Highlights
- Extensive older restoration by a Singer Roadster restoration specialist
- Lots of history including recent fuel pump, speedo and carburettor repairs
- Current keeper since 1997
- Included registration number JER 500 valued separately at £4,500
- Recent September 2024 voluntary MOT for transparency
The Appeal
Singer’s Roadster was the firm’s entry in the burgeoning post-war transatlantic two-seater market. Stylish, light and nimble, it was improved significantly with the arrival of the 4AB in 1950. This updated car got independent front suspension, sharper steering and better Girling brakes to bring the Roadster up to the best of its peers.
As an alternative to the more common MG and Triumph rivals, the Singer is a compelling choice. This car was acquired by the seller in 1997 because he used to own one when he was younger. Bought from renowned Singer specialist Trevor Cornelius, it was extensively restored by him to the vendor’s precise requirements. These prioritised factory-correct originality and specification wherever possible.
The work included fitting a reconditioned, correct-specification engine and a full respray in white, which makes an understated and classy alternative to the more common red. Since acquiring the car it has been used regularly and maintained to the sort of level you would expect of an enthusiast and Singer Club member. Significant work was undertaken in 2017 and 2018 which is shown in photos. Recent highlights have included a carburettor overhaul, speedometer repair, new fuel pump and other general servicing and repairs. The history file documents these and is shown in the photos.
The seller tellsus that the car has only ever been entrusted to experienced classic car specialists. It is a mark of his approach that the car has been regularly MOT’d despite this not being a legal requirement. The last test was in September 2024 so it provides useful transparency for the buyer. The car has been recently serviced and fitted with a new battery.
The vendor says:
“I have always admired the sporty, flowing lines of the Roadster 4AB, but I think what has impressed me most about the model over the years, is its adaptability and functionality. It turns heads and stops passers-by when in its racier look but also works perfectly as a 4-seater family car. It is a stunning looker in its “racing” mode with the hood down and side screens off, the windscreen lowered down onto the bonnet and the wind deflected from driver and passenger by the sculptured shape of the fascia. Perfect for a drive on a balmy, summer’s day. A complete contrast to the cosy car with the windscreen back up, the sides screens in place and the hood raised more suitable for a dull rainy winter’s day. And, in between those two extremes all sorts of combinations are possible with, the windscreen, the hood, the side screens and the tonneau cover all available for use and all dependant on your mood or the demands of the weather!”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1951
- Vendor states car was originally registered in Peterborough, Northamptonshire
- Several former registered keepers in Preston, Yorkshire we are told
- DVLA records first UK registration as January 1996
- This is likely due to the car being restored following a period of storage
- Previously red which was re-registered as white with DVLA in September 1997
- Registration Number JER 500 included which vendor says is valued at £4,500
- Chassis/Frame Number: 4AB7074U
- Engine Number: 4AB33422
- Two UK keepers since re-registration by DVLA as above
- Current keeper since August 1997
- Acquired from Trevor Cornelius, a Singer Roadster restoration specialist
- Underwent complete renovation in 1997 by Cornelius
- Engine replaced with reconditioned 1,074cc (same as original)
- Always garaged indoors since restoration
- Regularly serviced by mechanics experienced in vintage cars
- Detailed history of work available with highlights in photos
- Historic Vehicle registered
- Vendor states car has agreed insured value of £15,000
- Factory handbooks
- Singer Owners Club magazine
- Extensive recent repairs summarised below
- Voluntary MOT valid to 11th September 2025 with advisories to note
- Vendor advises that car received significant work in 2017/18 as shown in photos
Recent maintenance summary:
- 28/08/25: carburettor refurbished
- 09/06/25: speedometer repaired
- 30/05/25: fuel pump repairs
- 13/09/24: various repairs as shown in photos
The vendor says:
“I first came across this car in 1997 when visiting a well-known Singer Roadster restoration specialist, Trevor Cornelius, based in Kent. Trevor had acquired it from the previous owner in Preston, Yorkshire. It had had several previous owners in that area, but it was originally registered in 1951 in Peterborough, Northamptonshire. Trevor was, at the time, the Registrar for the Singer Owners Club and had access to original Roadster parts held by the club, as well as club certified suppliers of replacement components. I was visiting him in search of exactly this model, having owned my first one as a student back in the 1960’s. The car I was now viewing clearly needed some renovation work. However I was aware that with Trevor’s many years of experience on this particular model and his access to genuine replacement components, this was the ideal way to acquire a Roadster 4AB which I could rely on for the long term. Now, 28 years later I can look back and say I was absolutely right.
