Lot details Registration No: AXC 66 Chassis No: 61076 Mot Expiry: July 2007
Arguably Singer's first true performance offering, the 'Nine' Sports was unveiled in July 1932 (though, production would not begin for another three months). Looking every inch the 1930s sportscar thanks to the efforts of stylist Eric Neale, its rakish open four-seater bodywork (complete with helmet wings, louvered bonnet / scuttle panels and sharply sloping tail) was underpinned by a robust ladder-frame chassis that featured all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, adjustable Andre-Hartford friction dampers and four-wheel hydraulic 10-inch drum brakes. Uprated via an increased sump capacity, standard cooling fan and twin SU carburettors, the newcomer's 972cc OHC four-cylinder engine developed some 31bhp @ 4,600rpm and was allied to a close-ratio four-speed manual gearbox. Reputedly capable of 66mph and sustained 50mph cruising, the 'Nine' Sports soon acquired an enviable competition pedigree. Not content with the eight premier awards it won during the Christmas 1932 London to Exeter run, the following season saw the model distinguish itself at the Monte Carlo Rally (3rd Monte des Mules Hillclimb), Colmore Trophy Trial (Team Prize, Rhode Cup), London to Lands End Trial (Team Prize), London to Edinburgh Trial (twelve premier awards), Liverpool MC Trial (Team Prize) and Alpine Six-Day Trial (2nd Prize under 1100cc class). However, its crowning achievement came at that year's Le Mans when the mildly tuned version driven by Barnes and Langley became the first unsupercharged sub-1000cc British car to qualify for the Rudge-Whitworth Biennial Cup (covering 1,181 miles at an average speed of 49.4mph in the process) - a feat that inspired Singer to release the celebratory two-seater 'Nine' Le Mans model in October 1933.
Finished in blue with blue leathercloth upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed 'crash' gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. First registered on December 20th 1933, 'AXC 66' reportedly "carries a 'Le Mans' plaque on the apron and a 'Le Mans' achievements plate on the dashboard". Nicely patinated, its cabin is protected by a "scruffy" hood, "functional" tonneau and "good" sidescreens (the latter stowing in a special compartment located under the chassis on the driver's side). Thought to be "very original" in terms of its "instruments, body, wings and engine etc", 'AXC 66' is said to benefit from a "heavier than standard special crankshaft" and to show "good oil pressure". Riding on wire wheels, this engaging prewar sportscar is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 2007 and historic class (free) road tax.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until July 2007.
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