Singer SM1500
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Singer SM1500 | |
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| Manufacturer | Singer Motor Company |
| Production | 1948–1956 22,154 produced |
| Predecessor | Singer Super 12 |
| Successor | Singer Gazelle |
| Body style(s) | 4-door saloon |
| Engine(s) | 1506 and 1497 cc overhead cam |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 176 in (4,470 mm)[1] |
| Length | 176 in (4,470 mm)[1] |
| Width | 63 in (1,600 mm)[1] |
| Height | 64 in (1,626 mm)[1] |
The Singer SM1500 was the first car produced by the Singer Motor Company after World War II. It was officially announced in 1947 with deliveries starting for export in 1948 and home market models in 1949.
The car had a pressed steel body mounted on a separate chassis with independent suspension at the front using coil springs. Only a four door saloon was made. The brakes were hydraulically operated using a Lockheed system with 9 in (229 mm) drums. The four speed gearbox had a column change.
The engine was based on the one used in the Super 12 but with larger bore and shorter stroke giving a capacity of 1506 cc. From 1951 the stroke was further reduced to give a capacity of 1497 cc to bring it into the sub 1500 class. [2] From 1952 a 58 bhp twin carburettor version was available for an extra £28.[1]
Inside, the car had a bench front seat with folding armrest and was optionally covered in leather. The metal trim was given a wood grain finish.
A twin carb version tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 76 mph (122 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 23.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.6 L/100 km/18.7 mpg US) was recorded. The test car cost £1168 including taxes. [1]
17,382 SM1500 cars were made.[2]
[edit] Singer Hunter
In September 1954 the car was re-branded as the Singer Hunter with a traditional radiator grille and fibreglass bonnet lid until 1955. The Hunter was well equipped with twin horns and screenwash as standard. A horse-head mascot was fitted over the radiator. 4772 Hunters were made.[2]
A more basic model, the Hunter S, was released in 1956.
A more powerful Hunter 75 had a twin overhead camshaft engine but very few, possibly 20, were made before the range was cancelled after the Rootes Group took over Singer.[2]
The Hunter name was revived by Rootes in 1966 for their Rootes Arrow range, in the form of the Hillman Hunter.
