Beschreibung
THE Rootes Group pinned the up-market Saloon the Singer Gazelle midway between their other two "Audax" (Latin for bold) models the Hillman Minx and the Sunbeam Rapier. Singer had been bought by the Rootes empire by this time and was a model always highly thought of in the motor industry. The beautiful looking Gazelle, with its two-tone paintwork and luxuriously appointed interior, was always considered to be a cut above so many of its rivals in the family car stakes. And this exact model, the Series IIIA, was in my opinion the pick of the entire herd of Gazelles. If indeed that is the correct collective noun for Gazelles which it probably isn't?
The Series IIIA came with the 1500cc engine coupled to twin Solex carbs. Most unusual for a mid sized family saloon in 1960. Soon afterwards, the Gazelle reverted to single carb. But this model was, for me, the one to have. Previous engines on the Series 1 and II had been smaller at 1400cc. Also those models were built with rounded off rear wings, a style that was to re-emerge post Series III with both the V and the VI. There was no series IV.
Thus the Series III was the only Gazelle to come with these delightfully period roll over rear fins and three individual rear lights stacked vertically. The design was bang on!
So this example, offered today by Martin Howey Classic Cars (Est. 25 years), comes in Holly Green with a Willow Green side flash. She is a beautiful Gazelle with a super interior too. Her engine runs more like a Singer sewing machine than a motor car and she is a mega comfortable car. She is as pretty as she looks in the photos. Like so many Audax models, her front wings are non-steel. These Gazelles are a rare sight these days but they do stand out from the crowd and this 1960 motor car is a real eyeful!
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 63-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 63-years-old. It's not two, five or even ten-years-old as your own everyday car may be. It has been in service for more than half a century and so will have quirks and faults in there somewhere. However, faults on these old girls are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 25 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below.
