Description
This car is Lot 147 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at the Goodwood Members' Meeting Sale on the 13th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Saturday 12th April from 09:00 until 17:00 and Sunday 13 April from 09:00, at Goodwood Members' Meeting.
Lot 147
1934 Singer Nine Le Mans Sports Roadster
Registration no. BPB 896
Chassis no. 6020
One of the most desirable Post-Vintage sports cars
Original registration
Long-term single family ownership until around 2013
Restored circa 2012/ 2013
Present ownership since 2022
In 1932 Singer introduced one of its fondest remembered and most successful models: the Nine. The Nine's immediate ancestor was the 8hp Junior, a successful high-quality light car powered by a 848cc four-cylinder overhead-camshaft engine. Built from 1932 to 1939, the Nine employed a 972cc 26. 5bhp version of this motor in an entirely new chassis. A four-speed freewheel gearbox was standard while both the Nine Sports and the more powerful and faster Nine Le Mans came with hydraulic brakes. The latter had resulted from a successful venture into endurance racing, when a Nine Sports took 13th place in the 1933 Le Mans 24-Hour Race. A 1½-litre Le Mans was added to the range for 1934.
According to the Singer dating certificate on file, the Cheam Motor Company sold 'BPB 896' to a Mr Merrix on 22nd January 1934. Mr Merrix is believed to have used the Le Mans until WW2 when it was placed in storage. It was sold when hostilities ended and is believed to have competed in hill climbs. The Le Mans was then laid up again for many years before being rediscovered and sympathetically restored by its third owner. Undertaken circa 2012/ 2013, the restoration included a bare-metal respray; re-chroming of brightwork; reupholstering the leather seats; and fitting vinyl panels all round. The engine was overhauled with new pistons, timing chain, etc: all new parts being supplied by Singer specialists Hardwick Spares. In addition, the clutch was rebuilt; the wheels repainted; and the brakes, master cylinder and wheel cylinders refurbished. Longstone tyres were fitted.
In 2017 the Singer was sold to the immediately preceding owner, who continued the restoration but had not completely finished the minor details when the car was sold to our vendor in 2022. The original hood and side screens are included in the sale together with a newly fitted hood frame.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
