Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Singer Motors

Singer Motors was a automobile manufacturer based in , . Originally established as a bicycle producer in 1874 by George Singer and Charles Stringer as Singer & Co., the company transitioned into motorized vehicles around 1900, beginning with tricycles and motorcycles before focusing on automobiles. It later became Singer Motors Limited in 1936, producing a range of cars noted for their engineering innovations and motorsport achievements until the brand was discontinued in 1970. By the 1920s and , it had become Britain's third-largest carmaker, with popular models like the Singer Junior and driving sales and racing success. The company's early automotive ventures included its first four-wheeled car in 1905, followed by its first in-house designed model, the Singer 12/14, launched in 1906, and the successful Singer Ten in 1912, which sold around 6,000 units at £185 each. Singer pioneered several firsts, such as front wheel suspension and a clutchless gearchange using a , featured in models like the 1934 . Its vehicles excelled in events like the 1908 RAC 2,000 Miles International Touring Car Trial and 1930s qualifications, with the becoming an iconic for both road and competition use. Following , Singer faced increasing competition and financial pressures, leading to its acquisition by the in 1955, after which models like the were rebadged versions of vehicles. Production at its factory ended by 1958, and the brand was fully discontinued in 1970 under ownership, marking the end of Singer's independent legacy in the British motor industry.

History

Founding and Bicycles

Singer & Co. was founded in 1874 by George Singer and his brother-in-law Charles Stringer in , , initially as a bicycle manufacturer. Singer, an experienced who had previously worked at the Coventry Sewing Machine Company, began by importing and assembling components from abroad before transitioning to full local production. This entrepreneurial approach allowed the company to enter the burgeoning cycle industry during a period of rapid innovation in personal transportation. The company quickly achieved early success with its bicycle manufacturing, starting with high-wheel penny-farthings known as the "Challenge" series from around 1875. These were followed by the patented "Xtra Ordinary" model in , which featured improvements like backward-raked forks for enhanced stability. By the late 1880s, Singer shifted to safety s, such as the "Rational" model around 1890, which offered lower frames and diamond configurations for safer riding. Production scaled significantly during the bicycle boom, with the company outputting approximately 130 bicycles per week by the mid-decade, establishing it as one of Britain's largest cycle producers. Key innovations included the early adoption of pneumatic tires in the late 1880s, which improved ride comfort and contributed to the popularity of safety bicycles among a broader audience. Singer's factory expanded to employ a substantial , reflecting the city's dominance in the global with nearly 40,000 workers across firms by the . These developments positioned Singer & Co. as a major player, incorporating features like rubber-studded pedals and detachable handlebars to meet growing demand. In 1896, the firm reorganized as the Limited, solidifying its industrial footprint before venturing into motorized vehicles in the early .

Early Motorized Vehicles

Singer Cycle Company, originally renowned for its production, ventured into powered transport in 1900 by licensing the Perks & Birch 'Motor Wheel' design. This innovative unit consisted of a 222cc four-stroke integrated into a fabricated aluminum rear wheel, producing 2 and enabling speeds up to 18 with a range of about 50 miles on a full tank. The Motor Wheel was primarily fitted to three-wheeled delivery vehicles, marking Singer's inaugural motorized product and simplifying engine attachment by replacing a standard or wheel without extensive frame modifications. In 1901, Singer expanded its lineup with the introduction of motorcycles and three-wheelers known as tricars, targeted at commercial users for delivery and transport duties. Early motorcycles utilized the Perks & Birch design, while tricars combined the Motor Wheel with a single front wheel for stability in urban operations. These vehicles addressed the growing demand for reliable powered alternatives to horse-drawn carts, with the tricars featuring basic suspension and pedal assistance for low-speed maneuvering. Motorcycle production grew steadily from 1901 to 1915, evolving from belt-driven singles to more advanced configurations. Initial models in 1901-1903 relied on belt drive for simplicity, often paired with the 222cc in open-frame designs suitable for both solo and tandem use, including ladies' variants with mechanisms to eliminate discomfort. By 1904, Singer introduced V-twin engines in two-speed tricars and forecars, enhancing torque for heavier loads. The shift to all-chain drive in 1905 improved durability and efficiency, coinciding with fan cooling and magneto ignition; notable examples included the 499cc 3 hp single-cylinder (85x88mm bore and stroke) and the lighter 226cc Moto-Velo with a Dufaux . Later developments featured water-cooled four-valve heads in 1912 for competitions and two-stroke options by 1914, such as the 349cc 2.75 hp model with chain-cum-belt drive and forks, reaching up to 6 hp in V-twin variants. , based in , ceased in 1915 due to demands, after which Singer redirected resources to other motorized pursuits.

