from 1912 until 1949. The term "Ten" indicated the vehicle's UK tax horsepower classification.
Singer Ten (1912-1924)
Introduced in 1912, the Singer Ten enjoyed strong commercial success, with production reaching approximately 6,000 units. It was equipped with a 1096 cc four-cylinder engine, originally featuring side valves before transitioning to overhead valves in 1923. The gearbox arrangement changed over time, moving from a rear axle-mounted system to integration within the engine unit by 1923. The vehicle's chassis employed rigid axles supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs up to 1922, after which quarter elliptic springs were adopted. Braking was limited to the rear wheels only.
A significant promotional event occurred in 1914 when Beatrice Blore drove a Singer Ten up the steep incline of the Great Orme cable railway, enhancing the model’s public profile. The car was priced at £195. Additionally, a simplified version was marketed under the Coventry Premier brand in 1923.
Singer 10/26 (1925-1927)
The 10/26 model represented an upgrade to the original Ten, featuring a larger 1308 cc engine that delivered 26 bhp and introduced four-wheel braking systems in 1926. This model could reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). Production totaled around 15,500 units.
Singer Ten (1931-1932)
Reintroduced in 1932, this iteration of the Ten was available as a saloon, a four-seat coupé, or an open tourer. It was powered by a 1261 cc sidevalve engine with coil ignition and utilized semi-elliptic spring suspension alongside mechanical brakes. The exact production figures for this version remain uncertain.
Singer Ten and Super Ten (1938-1940)
Debuting at the 1937 London Motor Show and released from 1938 onwards, this model featured an 1185 cc overhead camshaft engine derived from the Singer Bantam and equipped with a Solex carburettor. Two saloon variants were offered: the entry-level "Popular," which had a three-speed gearbox, and the premium Super version with four speeds and a remote gearchange. The Super boasted leather upholstery and a sunroof, whereas the Popular came with leathercloth seating.
Although an open-bodied coachwork option appeared in listings in 1939, its actual production is uncertain. By that year, production of the Popular ceased, while the Super received a chromium-plated radiator grille and switched to an SU downdraught carburettor.
The chassis incorporated beam axles at both front and rear with half elliptic leaf springs and hydraulic dampers. Braking was managed by Lockheed hydraulic systems.
Super Ten (1946-1949)
Following World War II, the model was reintroduced in January 1946 featuring an enlarged 1194 cc engine producing 37 bhp alongside an updated gearbox. Only the Super Ten trim remained available, with exports resuming promptly—including shipments to Australia by March 1946.
Manufactured between 1946 and 1949, the postwar Super Ten was offered solely as a four-door saloon, though Australia also saw a locally produced tourer variant. It achieved a maximum speed of 62 mph (100 km/h).
In total, production reached 10,497 units before this model was succeeded by the SM1500.