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The Singer Roadster is a nine tax horsepower open 2/4-seater sports-tourer automobile manufactured by Singer from 1939 to 1955. It was launched in March 1939 as an open version of Singer's Bantam saloon and using many Bantam parts. Advertising copy incorporated "from the inspiration of the Le Mans model" though the Singer sports-racing link remained deliberately muted after the death of 8 spectators in September 1936's RAC Tourist Trophy on Ireland's Ards Circuit, the Ulster TT. In that era the TT was a handicap and won by either MG or Riley. Unlike the Le Mans the Roadster was designed and built so it could be sold at a moderate price. After less than six months production was suspended for the duration of World War II then restarted with the engine moved forward, more interior space and other minor modifications. The Roadster was upgraded to the 4A model in 1949 with a four speed manual gearbox. The short lived 4AB and 4AC models were released in 1950 followed by the 4AD SM Roadster in 1951. The last cars were made in 1955. ==Singer 9 Roadster 1939-1949== The original Roadster was an occasional four-seat, two-door tourer, mostly based on the Bantam saloon with a cheery character. It had Singer's overhead camshaft, 1074 cc inline-four engine used in the Bantam range but tuned slightly to give at 5000 rpm by fitting a high efficiency "hot-spot" manifold and downdraught SU carburettor, as well as having slightly higher compression. For 1940 sliding glass panels replaced the celluloid in the sidescreens along with other equipment improvements. A chromed front bumper was now standard as were twin aero screens for use when the windscreen was folded flat to reduce frontal area. A fitted suitcase was supplied to take full advantage of the usable space in the luggage compartment.〔 Performance was handicapped by the use of the Bantam's three speed gearbox and top speed was in the order of . The makers claimed a top speed of and acceleration: 0 to in 6 seconds and 0 to in 18 seconds. Standard equipment included a spring steering wheel, concealed spare wheel, 12-volt electrical system and windscreen wipers.〔Cars Of To-Day. ''The Times'', Wednesday, Aug 16, 1939; pg. 8; Issue 48385〕 The body was built in the traditional method of aluminium panels fixed to a wooden framework. The suspension used leaf springs and was non independent with rigid axles front and rear. The brakes were mechanically operated. The successful Roadster re-appeared following the war, in 1946, with these modifications: non-lubricated rubber shackle bushes, improved seating accommodation provided by moving the engine forward and an improved lid at the rear of the body providing a flat platform for luggage.〔Singer Car Models.''The Times'', Friday, Aug 10, 1945; pg. 7; Issue 50217〕 These changes seem to have improved the handling.〔 Better engine mounts and other isolations were introduced, providing a smoother ride and lessening maintenance. Cars began to filter out to the dealers in September 1946.〔Singer Motors Ltd. ''The Times'', Saturday, Sep 14, 1946; pg. 2; Issue 50556〕 Nearly all post war production was exported. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Singer Roadster」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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