Automobile Development

Singer Motors entered the automobile market in with its first four-wheeled car, a compact two-seater model powered by an 8 hp twin-cylinder horizontal engine mounted under the floorboards, featuring innovative pneumatic tires for improved ride comfort. This design, developed under license from Lea-Francis by engineer Alexander Craig, marked a shift from the company's earlier focus on bicycles and motorized two-wheelers, establishing Singer as a producer of reliable light vehicles priced accessibly at around £226. The car's simple construction and sturdy build appealed to early motorists seeking practical transport, setting the foundation for Singer's expansion into full-scale automotive production. A pivotal advancement came in 1912 with the introduction of the Singer Ten, a small featuring a 1,096 four-cylinder engine and a full-sized that emulated the proportions of larger luxury models, making it a with around 6,000 units produced through 1923. Classified as a due to its lightweight design under 7 cwt, the Ten offered economical operation and versatility in body styles, from two-seaters to tourers, which helped Singer capture a significant share of the growing budget car market. Its success underscored Singer's strategy of combining affordability with aspirational styling, boosting production volumes and refining in-house engineering capabilities. During the , Singer accelerated its growth with models like the 1926 , a light car powered by an 848 cc overhead-camshaft that became a cornerstone of the company's output, contributing to annual production exceeding 9,000 units by the late 1920s. This expansion, supported by multiple factories and a of over 8,000, elevated Singer to Britain's third-largest car manufacturer by 1928, trailing only Austin and in market share. The 's efficient design and competitive pricing drove mass appeal, while Singer's adoption of advanced features like electric starting positioned it as an innovator in the mid-range segment. Engineering innovations continued into the 1930s, exemplified by the 1933 , which featured a refined 972 cc single overhead- engine delivering enhanced performance and smoothness for its class. This model, along with sports variants tuned for higher speeds and racing, such as the Nine with twin carburetors, catered to performance enthusiasts and reinforced Singer's reputation for technical sophistication. By prioritizing overhead camshaft technology across its lineup, Singer achieved greater power efficiency and reliability, solidifying its competitive edge in the pre-war British automotive landscape.

World War II and Post-War Recovery

With the outbreak of in 1939, Singer Motors in shifted its production entirely to support the war effort, adapting its factories to manufacture aircraft components, munitions such as steel helmets and shell casings, and utility vehicles including vans for the Royal Air Force and passenger/troop carriers based on the pre-war 10 hp chassis. The company's Canterbury Street works, like other Singer facilities, produced essential war materials including jerry cans stamped with "SM," while enduring heavy bombing due to the strategic importance of Coventry's industrial output. This pivot halted all civilian automobile production, with factory lines reconfigured for defense needs to meet urgent demands from the Ministry of Aircraft Production and other government agencies. Post-war recovery proved challenging amid Britain's austerity measures, including severe material shortages like steel and labor disruptions as workers transitioned from wartime roles. Civilian car production resumed tentatively in 1946 with updated versions of pre-war models such as the Super Ten, Twelve, and , but delays persisted due to supply constraints and economic policies mandating that manufacturers export at least 75% of output to secure raw materials under 1947 quotas. These regulations, aimed at rebuilding the through foreign earnings, emphasized export markets and limited domestic availability during a period of national and reconstruction. In November 1947, Singer launched its first entirely new post-war model, the SM1500 saloon, featuring a 1,500 cc single overhead-camshaft engine derived from pre-war designs but updated for modern standards. With a focus on exports to aid , domestic sales began in , helping Singer regain pre-war production levels by despite ongoing competition and resource limitations. This milestone marked a gradual return to civilian manufacturing, underscoring the company's adaptability in navigating toward economic stabilization.

