Highlights
- Pretty and rare 4 seater post war roadster
- Only 10,815 miles reported from new
- Detailed recorded history from new
- Desirable final 4AD model with twin carburettors
- Original RHD factory model
- Extensive recommissioning in 2020
- Recently refurbished gearbox and new electronic petrol pump
- Serviced and regreased in last 2,000 miles
The Appeal
The 4AD was the last of a long line of pretty, compact Singer roadsters. They were built in small numbers, mainly for export and mostly to the USA where they remain popular.
This ‘53 is a rare RHD example with the more powerful twin carburettor set up of the final cars. It must be amongst the most widely travelled of these lovely cars, spending time in Sudan, Netherlands, Germany and now the UK during its long yet sparingly used life in the hands of few keepers.
For classic collectors, these attractive cars stand out for their rarity and unusual four seater layout. Classically finished in ‘racing red’ this beautiful example has clearly been looked after and we are told that the 10,815 displayed mileage is likely correct.
It was restored in the 1970s before spending time as part of a small museum collection. It arrived in the UK in 2020 when an extensive recommissioning process began. More recently it has received a gearbox rebuild in 2024 and servicing and re-greasing with the last 2,000 miles.
History and Paperwork
- Despatched by the factory on 2nd April 1953 to Singer dealer Christos Simos in Khartoum, Sudan
- First owned by an English diplomat but little used because his wife was unable to drive it
- Subsequently shipped to Rotterdam by Harold Edinga and restored in 1978 and 1979
- Sparingly used by Edinga for local shows and classic car rallies
- Acquired by collector Norbert Buttgen of Stolberg, Germany in 2013
- Arrived in the UK in 2020 as part of the Buttgen collection
- Recommissioned by previous seller with summary detailed below
- Large volume of old paperwork, books, and manuals
- Less than 2,000 miles driven since purchase in February 2022
- Carefully kept in a home garage since purchase
- All oils and oil filter changed, and car re-greased
- Gearbox refurbished in 2024
- Last MOT to 22nd February 2024 with 9,875 miles showing on test and no advisories
- Now showing 10,815 miles
Recommissioning by Sovereign Car Sales in 2020 prior to vendor’s purchase:
- New fuel pump
- Replacement master cylinder and brake cylinders
- Relined front brake pads
- Radiator checked and repainted
- New exhaust built and fitted
- Front and rear seat belts fitted#
- Hood refurbished
- Speedometer recalibrated
- Temperature gauge repaired
- Grille rechromed
- Rear bumper rechromed
- Bonnet side grills rechromed
- Full service with new gaskets for rocker cover, sump and carburettors
- Engine and gearbox oil changed
- Brake fluid changed and brakes bled
- New points and spark plugs fitted
- Full greasing
The Condition
- Bright stand-out ‘Post Office’ red paintwork in very good order
- Recommissioned in 2020 with details above
- Wooden dashboard in fine condition with working gauges
- Black upholstery in good condition, boot fits a full-size spare wheel
- Four seater layout with front and rear seatbelts
- Refurbished hood complete with side panels and tonneau cover
- New chromed bumpers and chrome luggage rack
- Vendor advises that the sidelights might eventually need re-chroming
- Small and attractive, fits in a small garage, carries two adults and two dogs
- Boot can carry two parasols, and a picnic hamper can be used on the back rack
- Great details incluidng red chromed wheels and badge bar
- Classic ‘dual cowl’ dashboard
- No structural advisories on last MOT
- Underside in good order
- Smal boot and full size spare wheel
The Mechanics
- 1,497cc 4cyl Singer engine with later twin carburettor specification
- 4spd manual transmission
- New exhaust fitted
- Gearbox removed and refurbished this year
- New electronic petrol pump
- Programmable electronic ignition fitted
- Original distributor included with the car
- Chromed and fixed spare tools under the bonnet
- Vendor reports that it provides a nippy and enjoyable experience
- Brakes are reported to be good brakes for its day
- Easy to operate gearbox and clutch according to seller
- Mechanically recommissioned in 2020 with details outlined above
- No reported running or driving issues
- No mechanical or running gear advisories on last MOT
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
