A NEW SINGER SPORTS MODEL

A NEW SINGER SPORTS MODEL A 1,500 c.c. SIX CYLINDER CAR WITH STURDY CHASSIS AND ATTRACTIVE LINES.

THE successes achieved in the short time since the introduction of the Singer Nine are enough to secure favourable attention. for the new six cylinder model, and its specification reflects some of the lessons gained with . the smaller car. Developed from the “

14/’ the new car has been modified to allow it to stand up to the higher stresses of a sports vehicle, and Mr. Arthur Fox, of Fox and Nichol, so well known as the entrants of Talbot cars in international events, was intimately concerned in its development.

Starting with the power unit, the cylinder dimensions are 59 mm. and 91 mm. bore and stroke, giving a cylinder capacity of 1,493 c.c. and an R.A.C. rating of 12.95 h.p. Each cylinder has two overhead valves, operated by rockers from a single overhead camshaft. Valve clearances are adjusted by screws and lock nuts on the rockers, and a special contour on the rockers which operate the inlet valves gives a quick opening.

The aluminium pistons have each two rings and a special scraper, with capped gudgeon pins. Steel connecting rods are used. The four-bearing crankshaft has disc webs and is balanced, and a torque damper is fitted at the front end. A duplex chain drives the auxiliaries anll forms the first stage of the camshaftdrive, the second stage being a similar chain tensioned by a jockey pulley . When it is wished to remove the cylinder head the top sprocket can be disengaged from the camshaft without disturbing the timing. The self-priming gear-type oil pump is carried at the front end of the crank-case, and forces lubricant to all parts of the engine.

On the near side two Solex carburettors are bolted to a straight induction pipe, with hot spots, and the exhaust pipe is taken down at the front end of the engine, well away from the floor boards. An S.U. electric petrol pump is used to supply the fuel from the 10 gallon rear tank.

The dynamo is carried on the off-side, and also the vertically mounted distributor for the coil ignition. Advance and retard is automatic, a further movement being controlled by a hand-lever on the steering column. The engine is rubber-mounted at four points, and the gear-box is bolted on to

the rear end of the clutch housing. The clutch is of the single plate type but the gear-box is unusual in that it provides -:a silent-second in addition to a Silent third gear. Helical-teeth gears are used for these ratios and also for the constant mesh pinions. The ratios are 5.22, 6.65, 10.68 and 19.43 to 1, and the gear-lever is centrally mounted and operates through a remote-control.

The propellor shaft is open and has two Hardy Spicer joints, and the rear axle is three-quarter floating with spiral bevel final drive. The chassis is double-dropped and of

deep section in the centre of the car, with rigid cross-members. Half elliptic springs are used, and Andre shock absorbers. The steering is a new type worm-and-nut mechanism, with self-centring action, a welcome feature. Knock-on Rudge Whitworth wheels with 18 x 5.25 tyres, are used and the Lockheed hydraulic brakes work in 13 inch drums. A racing-type brake-lever is fitted in the centre of the car.

The chassis dimensions are :—Wheelbase 9ft. °tin. and track 4ft. 4th., so that there is plenty of room to fit a comfortable four-seater open body of pleasing appearance. Following to some extent the lines of the Singer Niue Sports. the long bonnet and

scuttle, slightly sloping, is balanced by the cut-away over the two doors, and the body sides continue back wards In a straight line, which is followed by the neatly stowed hood. The back panel slopes in a sweeping curve, and carries the spare wheel. The front wings are in one piece with the running-boards and the rear wings follow the lines of the back panel. The wind-screen folds flat and has a double Lucas wiper. A. Brooklands spring wheel is fitted and the J aegar 6in. speedometer and rev. counter are :carried on a sloping facia board, with other

necessary instruments.

The car is upholstered in leather, with pneumatic cushions. The two front bucket seats slide, and wells are fitted to increase the leg-room of the rear compartment.

From every point of view the new Singer is a welcome addition to the ranks of medium-powered sports cars. The engine runs smoothly up to 5,000 r.p.m., and propels the car with four passengers at speeds around 70 m.p.h. The body is big enough to take them in comfort and is attractive and well balanced in appearance.

Lastly, but not least important is the price, £295, which a few months ago seemed impossibly low for a fully-equipped I t litre car.