Corporate Evolution

Acquisitions and Expansion

In 1921, Singer acquired Coventry Premier Ltd., a Coventry-based manufacturer of motorcycles and cyclecars, which allowed the company to integrate Premier's designs into its portfolio, including the production of a four-wheeled powered by a 1,005 cc water-cooled until 1923. This acquisition expanded Singer's offerings in commercial vehicles and smaller passenger cars, enhancing its diversification beyond bicycles and early automobiles. The company's growth continued with the 1926 purchase of Calcott Brothers, another Coventry firm specializing in light cars and motorcycles, which brought expertise in compact vehicle production and additional manufacturing facilities. Calcott's designs, such as their four-cylinder light cars from the early , were incorporated to bolster Singer's entry into the affordable small car market, exemplified by models like the Singer Junior. Parallel to these acquisitions, Singer pursued internal expansion, enlarging its Coventry factories to accommodate rising demand, including the integration of space from the acquired firms. By the late , the workforce had grown to over 5,000 employees across multiple sites, supporting scaled-up operations. These initiatives significantly boosted production capacity, positioning Singer as the third-largest car producer in the UK by 1928, behind only Austin and , with output reaching approximately 9,000 vehicles that year.

Formation of Singer Motors Limited

In December 1936, Singer & Co Limited was dissolved due to its unviability amid financial difficulties, with the motor vehicle business transferred to a newly formed , Singer Motors Limited. This restructuring allowed for the separation of the declining bicycle and divisions—which had ceased production in and seen motorcycles fade from prominence—from the more prosperous automobile segment, addressing economic pressures from the 1930s , intensified competition from affordable imports like the Ford Model Y, and high operational costs from prior expansions and machinery investments. The formation stemmed partly from internal challenges, including a squabble and the fallout from a disastrous racing incident at the Ards Ulster Tourist Trophy, where multiple Singer Le Mans cars crashed, leading to factory closures and the shutdown of the sports car competition department. Operationally, Singer Motors Limited adopted a streamlined dedicated exclusively to automobile production, issuing shares to the public and listing on the to secure fresh capital and focus resources. This shift emphasized a simplified product lineup of three core saloon models—the Bantam, 10 hp, and 12 hp—while building on assets from earlier acquisitions that had bolstered the motor interests transferred. The immediate effects included enhanced operational efficiency, enabling the introduction of innovative models such as the 1937 1½ Litre , which capitalized on the company's engineering expertise in lightweight, overhead-camshaft designs to compete in the growing market.

Rootes Group Acquisition and Decline

In December 1955, the acquired Singer Motors amid the latter's financial difficulties and outdated product lineup, providing Rootes with valuable factory space and engineering expertise to support its ongoing expansion efforts. The , often dated to 1956 in historical accounts, marked the end of Singer's independent operations, as Rootes rapidly integrated the company by repurposing its facilities for broader group production needs. The integration process emphasized badge-engineering to streamline manufacturing, with Singer models adopting Rootes platforms to fill market gaps between and offerings. For instance, the 1956 Singer utilized the Rootes Audax body shell combined with Singer's 1497cc Hunter engine, positioning it as a more upscale small car. Later, the 1967 Singer emerged as a rebadged variant of the , featuring minor trim enhancements to maintain a distinct Singer identity while sharing the Imp's rear-engine layout and 875cc aluminum-block engine. This approach reduced development costs but gradually eroded Singer's unique engineering heritage, leading to a narrower range of badge-engineered vehicles like the series based on the . By the mid-1960s, Singer's decline accelerated due to the loss of brand autonomy and limited model diversity under Rootes' rationalization, compounded by the group's own labor disputes and product challenges. The 1967 acquisition of Rootes by for approximately £20 million further intensified these pressures, as American management prioritized cost-cutting over brand preservation. Consequently, Chrysler discontinued the Singer marque in March 1970, with the final vehicle—a Vogue estate—rolling off the , ending over 70 years of Singer vehicle manufacturing. The acquisition's legacy included the repurposing of Singer's facilities, such as the plant for component storage and distribution, while the site supported Rootes and assembly into the 1980s before eventual closure under ownership in 2006. This shift highlighted the vulnerabilities exposed during Singer's post-war recovery, ultimately subordinating its innovative legacy to larger corporate strategies.

