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.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ 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.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

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 [email protected]