SMX Roadster

Singer Motors made automotive history by being the first British manufacturer to announce a production model with a body shell constructed entirely of plastic.

Known as the SMX, the new car was essentially a re-bodied SM 1500 Roadster, with the only other changes being the fitting of a larger, 10 gallon gas tank and 5.50 X 15 tires as opposed to the SM’s 5.00 X 16. The larger section tires were fitted to provide a slightly better ride.

The main body shell was comprised of two sections. The entire front from the scuttle forward, was a single unit, hinged to the front cross member so that it could be raised to give easy access to the engine.The second piece was the rear, which extended backwards from the trailing edge of the doors and curved over the rear wheels, incorporating fared rear fenders, the rear deck, the luggage and spare wheel comparments. The car was a full four seater, with twin front bucket seats and a bench-type rear seat. A forward tilting rear squab provided access to the rear luggage compartment.

Although Singer was the first to announce a plastic production model, they were reluctant to actually show it, when it became evident that they couldn’t produce quality fibreglass body panels. Accordingly, they commissioned the tooling of steel alternatives. When it became evident that retooling would be prohibitively expensive, the SMX died forever. Only four SMX Roadsters were ever built.

Engine
Four cylinder, 73 mm. by 89.4 mm. = 1,497 c.c.Overhead camshaftCompression ratio 7.47:1Maximum power 58 b.h.p. @ 4,600 r.p.m.Twin Solex F.A.I. downdraft carburatorsIgnition B.12. Lucas coil service No. 45012

Gearbox and TransmissionFour speed gear box with ratios 4.44, 5.58, 8.62 and 13.25 to 1. Reverse 13.25:1Synchromesh on second, third and fourth gearsHardy-Spicer open propeller shaftSpiral bevel final drive

Wheels and Brakes15 inch bolt on steel disc wheels5.50 X 15 inchGirling hydro-mechanical brakes with 9 in drums

SteeringBurman high efficiency

SuspensionFront independent coil springs and wishbone, rear semi-elliptic leafFront Armstrong telescopic shock absorbersRear Armstrong direct acting hydraulic shock absorbers

Main DimensionsWheelbase 7 ft. 7 ins.Track 3ft 10 3/4 inWeight 14 cwt

Price N/A