Models

Pre-World War II Models

Singer Motors entered the automobile market in 1905 with its first four-wheeled passenger car, a modest two-seater designed under license from Lea-Francis and featuring a 1,400 cc three-cylinder . This early model marked the company's transition from bicycles and motorcycles to powered vehicles, emphasizing simple, reliable engineering suitable for emerging mass motoring. By , Singer expanded the lineup with the 12/14 model, powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder , alongside smaller 8-10 variants using horizontal or vertical engines with chain or shaft drive, which catered to budget-conscious buyers seeking economical transport. The 1912 introduction of the Singer Ten revolutionized the company's offerings, featuring a 1,096 cc side-valve four-cylinder of Singer's own that delivered around 10 horsepower and a top speed of approximately 60 . Priced affordably at £185, this light car became a commercial success, with approximately 6,000 units produced from 1912 to 1923, praised for its reliability, low running costs, and cyclecar-like efficiency that appealed to first-time car owners in . Its rear-axle gearbox and conventional chassis with semi-elliptic springs contributed to a reputation for sturdy performance, solidifying Singer as the third-largest carmaker by the late . Redesigned in 1923 with an overhead-valve , the Ten continued as a staple, available in tourer and bodies that highlighted the brand's focus on practical, value-driven . In the , Singer targeted the growing demand for compact economy cars with the 1926 , equipped with an 848 cc overhead-camshaft four-cylinder producing 16.5 horsepower at 3,250 rpm. Starting at £148 10s for a four-seater tourer, the achieved strong market reception for its nimble handling, of around 40 , and versatile body options including fabric saloons and sports two-seaters with wire wheels, selling thousands of units within its first five years. This model's innovative OHC and lightweight construction underscored Singer's engineering evolution toward more refined, performance-oriented passenger cars while maintaining affordability and durability as core selling points. The 1930s lineup built on this foundation with the 1933 , a successor to the Junior featuring a 972 cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine tuned to 26.5 horsepower via twin downdraft carburetors, available in , tourer, and drophead coupé bodies. Priced from about £150, the Nine emphasized economy with fuel consumption near 35 mpg and reliable daily motoring, achieving broad commercial success through its modern chassis and optional independent front suspension introduced in 1934. Complementing it was the 1.5 model, powered by a 1,496 cc overhead-cam four-cylinder engine delivering 48-58 horsepower depending on tuning, offered in sports tourer and variants that balanced performance with practicality. With production peaking at around 28,000 vehicles company-wide in , these models reinforced Singer's reputation for dependable, stylish passenger cars that evolved from basic runabouts to more sophisticated designs, prioritizing reliability and cost-effectiveness amid economic challenges.

