Fox&Nicholl’s team car, 2nd of the Rudge Withworth Cup at the 1934 24 Hours of Le Mans, 7th overall, very sgnificant competition history, excellent reconditioning.
After two events in early 1934, this Singer 6-cylinder 1500 was fitted with a more streamlined body and entered at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as number 26, with Arthur Fox entrusting the wheel to two of his most loyal drivers, Brian Lewis and John Hindmarsh (who would later win the 1935 Le Mans race in a Fox Lagonda).
Following this achievement at Le Mans, according to the book 'Singer Story', to David Venables and according to the article published in the magazine The Autocar in year 1953, the Singer took part in three events in 1934, still with the aerodynamic bodywork but with a 2-litre engine also supplied by the manufacturer: the Mannin Beg race (withdrawn), the British Empire Trophy at Brooklands in June (class victory), and the Brooklands 500 Mile Race in September (withdrawn).
From 1935 onwards, this car was refitted with the 1500 engine and bodywork and took part in many British competitions and trials with Mrs Rose Wood at the wheel (one of the first female drivers) and achieving several notable victories. A folder full of photos confirms these participations.
Purchased in 1938 by James Tilling, a motoring journalist, the Singer was rebuilt by Fox & Nicholl in the aftermath of the war; Tilling took part in several events, mainly at Brighton and Goodwood, until his final relay race at Silverstone in 1951.
This Singer 1500 boasts several plaques and medals, including a 1934 24 Hours of Le Mans brass plaque made by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and engraved with the inscription 'M. A. W. Fox'. Another was awarded to Mr Fox on his class victory at the 1934 Empire Trophy.
The car can be seen in Mantua, in northern Italy, and it comes with hood, tonneau cover and two spare wire wheels.
Racing history:
1934 24 Hours of Le Mans. 1. 500 cc engine. 7th Overall, 3rd in class. Lord Essendon’s (Brian Lewis)car driven by Hindmarsh and his Lordship was placed 2nd in the Rudge Cup final, 6th in qualifying round for following seasons Rudge Cup. Drivers: Lewis-Hindmarsh
1934 Mannin Beg – Sile of Man, Engine 2. 000 cc, Retired (Bent valve), Driver: Lewis
1934 British empire trophy – Brooklands - Engine 2. 000 cc, 1st in class, 8th overall, driver: Hindmarsh
1934 JCC International trophy – Brooklands, Engine 2. 000 cc, 16th position, driver: Fothringham
1934 BRDC 500 miles – Brooklands, Engine 2. 000 cc. Retired after a great race at more than 100 mph average speed. Driver: Hindmarsh
Mrs H Wood’s competition activities, all with 1. 500 cc:-
11. 35 W. A. S. A Buxton Trial, First Class Award
12. 35 NWLMC London-Gloucester Trial
2. 36 JCC Members Rally (Brooklands), No Award
3. 36 NWLMC Coventry Cup Trial
4. 36 WASA Westwood Ho Trial, First Class Award
5. 36 SODC Spring Trial, Second Class Award
5. 36 NWLMC Lawrence Cup Trial
6. 36 LAC Blackpool Rally
12. 36 NWLMC London-Gloucester Trial
12. 36 SODC v Southsea MC Challenge Match
2. 37 JCC Members Day (Brooklands), Second Class Award
3. 37 NWLMC Coventry Cup Trial, Second Class Award
3. 37 JCC ‘Scramble’ (Fernhurst), event stopped-too muddy
4. 37 WASA Maid of Kent Trial
7. 37 WASA Cotswold Invitation Trial Second Class Award
12. 37 NWLMC London-Gloucester Trial, Ladies Cup
12. 37 SODC Davis Trophy Trial
12. 37 SMCC Bullock Cup Trial, Third Class Award
3. 38 JCC Rally (Brooklands), First Class Award
5. 38 Chiltern CC Touring Trial, Second Class Award
James Tilling competition activities, all with 1. 500 cc
1948 Goodwood, opening meeting on 18 September in the 3 lap 1500cc sports car race (no. 34). Unplaced.
1949 Goodwood, BARC Members meeting on 13 August 1949 in race 4, a 5 lap handicap (no. 57) and was placed 9th.
1950 Brighton Speed Trial – 76th position
1951 750 cc Motor Club National Relay Race – Silverstone – 7th place
1952 750 cc Motor Club National Relay Race – Silverstone – 1st place
