I just found this little gem a short drive from my house..... I need it like I need an additional hole in the head....BUT, am I the only one that see's some custom fodder lying in wait here? Shave te tail light ledge and make it flow into the trunk and spalsh pan, rework the grill opening, little shave, little peak and possibly a carson-esque top with a nice static drop and (another gasp) a full dress 283...hmm the possibilities... Would this by chance be affiliated with the sewing machine Co? I already got the typical google search general specs....but anyone have any additional info on this ugly duckling? Anyone (Gasp) built one? Here's what I found http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/1280254024.html Man I gotta get my 49 done, this car speaks to me in a language I dont understand....but none the less ....it's talkin.
I dig wierd shit....Having something that you don't see every day makes me happy. If you decide to get it, keep us informed on your process.
Yup, me too.... I've spent the last 40 min staring at the side profile dreamin....and the second 40 min figuring out where to put it till the 49 is done (space issues) Back to dreamin....I tell ya this car has potential.... Damn, it's a sickness....
Singer was aquired by Rootes Group (MOPAR England) and the Gazelle was basically a badge engineered Hillman minx, Humber, or sunbeam rapier, should be a 1500 cc OHV (1498)engine with a single solex carb. Unless its a super, which would sport dual carbs and higher compression. Actually a pretty nice little car brought back to stock and an interesting basis for a custom. Engines and trans pretty much bullet proof, what enderd their improtation here was northeast rust. Had a friend with a Hillman Super minx in highschool, he hammered that thing mercilessly and it took everythi he could dish out till he went over a grade crossing with three football players i the back seat and a half keg int he trunk. The rear suspension slammed itself through its mounts. Believe its partial unibody so check underneath before purchasing.
Yeah, I built a Minx version once. Nosed, decked, shaved, lowered, tube grille. No pics I'm afraid. They're tiny compared to American cars, the engine bay's small (V6 may just fit) but the worst part is the front suspension. It'll only come down a couple of inches. Fun though, and cheap to do.
My father had a 57 Sunbeam Rapier series 1 and as far as bulletproof, well that is a matter of interpretation. The hydraulic clutch was bad news, the transmission was a column 4 speed and was a disaster waiting to happen. The rest of the car was pretty good, with a nice wood dash, overdrive in 3rd and 4th gears, engine pretty peppy. The Singer Gazelle is probably worth some good money. I WOULD NOT do anything but restore a classy import.
Besides.... its a vert I like Nads mild custom approach. Restoration is for men with no imagination! Do whatever you want and enjoy it. s.
Phhhhttttbbbbbtttthhhh Nah....orig-inal aint for me...I'm original....my cars are not... Gotta phone call into the bloke to go see it....we'll see
Seems like a great deal to me! Better get it, I'm not too far from there!! Also, doesn't that steering wheel look like the one that was on that custom roadster that nobody could figure out where it came from??
Just thought I would sound in on this little sweet toy of a car!! I just found one in a old junk yard, it's a convertible. not sure of the year? It looks just like the one in the picture if you would like info , let me know.
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