Post-World War II Models

Following , Singer Motors resumed automobile production with the SM1500 in 1948, marking the company's first new design in over a decade and featuring a modernized approach influenced by styling trends. The SM1500 was powered by a 1,506 cc overhead camshaft (OHC) inline-four engine, available in both four-door and two-door body styles, with the saloon emphasizing family practicality and the roadster offering open-top motoring. It incorporated coil-spring independent front suspension, a rarity for saloons at the time, mounted on a separate for improved ride quality, and optional twin-carburetor setups for enhanced performance. Over 19,000 saloons were produced between 1949 and 1954, supplemented by approximately 3,400 roadsters from 1948 to 1950, achieving total figures exceeding 22,000 units; these models found favor in fleet markets, including driving schools and police forces, though overall sales were modest amid stiff competition from more affordable rivals. In 1954, Singer introduced the Hunter as a facelifted evolution of the SM1500, retaining the 1,506 cc OHC engine with an updated for slightly refined output, while adopting a more traditional grille and fibreglass for cost efficiency. Approximately 4,800 Hunters were built until 1956, serving as a transitional model that maintained the independent front suspension and body styles of its predecessor but struggled with similar market challenges, including high pricing at around £799. The acquisition by the in 1955 enabled Singer to integrate shared platforms, leading to the series launch in 1956 as a badge-engineered upscale variant of the . The series, produced from 1956 to 1970 across seven iterations, represented Singer's most successful post-war lineup, with total production reaching 122,902 units and engines evolving from the 1,497 cc OHC unit in early models to larger 1,598 cc and 1,725 cc options by the . Offered primarily as four-door saloons but also in convertible and estate variants, the Gazelle featured Rootes' Audax then body styling, with distinctive Singer badging, higher trim levels, and optional for smoother highway cruising; later models incorporated independent front suspension derived from Rootes engineering. Market performance improved significantly under Rootes, with the series appealing to executive buyers seeking refined British motoring, and adaptations for export markets like , where local assembly occurred from 1957 to 1961 to meet import restrictions. Singer's final passenger car model, the introduced in 1964, was a rear-engined compact based on the platform, positioning the brand in the growing small-car segment with a 875 cc OHC all-aluminum driving the rear wheels. Available as a , , and variant with vinyl interiors and trim accents, it emphasized agile handling and for use. Production totaled 45,775 units through 1970, with over 29,000 built by mid-1966 alone, reflecting strong initial sales that tapered amid broader Rootes challenges; the benefited from at all four wheels, enhancing its sporty reputation in export markets including adaptations for right-hand-drive regions beyond the .

Commercial Vehicles

Singer Motors entered the market in the early 1900s, building on its initial foray into motorized transport with the acquisition of rights to the Perks & Birch Motor Wheel in 1900. This innovative design featured a fabricated wheel incorporating a 2 hp , which was fitted to three-wheeled tricycles suitable for urban goods delivery. These lightweight three-wheel delivery vans provided efficient short-haul transport in cities, marking Singer's transition from bicycles to powered commercial applications. During the and , Singer expanded its commercial lineup to include a range of , light trucks, and buses derived from its passenger car , particularly the popular Singer Ten introduced in 1912. The 10 hp , based on this four-cylinder , were designed for light commercial duties such as parcel and goods delivery, offering reliability and ease of for and rural fleets. Production of these vehicles continued through and into the post-war period, supporting British commercial operations before Singer shifted emphasis toward passenger cars. Acquisitions played a key role in enhancing Singer's commercial offerings. In 1921, Singer purchased Coventry Premier, a Coventry-based manufacturer of motorcycles and cyclecars, integrating its production facilities and designs to bolster capabilities. Similarly, the 1925 acquisition of Calcott Brothers, known for its pre-war delivery vehicles and light cars, allowed Singer to incorporate established commercial body styles and variants into its lineup. These moves contributed to annual production of hundreds of commercial vehicles, which served in fleets for goods transport and early public conveyance before the focus returned to automobiles by the late .

Racing Involvement

Motorcycle Racing

Singer Motors entered the realm of motorcycle racing in the early 1900s, focusing on reliability trials and hill climbs to demonstrate the durability of their lightweight machines. In 1902, the company's 2.75 models, including motorized tricycles and early motorcycles, competed in events such as the Cycling Club hill climbing competition, where rider Edwin Perks secured gold medals in both the up to 1.75 and 2.75 classes on Westerham Hill in . These participations highlighted the machines' hill-climbing prowess and low fuel consumption, with a Singer entry winning first place in motor trials at and earning a at the motor trials that same year. From 1911 to 1914, Singer expanded into international road racing by entering the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) events, fielding both 350 cc Junior and 500 cc Senior class machines. The company produced dedicated TT replicas, such as the 4 hp 500 cc side-valve single-cylinder model with belt drive and a flat tank, designed for the demanding Mountain Course. Singer's best performance came in the 1913 Senior TT, where a factory entry achieved fifth place overall. In the 1914 Senior TT, rider Victor Horsman finished 49th on a Singer, marking the company's final pre-war outing before motorcycle production ceased amid World War I. Singer's racing efforts centered on tuned production-derived models, including the 6 hp V-twin introduced in 1904. These adaptations not only aided entries but also fed back into motorcycles, improving overall reliability through lessons in braking and from successes. Across events from 1902 to 1914, Singer secured multiple class wins and premier awards in reliability trials, establishing the brand's reputation for robust engineering that influenced subsequent lightweight motorcycle designs.

