1933 Singer Le Mans Type 1

Highlights

• Extensive £25,000 restoration completed 20 years ago with little use since
  Eligible for Classic Le Mans and Mille Miglia
• One of 60 early Type 1 cars fitted with rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors
• Very pretty car in black with smart burgundy trim and wire wheels
• Well-documented period competition history from 1934 to 1937
• 35 competitive events with numerous medals and first-place finishes
• Known period provenance with competition driver Leslie MacDonald
• Extensive history file including period photographs and magazine listings
• Voluntary MOT valid to May 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

The Le Mans, as the name telegraphs, parlayed the success of the Nine at the famous Circuit De La Sarthe into a road car. It was an instant hit, proving particularly successful with young servicemen thanks to its nimble handling and the zip of its 972cc four-cylinder, twin-carbureted engine.

Many of those buyers went on to campaign their cars at the many amateur Classic Trials events held up and down Britain in the pre-war era. This beautiful black-and-burgundy car was one of them, earning a remarkable 35 entries between 1934 and 1937. It achieved considerable success, including in the hands of enthusiast Leslie MacDonald, who achieved several podiums with this little rascal. The history file includes several fascinating photos of the car during these events.

Beyond the provenance, this is an especially notable Le Mans. Only the first 60 ‘Type 1’ Le Mans cars featured rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors like this car, before Singer switched to what was then considered a safer front-hinged design. It is also one of only 400 fitted with that 1L engine.

The history file indicates that the car has been well known in Singer Club circles, including featuring on the cover of the magazine and in various articles. 20 years ago, it was entrusted to Singer guru Ian Blackburn for a restoration that covered bodywork and trim and then again 14 years ago for an engine overhaul. The work is documented in handwritten notes and invoices provided with the car.

Unusually for a car of this age, it comes with the transparency of a current voluntary MOT. It runs to May 2027 with no advisories.

Whether you choose to campaign it or merely enjoy adding your name to its remarkable history, this is a real gem of a vintage car and one that looks thoroughly entertaining.

History and Paperwork

• First registered 31st October 1933
• DVLA records six UK keepers
• Total number of keepers may be higher due to DVLA record keeping
• Original buff log book included for transparency
• Current keeper since November 2019
• Extensive post-war history documentation as shown
• Various photos and handwritten records and articles of early history
• Regularly featured in Singer Club magazine as shown
• Extensive handwritten and typed invoices from Singer Workshop
• Bodywork and trim refurbished in 2007/2008 and engine in 2013/214 by Singer Workshop
• VIN number 60056
• Current voluntary MOT valid to 26th May 2027 with no advisories
• No structural or other advisories on MOT

The Condition

• Very smart older restoration by Ian Blackburn of Singer Workshop as documented
• Black paintwork continues to present well with few signs of age
• Nicely detailed car with leather bonnet strap and two spare wheels
• Burgundy wire wheels with vintage Dunlop tyres fitted
• Dual cowl wood veneer dashboard with classic dials and well kept switchgear
• Burgundy two seat leather layout with matching red carpets
• Features tonneau and sprung four spoke wheel
• The vendor describes the car as a very tidy example throughout

The Mechanics

• 972cc four-cylinder engine with twin carburettors, producing 34 bhp
• Four-speed manual gearbox
• Extensive engine work by Singer Workshop in 2013/2014 as shown in photos
• The vendor reports that the car starts readily and drives very well
• No advisories on MOT

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