“My brief to Trevor was for the car to remain strictly to the original 1951 mechanical and electrical specifications and he was in the position to adhere rigidly to this. The engine was replaced at that time with a reconditioned one of 1074cc, the same as was fitted when new. An original detailed list of the work he did to the car at that time is available. The car came to me resplendent in new paintwork, hood, tonneau cover, trim and reconditioned arm indicators and it still looks great today.
“Since it’s restoration the car has always been garaged indoors. It has been regularly serviced over the years, and the engine has been converted to run on modern lead-free petrol. During the most recent service a new battery was installed and a new set of tyres fitted, the carburettor was reconditioned and the Speedometer/clock serviced.
“I have always ensured that the service and any subsequent repairs have been carried out by mechanics experienced in vintage car work. I recommend any Roadster 4AB owner joining The Singers Owners Club as members advice and access to genuine original or certified spares can be invaluable to new owners.
“The registration number, JER 500, has been the subject of interest and offers as a “cherished number plate” over the years and has been recently valued separately to the car at £4,500. it is included in the price.
“As the taxation class of this car is "Historic Vehicle" it does not require an annual MOT. However, voluntary MOTs have been performed on it from time to time prior to annual servicing. It passed the latest MOT, performed in September 2024 prior to it's annual service.
The last major work was carried out in 2017/18, this is detailed in the available paperwork. Prior to that that the only major work carried out was when the car was purchased in 1998. As mentioned above, the details of that are also available.”
The Condition
- Older restoration in white with tan trim and roof by Singer Roadster expert
- Very well kept paintwork and bodywork as shown in photos
- Paintwork has stood up well since renovation with few minor marks and scratches
- Chrome work mostly original from 1951 with some areas in need of some attention
- Underneath framework and flooring has been sealed and well protected
- Tan roof, tonneau and side screens in very good condition
- Tonneau cover and hood were renewed during restoration
- Recently fitted with new tyres
- Tan leather seats plus internal upholstery and floor covering replaced during restoration
- Interior presents very well with light patina typical of age of restoration
- All restoration work in line with original factory specifications
- Can be configured as sporty two-seater or practical four-seater family car
- Various configurations possible with adjustable windscreen, hood, side screens and tonneau cover
- Windscreen can be lowered onto the bonnet for "racing" mode
The vendor says:
“The paintwork has stood up well since the renovation, with a few minor marks and scratches which have been collected over the years.The chrome work is mostly original from 1951, whilst it stil looks reasonable overall it could now benefit from some attention in places. Underneath, the framework and flooring has been sealed and is well protected..
“The leather seating and internal upholstery and floor covering were all replaced when the car was reconditioned when I bought it. All very much in line with how i remember my first Roadster 4AB I owned back in the 1960s. The tonneau cover and hood were also renewed at that time, again, all very much in line with the original.”
The Mechanics
- Replacement reconditioned 1,074cc Singer 36bhp engine fitted during restoration
- Manual transmission with early synchromesh gearbox
- Engine starts easily and runs well we are told
- Factory-standard engine with modification for modern unleaded petrol
- Original mechanical petrol pump requires hand priming if car unused for a few days
- No significant faults known according to seller
- Recently serviced and fitted with new battery
- Carburettor reconditioned and speedometer/clock serviced in 2025
- Minor advisories to note on last MOT
The vendor says:
“The car has been serviced regularly and the detailed history of work carried out above and beyond the normal annual greasing, oiling etc. is available. The engine starts easily and is running well, it is factory-standard with the exception that it has been modified for the use of modern unleaded petrol. It should be noted that, as was standard in this model, the original petrol pump fitted is mechanical and, as such, requires hand priming if the car has not been used for a few days. The priming lever is on the pump which is mounted on the driver's side of the engine.
“There are no significant faults that I am aware of. The gearbox has an early synchromesh arrangement, not the most effectve design, but a pause in neutral in between gear changes is all that is needed for a smooth gear change.”
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.
