Singer 1 1/2 Sports Tourer classic cars for sale

Introduction and History of Singer 1 1/2 Sports Tourer

Singer began as a bicycle manufacturer in 1874 and evolved into one of the United Kingdom's leading car producers in the early 20th century, positioned right behind industry giants such as Austin and Morris during the 1930s. The company's motorsport endeavours, especially with the Singer Nine, established its reputation. The introduction of the Singer 1½-Litre Sports in 1933 was a bold move, leveraging the technical platform of the six-cylinder 14 HP model. The subsequent Le Mans variant achieved remarkable positions—7th and 8th—in the 1934 24 Hours of Le Mans, sealing the model's standing in motorsport history. Today, the Singer 1½ Sports Tourer is a rare survivor of that ambitious and adventurous decade.

Model History

The Singer 1½ Litre Sports Tourer directly followed Singer's well-regarded smaller sports models, extending their approach to a higher segment by adopting a six-cylinder engine. Its introduction in 1933 marked the apex of Singer’s sports car lineup. The Le Mans Special version, introduced a year later, capitalized on the standard model’s credibility, underscoring Singer’s motorsport ambition. Limited to just twelve units, the Tourer did not have a direct successor of its own standing, making it a highly individual entry within the Singer portfolio. The series' lineage is closely tied to both road and competition models, echoing Singer's engineering ethos and motorsport ambitions during the pre-war era.

Highlights of Singer 1 1/2 Sports Tourer

Only twelve Singer 1½ Litre Sports Tourers were ever built, making this model exceptionally rare even among pre-war tourers. Its original six-cylinder Le Mans engine links the Tourer directly to Singer’s celebrated racing efforts. The vehicle’s balanced handling, authentic interior details, and precise bodywork all contribute to its distinctive character—this is not merely a road-going car but a genuine relic from a period of artistic automotive development. Period documents and historic photographs often accompany surviving examples, helping trace the car’s unique narrative.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Singer 1½ Litre Sports Tourer itself can be considered a special series due to its exceptionally low production number. Each example was individually crafted, and some cars are documented with specific Le Mans racing modifications or provenance. No distinct factory special editions exist beyond the immediate Tourer model and the dedicated Le Mans competition variant, which achieved Singer’s famous Le Mans result in 1934.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Singer 1½ Litre Sports Tourer stands out for its smooth and balanced driving dynamics, rooted in the responsive six-cylinder engine and meticulously matched chassis. Despite being unable to outpace rivals like Aston Martin or Riley in endurance events, the model earned its reputation as a robust competitor at trials, rallies, and diverse motorsports activities. Factory fit and handling are praised in period reviews and remain a notable hallmark for surviving examples. The only listed variant is the Singer 1½ Litre Sports Tourer, equipped with the authentic six-cylinder Le Mans engine—this mechanical package provides the model’s signature character.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The 1½ Litre Sports Tourer radiates classic British grand touring aesthetics: chrome accents, straightsided wings and crisp body contours reminiscent of the 1930s. Inside, high-quality period materials create a genuine pre-war atmosphere. Authentic touches—such as vintage gauges, steering wheel and upholstery—invite appreciation of craftsmanship. Surviving examples retain accurate trim and high finish standards, often with accessories like period spot lamps or detailed tool sets typical for competition and touring purposes.

Summary

The Singer 1½ Sports Tourer crowns Singer’s sports car tradition as the rarest, most ambitious expression of the marque’s interwar engineering and design. Restricted production, direct motorsport connection, and a legacy documented through photos and papers make each surviving example a unique artefact for afficionados. For those seeking true 1930s British sports motoring, there is little in the Singer catalogue or elsewhere that compares with the 1½ Litre Sports Tourer.