MASCOT November - December 2004

Roadster Ramblings - Part 1

Bob Andrew

Having had fifty seven years of association with Singer Roadsters, I thought I would put on paper some experiences and opinions. I do not claim any mechanical expertise, though I have always carried out my own servicing and simple repairs.

My first bit of advice is that, having got your Roadster in first class order, leave well alone, except for regular oil changes and lubrication. Never thrash a cold engine and do not rev the engine unnecessarily. Singer engines generally have exceptional torque and very low gearing, so get into top gear as soon as you can. That way all Roadsters should do 30 mpg plus - Yes, my 4ADT on a (not too fast) run, did an easy 35 mpg.

These cars are very much under-rated, and it is not unknown to hear our own members running the product down. What a shame - that helps keep the value low, which it still is at the time of writing, so an excellent 4AD goes for £9000, with the equivalent MG TD at £14000 and rising fast. Okay, at last the Le Mans 2-seaters are worth money and are recognised against MGs of the same period, but we know which are better in most respects.

My late father - the son of a doctor with inherited wealth given to the town (Hendon NW4) in the form of the hospital and swimming pool - received no money, and when aged 15 was sent to be an apprentice at Talbot. He learned his trade and later was general manager for Hills. He said the undoubted unpopularity of Singer Cars was the massive diversity of so many different models. This always seemed a problem when ordering parts, however he said the cars were well made and a good cut above Austin, Morris, Ford and Standard, etc. When demobbed in 1946 he sought an MG four seater, but these were very scarce, so he bought one of the first 150 Nine A Roadsters (no oil filter). It was second hand, black and with high quality tan leather. A great little car, putting up with mother, brother and myself learning to drive on it. These A models were generally of better quality than the 4A and 4AB despite post-war stringencies. They all had glass side screens -a questionable benefit due to dropped door hinges. They had trafficators and leather upholstery. True there was a 3-speed gearbox. The 4A had Rexine - leather extra - indicators extra - glass side screens extra, smaller headlamps, BUT a 4-speed gearbox. It had the later, 4AB/4AD, type differential, but still 5.43:1 ratio. The 4AB, of course, had the modified SM 1500 front suspension, and very good it was too, except for 13 grease-points! Thank goodness it had a vastly improved steering box - a major problem on the earlier models, which developed significant play in a short time. The hydro-mechanical brakes were very efficient and safe. However, for heavy brake users, regular adjustment was needed due to the small friction area.

More ramblings, including why my mother did not buy a 4AB, in the next Mascot.