Registration No: FSL 131
Chassis No: 4AB7994V
MOT: Exempt

• A notably late example of the 1,001 4AB Roadsters made
• Upgraded to near '4AC' specification with a 1.2 litre Singer Super 10 engine during the 1980s
• A well-preserved older restoration

Singer and MG were great rivals during the 1930s competing against each other on race circuits, trials stages and showrooms alike. Vying for sales with the MG T-Series, the Singer Roadster retained what was essentially the same two-door, swept tail silhouette throughout its sixteen year history (1939-1955) albeit with various stylistic tweaks along the way. Under the skin, however, it benefited from a host of chassis and drivetrain changes with later examples featuring independent front suspension and Girling hydro-mechanical four-wheel drum brakes. The first model to benefit from these handling and braking advances was the 4AB which debuted in October 1950. It was followed in swift succession by the short-lived 1.2 litre 4AC and the 1.5 litre 4AD (known as the SM 1500 in twin carburettor guise). The 4AB was the first Singer Roadster to be made available to the home market in any quantity and was powered by a peppy 1074cc SOHC four-cylinder engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. As well as a more sophisticated chassis, it also ushered in a shortened radiator grille, lower bonnet line and more curvaceous wings. Arguably more glamorous than MG’s contemporaneous offerings, Singer Roadsters proved popular with Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis Jr, Lucille Ball and Katherine Hepburn. Only marketed for two years, just 1,001 Singer 4AB Roadsters are thought to have been made.

Reportedly well-known to the Association of Singer Car Owners, chassis 4AB7994V is a notably late example (production ceased with chassis 4AB8001V). Further understood to have been uprated to near ‘4AC’ specification during the 1980s with a 1.2 litre engine sourced from a Singer Super 10, the Roadster presents as a well-preserved older restoration. Finished in the handsome combination of British Racing Green with Beige upholstery, Dark Green carpets and Beige weather equipment, the four-seater was acquired by the vendor’s late father via our April 10^th 2019 auction for the princely sum of £14,490. Sidelined by its owner’s ill health, ‘FSL 131’ was kept garaged alongside a 4A Roadster stablemate. Said to have been ‘running and driving’ earlier this year, recommissioning is advised prior to any sustained usage.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737