Many Classics fall into two camps, a vehicle that needs taking in hand as a full restoration project or one that has had all the money and time spent to give you a car to just drive away. But what if you want to tinker and put your own mark on a car without going all out on a full project? Easy answer, buy a car that’s pretty much done that you can drive and enjoy but with an odd outstanding job that you can fettle in your own time. Just like this lovely green Singer Gazelle. 

Owned by the present keeper for the last 7 years who has needed to do nothing other than replacing a tired auto box and maintain the mechanicals. The car has been used sparingly over these years and there are those little jobs that he has not got around to. Namely to cure some wear and tear issues on the seats and to replace the headlining. Ne real biggy, and something that could be farmed out to a pro but it could put a real personal finish to an already pretty fettled machine,

Some of the history can be traced through the variety of invoices that have been kept but there is also quite an interesting story written out by a previous owner detailing the history in more detail. There is, of course, a current historic V5c to accompany the car.

It would appear that the outstanding jobs on this little car are pretty much isolated to the interior. The seats are in generally good condition but the Driver’s is showing some signs of overuse and tears are beginning to appear at the base adjacent to the handbrake. The headling needs removing and replacing ideally and the carpet is quite worn in the Driver’s footwell. 

The veneered dashboard is also in reasonable condition considering it is nearly 60 years old, but this is the sort of thing someone may want to remove and return to a pristine condition. The gear selector gaiter is not original and seeking a better one could enhance the interior a lot.

The car has been painted in the past although the year it was done is uncertain. What can be said is that it was done before the present owner purchased it 7 years ago. It is in a delightful metallic green with black details and it does appear to suit the car. The bright work looks original and has the charm of having a level of patina to advertise the car’s age. 

Everything opens and closes well and there’s no apparent drop to the doors. Original steel wheels are employed and are accessorised with period trims. The body is not without a few chips and scuffs but nothing that would require immediate attention.

The mechanical condition of this lovely Gazelle appears to be good. The car had not run for three years due to Covid but fired up almost instantly with the aid of a battery pack. It soon settled into a smooth idle and the fumes were minimal considering it had been standing for so long. I have been assured by the owner that everything works as it should.

Buying a classic car that has already been fully restored takes a lot of the pain, anguish and of course, expense out of dealing with it yourself. There are plenty of people out there that consider the restoration as the big draw to buying a classic, but not everyone wants to get down and dirty stripping a car to its chassis and starting again. Some ardent fans just prefer to have a little dabble on a Saturday and still drive it on a Sunday. 

For those people, this is the car for you because you have a roadworthy and presentable little motor that just needs a few interior details dealing with. Buy yourself a piece of British motoring history without the years of knuckle grazing restoration and without emptying the coffers to get it the way you want it. You know it makes sense.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*