Highlights
- One of the last of the 1,000 pre-war R Series cars
- In the same family for over 60 years
- Older restoration from the chassis upwards
- Engine re-bored and restored in 1995 with only 200 miles covered since
- Recently refreshed in 2025 including respray work and re-chroming
- Always garaged and used sparingly on dry days
The Appeal
The Singer 9 was the Coventry firm’s riposte to MG’s TD, offering pre-war buyers four seats in place of the Abingdon car’s more compact two seat layout. It was born in difficult times and just 1,000 were built before hostilities broke out.
These early, pre-war models are known as ‘R Series’ cars due to their chassis suffix and feature detail differences from their later post-war cars, notably the location of the engine and the cabin size. This rather lovely dark green example is likely one of the last built - the body number is 955R - and we are told it was despatched to the Isle of Man when new. It was subsequently acquired by the vendor’s father in 1965 as a project for restoration. Over the subsequent years that work was done, including a chassis-up renovation and, later, an engine rebuild and rebore in 1995.
The vendor tells us that the car has covered only 200 miles since that work was completed. Despite the limited use, in 2025 it was treated to some recommissioning work including renovating and painting the wings, replacing the carpets, refurbishing the dashboard, detailing the engine bay and rechroming various elements. As you can see in the photos, it presents very well and we’re told that it starts and drives correctly.
As an antidote to more common pre-war roadsters, this pretty, much-loved and very rare Singer is ready for its first new home over 60 years.
The vendor says:
“A fantastic example of a pre war early English sports car. Its been well loved and cherished for over 60 years by our family.”
Key Information
- Mileage: odometer reads 99,425 miles but has been replaced and is not believed to reflect actual mileage; the vendor estimates approximately 1,200 miles have been covered in their ownership
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 1,074cc engine, three-speed manual transmission
- Paperwork: various invoices, handwritten notes, letters, handbooks, brochures
The Detail
- Chassis number J27948R and body number 955R as shown in photos
- Smart dark green paintwork with matching lighter green leather and carpets
- There are a couple of paint chips noted at the end of the doors
- Two small scratches on the side
- Some bubbling to note to base of doors as shown
- Wings refurbished and repainted in 2025
- Characteristic Singer crack at the rear where the wooden chassis element flexes
- Grille and hub caps rechromed in 2025
- Steel wheels with body colour paint and classic Avon tyres
- Supplied with large zippable black vinyl tonneau
- Smart mid green leather 2+2 four seat interior in good order
- Recently replaced carpets in green and remaining in good order
- Refurbished wooden dual cowl dashboard
- Green leather rimmed steering wheel
- Seats recovered in the 1990s and reported by the vendor to look great
- Vendor states the car starts on the button and idles well
- We are told that the car drives well and is smooth through the gears
- Brakes described as effective, though light by modern standards
- Handbrake holds on a hill according to seller
- Vendor states everything works as it should
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 fee. 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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