Car Racing and Trials

Singer Motors entered the competitive world of endurance racing with its debut at the in 1933, fielding a Sports model that finished 13th overall and qualified as the first unsupercharged British car under 1,000 cc for the Cup, averaging 49.4 mph over the 24 hours. This result highlighted the reliability of Singer's pre-war models, such as the Nine, which served as the foundation for racing variants tuned for enhanced performance in demanding conditions. In 1934, Singer expanded its effort with both 1,493 cc and 972 cc models, securing 7th and 8th overall finishes with the larger-engined cars while claiming 1st in the 1,000 cc class with ; the following year, eight Nine entries achieved positions from 16th to 23rd overall, including multiple class podiums and 2nd in the Rudge Cup. By 1939, Singer had amassed 26 starts at , with 14 finishers, underscoring the marque's commitment to endurance racing through factory-supported teams that contributed to British motorsport's interwar prominence. Beyond circuit racing, Singer excelled in reliability trials and rallies throughout the and , where models like the Nine and 1.5 Litre demonstrated exceptional durability on varied terrain. Notable successes included team prizes in the 1933 Sunbac Colmore Trial and an outright victory in the 1936 RAC Rally, where Alf Langley piloted a 1.5 Litre to 1st overall. These achievements reinforced Singer's reputation for building robust vehicles capable of conquering hill climbs and long-distance events, often with modifications for improved traction and power delivery.

