1939 Singer 9 Roadster

Highlights

• One of the last of just 1,000 pre-war R Series cars produced
• In the same family for over 60 years
• Restored from the chassis upwards over 30 years
• Engine re-bored and rebuilt in 1995 with few miles covered since
• Recently refreshed in 2025 including wing respray and re-chroming
• New fuel pump just fitted

The Appeal

While buyers of MG’s TD had to make do with just two seats, Singer’s 9 provided space for two adults and two rather smaller people, a utility that makes these much rarer cars especially practical as modern vintage tourers. Just 1,000 were built before was ended production, so they are rare too. These early, pre-war models are known as 'R Series' cars due to their chassis suffix and feature detail differences from their post-war successors, notably the location of the engine and the cabin size.

This rather lovely dark green example is likely one of the last built — its 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 restoration project, and over the following years a chassis-up renovation was completed, followed by an engine rebuild and rebore in 1995. The vendor tells us that the car has covered only 200 miles since that mechanical work was finished.

Despite its limited use, in 2025 the car was treated to a programme of recommissioning covering the bodywork, interior and brightwork. In 2026 it received a new fuel pump. As the photographs show, it presents well. As an antidote to more common pre-war roadsters, this pretty, much-loved and very rare Singer is ready for its first new home in over 60 years.

The vendor says:

“The engine runs well after the change of the fuel pump. Its in good condition has been used well but only one short journeys when sunny and dry. Its a great Pre war car. It really is head turner along with a great feeling of pride or like Mr Toad! The car does drive well for it's age and it has been used not stored in a museum.”

Key Information

• Mileage: 99,440 miles indicated (total mileage may be higher)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 1,074cc inline four-cylinder petrol, three-speed manual transmission
• Paperwork: various invoices, handwritten notes, letters, handbooks and brochures

The Detail

• Chassis number J27948R and body number 955R
• Dark green paintwork with lighter green leather and carpets
• A couple of paint chips noted at the end of the doors
• Two small scratches on the side
• Some bubbling noted at the base of the doors
• Characteristic Singer crack at the rear where the wooden chassis element flexes
• Wings refurbished and repainted in 2025
• Grille and hub caps rechromed in 2025
• Steel wheels with body colour paint and Avon tyres
• Supplied with a large zippable black vinyl tonneau cover
• Mid green leather 2+2 interior reported by the vendor to be in good order
• Recently replaced green carpets
• Refurbished wooden dual cowl dashboard
• Green leather-rimmed steering wheel
• Seats recovered in the 1990s and reported by the vendor to be in good order
• Oil gauge, ammeter and speedometer all reported as working
• Fuel pump recently replaced in 2026
• Vendor states the car starts on the button and idles well
• Vendor reports the car drives well and is smooth through the gears
• Brakes described by the vendor as effective, though light by modern standards
• Handbrake reported to hold on a hill
• Reported to be in good condition underneath with no rust
• Vendor states everything works as it should

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