1938 Singer Bantam
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Highlights
- Significant professional restoration
- Just 45,438 miles
- Highly original vehicle
- Desirable two-tone paintwork
- Rare classic presented in superb condition
The Appeal
Singer’s Bantam was the first car it produced with an all steel body and was manufactured for just four years - from 1936 to 1939. This makes it an increasingly rare and desirable vintage classic. This car is a late model that benefits from a number of upgrades over the earliest cars, including a strengthened chassis and suspension and better brakes.
This lovely little two-door saloon has been significantly and professionally restored cosmetically and mechanically, while maintaining as much of the car’s original character and patina as is practical. It makes it a very attractive proposition for anyone wanting to dip their toe into the world of running a vintage classic, or for anyone who simply wants a lovely old car they can start enjoying straight away.
The History and Paperwork
- Just two registered owners - current since 2017 previous since 1984
- Only 45,438 miles from new
- Comprehensively restored by Oswestry Classic Car
- Historic vehicle – tax and MOT exempt
This car has quite an intriguing history. The car’s file shows that it was unregistered and unknown to the DVLA before 1984, when the previous owner went through the process of getting the car registered. They kept the vehicle until 2017 when the current owner purchased it. Since then the car has undergone significant restoration work, to both the bodywork and mechanical aspects of the car.
The Interior
- Gold painted dash and door trims
- New light grey headlining
- Original door cards
- Newly retrimmed black vinyl seats
One of the nicest aspects of this car’s restoration is the fact that the owner has kept as much of the car’s original character and patina as possible. Where elements of the interior have needed to be refreshed and renewed they have been (such as the headlining and seats), but wherever the original fixture could be retained they have been. So the dials, steering wheel, driving controls and door elements all feature a lovely level of functional wear that hints at the car’s true age and really adds to its charm.
There is some age-related wear and light damage to the door cards, mainly because the original items have been retained and are now more than 80 years old. The dark grey carpet is in good condition and the dash and door trims have been refinished in a gold colour which provides a great complement to the external colour scheme.
Obviously, there’s not much in the way of modern gadgetry, it is an 84 year old car after all, but all the switchgear, clocks and other interior elements function well. There is also a sliding black vinyl roof which offers occupants a great way to enjoy a bit of sunshine as they cruise around the countryside. Overall, the interior is a lovely place to be, comfortable, surprisingly spacious and practical.
The Exterior
- Full respray in two-tone scheme
- Full set of new tyres
- Rear mounted luggage rack
- Working semaphore signals (trafficators)
- Rear-mounted spare wheel
- Black vinyl sliding roof
The restoration of this little vintage car has clearly been carried out with real care and attention to detail. The paint finish is excellent, and all of the brightwork is in very good condition, having been restored and refinished as necessary during the recommissioning. All of the car’s panels are clean, straight and in excellent condition, with no damage evident at all.
As this is a later model, it features the Easyclene wheels, which were an option on earlier models. Painted in colour coded maroon with a chrome finished centre cap, they finish the car off really well and are a practical upgrade over the earlier car’s wire wheels.
Underneath the vehicle is in excellent condition, having been comprehensively restored and refinished. There was no evidence we could see of damage or corrosion.
The Mechanics
- 1,000cc OHC inline 4-cylinder
- 3-speed manual transmission
One of the key things that attracts people to vintage cars is the relative simplicity of the mechanical set-up, and the fact that they are quite easy to work on. The Bantam is no different. Featuring a robust and characterful little 1-litre overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine, it makes a delightful noise and provides plenty of power for the little car, which tips the scales at less than 800Kg.
The engine and drivetrain has been carefully inspected and refurbished where required during the restoration process. Thankfully, the owner has left the finish of the engine alone where possible, so it maintains its original green paint, along with the associated age-related wear. We think this is absolutely the right decision. It would have been possible to repaint and refinish every element of the drivetrain, but this sympathetic approach maintains so much of the car’s spirit, it would be churlish to be critical of it.
The owner assures us that the car drives and stops very well, and when we were there it certainly started, went and stopped very well. We didn’t see or hear anything that would concern us mechanically, it seems to be an extremely sound example.
Summary
It’s easy to see the appeal of vintage motoring – modern cars just don’t have the character of these vehicles. And if you want to maintain a car yourself, a vintage classic is a great option as they’re mechanically simple in comparison to more modern vehicles.
This little Bantam would be a great choice for anyone seeking a new classic car. Having been professionally restored, sympathetically and to a very high standard, any buyer can have confidence that this should give them many years of happy motoring. Whether you’re looking for something to burble about the countryside in of a weekend, or something that will be welcome at any classic car show you care to mention, this delightful vehicle really does fit the bill.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1938
- Make Singer
- Model Bantam
- Colour Burgundy and Black
- Odometer 45,438 Miles
- Engine size 1000
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Shropshire
- Country United Kingdom
17
bids
- bo•••• £7,750 12/07/22
- bo•••• £7,500 11/07/22
- bo•••• £6,100 11/07/22
- kn•••• £6,000 11/07/22
- Tw•••• £5,600 11/07/22
- kn•••• £4,750 11/07/22
- Tw•••• £4,500 11/07/22
- le•••• £4,000 10/07/22
- Br•••• £3,000 07/07/22
- Br•••• £2,500 07/07/22
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