References

  1. [1]
    A History of Singer Motors: The Rise and Fall of a British Classic
    Nov 1, 2023 · The timeline of Singer Motors starts in 1874 when the forerunner of the eponymous company, Singer & Co., was founded by George Singer.
  2. [2]
    Singer Company History - Singer Owners' Club
    Singers were the first British manufacturer to fit independent front wheel suspension and a clutchless gearchange achieved by the use of a fluid coupling and, ...
  3. [3]
    The Singer Motor Company - Britain By Car
    Aug 17, 2024 · In early 1875, George Singer and his brother-in-law, Charles Stringer, set up their own company, Singer & Co., manufacturing high quality ...
  4. [4]
    History of Singer Car Company - singercars
    History of Singer Car Company. From the late twenties to the mid thirties, the Singer Car Company was a prolific manufacturer of a wide range of automobiles.
  5. [5]
    Singer: Cycles - Graces Guide
    Mar 18, 2025 · Stanley Exhibition of Cycles in Westminster. Showed a tandem. 1880s Penny Farthing by Singer and Co of Challenge Works, Alma Street, Coventry.
  6. [6]
    MAKERS: SINGER Cycle Co - The Online Bicycle Museum
    George Singer was works foreman at Coventry Sewing Machine Co. in 1868 when that company built their first velocipedes. In 1870 he left to join Smith Starley & ...Missing: founding | Show results with:founding
  7. [7]
    [PDF] Bicycle: The History
    and the Singer Cycle Company headed by George Singer. The pioneer ... Skeptics at the 1890 Stanley Show ridiculed the first pneumatic tires, calling them.<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    Coventry City of Culture 2021: Driving innovation
    Dec 28, 2021 · Rudge, Humber, Singer and many other Coventry bicycle manufacturers were quick to follow suit making their own safety bicycles. By the 1890s, ...Missing: pneumatic tires
  9. [9]
    Perks and Birch Autowheel - - National Motor Museum
    Perks simplified the problem of fitting an engine on a pedal cycle by introducing the motorwheel. It could take the place of the normal rear wheel of a bicycle.<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    History of Singer Motorcycles - Sheldon's EMU
    In 1900 Singer offered a 222cc four-stroke single - the engine design was bought from Perks and Birch, formed by former employee Edwin Perks, and Frank Birch.Missing: Motors early motorized vehicles stationary engines
  11. [11]
    Singer: Motorcycles - Graces Guide
    Sep 6, 2019 · 1900 Started by offering a 222cc four-stroke single (the engine design was bought from Perks and Birch, formed by former employee Edwin Perks, ...
  12. [12]
    Singer Models/Descriptions — Singer Owners' Club
    The first Singer cycles were the 'Challenge' series, called 'Ordinary Bicycles', but more commonly known as 'Penny Farthings' and date from 1875.Missing: pneumatic tires
  13. [13]
    Singer: Cars - Graces Guide
    Aug 9, 2020 · Singer was Britain's third largest car maker after Austin and Morris. The range continued in a very complex manner using developments of the ohc Junior engine.
  14. [14]
    History of the Singer Car by Kevin Atkinson - singercars
    Singer were formed during the embryonic days of the cycle industry. George Singer worked for the Coventry Machinists under James Starley, the father of the ...Missing: 1874 | Show results with:1874<|control11|><|separator|>
  15. [15]
    Singer - Historic Vehicles
    In 1901 the successful Singer cycle company began motor vehicle production motorcycles, tricars and then four-wheel cars.Missing: 1900-1915 Birch
  16. [16]
    9 Sports - singercars
    The Nine Sports was fitted with the familiar 972 cc. overhead cam engine, which now had an increased bore of 60mm fed by twin downdraft S.U. carburetors. The ...
  17. [17]
    Singer 9 & Le Mans - Blockley Tyre
    The earlier 8 engine had been altered with a larger bore (60x86) to 972cc, still with overhead camshaft producing 31bhp. This engine had first been shown in ...
  18. [18]
    Factor us in update: the post-war years - British Motor Museum
    Steel supplies were rationed and to boost the post-war economy companies were told they wouldn't get any steel unless they exported 75% of their cars overseas.Missing: quotas austerity
  19. [19]
    Calcott Brothers - Graces Guide
    Mar 1, 2018 · 1925 Company acquired by Singer. See Also. 1894 Antwerp ... 1926 Automotor: Index · Arthur Alderson · Automobile Engineer: 1925/10/29 ...
  20. [20]
    Singer - Graces Guide
    Mar 18, 2025 · 1896 The Pneumatic Tyre Co acquired the works previously occupied by Singer and Co at Alma Street, Coventry. 1901 June. Details of their motor ...
  21. [21]
    SINGER LE MANS REPLICA—ANOTHER STUDY HALL PROJECT ...
