1939 | Singer 9 Roadster

Singer launched a new model in March 1939 - the 9 Roadster – with the sales slogan "The greatest little Roadster of our time". In practice it was based on the earlier (1935) Singer Bantam model, with an updated 1074 cc OHC, 4-cylinder engine which had been uprated to give extra performance with 36bhp claimed. Driving through a 3-speed gearbox, this gave a top speed of around 65mph. Production ceased just six months later however, with the outbreak of the Second World War, when less than 1000 cars had left the factory. These initial models were known as the R Series.

Post-war production recommenced in 1946 with the 9 Roadster "A" series and subsequent revised series followed, gaining improvements and upgrades, including larger engines and a 4-speed gearbox. The car remained in production for a further 10 years, with the last leaving the works in June 1956, by which time the takeover of Singer by the Rootes group was in hand.

The car offered here is one of the initial R Series produced before the outbreak of war and was delivered to dealers Coulthurst and Grimshaw of Blackburn, with a first registration date of 30 June 1939. We know little of its history over the next 30 years but have a duplicate logbook from 1969 amongst the associated archive, which shows the car living in the Midlands. The car was restored to a high standard in the mid ‘90s by Trevor Cornelius, a well-regarded Singer specialist in Kent and purchased by a new Jersey-based owner in 2001.

In more recent years, whilst in Jersey, the car has had a bottom-end overhaul and a top-end refresh with new piston rings. The gearbox has been rebuilt, a new clutch fitted and the propshaft overhauled and balanced, with UJ’s replaced. The steering box has also been overhauled. The Singer starts and drives very well.

The body with its bright red paintwork is in very good order. All chromework and badges are present, correct (no bumpers were fitted to the initial 1939 models) and in very good condition. Supplied with hood, sidescreens and tonneau cover – again, all in very good condition.

The interior of the car has been kept in excellent condition following the renovation works carried out in the mid ‘90s. The wooden dashboard carries the original supplying dealers name plate.

This is an excellent example of a much-admired pre-War sporting tourer. With plenty of power providing brisk performance, it has 4 seats and attractive lines. As a contemporary Autocar magazine review summarized “Altogether, it is a decidedly attractive open road style of car”.

The car is offered with some spares – gearbox parts and a drive shaft.

The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required.