    Jan 29, 2019 · In 1936, a management squabble forced dissolution of Singer & Co. Ltd. and formation of Singer Motors Ltd. The firm remained independent until ...
  22. [22]
    Background To Some Of The Pre-War Singer Car Models - singercars
    Towards the start of 1937 there was introduced a 1.5 Litre 4 cylinder car, which had the makings of a really super sporting vehicle. The 1496c.c (68*103mm) ...Missing: Motors One-
  23. [23]
    History of Rootes - Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register
    In December 1955, Rootes acquired Singer Motors, where 44 years before Billy had been a penny-an-hour apprentice. Singer had an outdated range of cars and ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  24. [24]
    Automotive History: The Rise, Decline and Fall Of The Rootes Group
    Jul 4, 2015 · ... Singer Factory. In 1955, Rootes made their last acquisition, when Singer was purchased after its ambitious post war plans had failed.
  25. [25]
    ROAD TEST - 1969 SINGER CHAMOIS - Classics World
    Feb 17, 2017 · With the Singer Gazelle saloon already popular, Rootes named the upmarket Imp the Chamois after the small, agile and surefooted Alpine mountain ...Missing: integration | Show results with:integration
  26. [26]
    Singer History - Singer Motor Club
    In 1900 Singer obtained a licence to manufacture the Perks & Birch 'Motor Wheel'. This was a fabricated aluminium wheel, driven by a built-in, 2 hp engine.
  27. [27]
    Junior Tourer and Sedan - singercars
    It was powered by an 8 horsepower, two bearing, overhead camshaft engine which developed a peak of 16.5 horsepower at 3250 RPM.
  28. [28]
    1933 Singer Nine Specifications & Dimensions - Conceptcarz
    Inline 4 | Twin downdraft carburetors; Valves operated by chain driven overhead camshaft. Displacement : 972 cc | 59.3 cu in. | 1.0 L.
  29. [29]
    Production and Sales Numbers - The Imp Site
    The production figures as of July 1st 1966. Hillman Imps 162,738 Singer Chamois 29,447 Vans 6,459 Export 53,866 ======= 252,510. This shows that more than ...
  30. [30]
    Singer Motorwheel Tricycle - Brightwells Classic Cars
    In July 1902 Perks went on to win gold in both the up to 1.75hp and 2.75hp classes at the Catford Cycling Club hill climbing competition up Westerham Hill in ...
  31. [31]
    1902 - Motorcycle Timeline
    Also have had experience of the Singer motor bicycle, which is a well made and reliable machine throughout, and will climb almost any hill. I certainly would ...Missing: 2.75 | Show results with:2.75
  32. [32]
    Singer 4 HP TT Roadster 1912 - Moto-collection.org
    Many companies listed a "TT replica" in their catalogues without ever having competed in the famed races, but Singer took part in both Senior (500cc) and Junior ...Missing: participations | Show results with:participations
  33. [33]
    TT 1914 Senior TT Race Results - iomtt.com: The World's #1 TT ...
    Singer, 6.05.02.0, 0. 50, 0, R J P Braid · Norton, 6.07.05.0, 0. 51, 0, H Hopkins ... Isle of Man TT Races ®. Isle of Man TT Races and IOMTT are registered ...
  34. [34]
    1914 Isle of Man TT Races - Graces Guide
    Aug 1, 2019 · 1914 May 19th. Tuesday. Junior race. 49 riders started and 27 finished. 187.5 miles. 1914 May 21st. Thursday. Senior race. 96 started and 53 finished. 225 ...Missing: sixth | Show results with:sixth
  35. [35]
    1911 Singer Motorcycle | - Hyman LTD
    A Singer 10 was driven by Singer sales agent Lionel Martin to victory in the Aston hill climb, bringing all names to widespread public recognition. The ...Missing: Isle Man TT participations 1911-1914
  36. [36]
    Singer 1911 legend motorcycle with sidecar details - Facebook
    May 2, 2020 · 1906 Produced a 3.5hp single, a 6hp V-twin and a forecar having an 8hp three-cylinder in-line engine. 1908 The company stopped motorcycle ...
  37. [37]
    Singer's Racing History at Le Mans - singercars
    The first race took place in late May 1923. The rules were generally straight forward and stressed the genuine advancement of touring car development.Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  38. [38]
    1934 Singer Le Mans | Classic Driver Market
    Among its long list of achievements is 1st overall in the 1936 RAC Rally, driven by Alf Langley, and numerous successes in trials such as the Sunbac Colmore ...
  39. [39]
    motor sport March 1933
    Jul 7, 2014 · THE COLMORE TRIAL. A. B. LANGLEY (M.G.) WINS THE COLMORE TROPHY. TEAM PRIZES TO M.G. AND SINGER. RELIABILrrY trials are more popular than ...Missing: 1930s RAC
  40. [40]
    The ex-Works, Barnes/Langley, 1934 Le Mans 24-Hour Race, 1936 ...
    Sep 14, 2013 · The ex-Works, Barnes/Langley, 1934 Le Mans 24-Hour Race, 1936 RAC Rally-winning 1934 Singer 1½-Litre Le Mans Sports Registration no. KV 9246 ...