The 4A Roadster

For 1950, Singer offered the 4A Roadster which differed little from its predecessor, with the important exception of the introduction of a four speed gear box. Not only did the addition of a fourth gear add to the tractability and flexibility of the Roadster throughout its speed range, but it provided the Singer engineering department with an opportunity to redesign the shift lever position. The new remote gear shift was placed conveniently within comfortable reach of the driver, in comparison to the old three speed lever that curled awkwardly from beneath the dash.

The driving position was also noticeably improved with modifications to the relative positioning of the steering wheel and the seating. This provided greater knee room, a more suitable driving position and greater ease of access and exit.

The engine remained unmodified at 1074 cc’s with the exception of a change in carburation. The S.U. was replaced by a single Solex downdraft unit. This may have accounted for the increase of 1b.h.p.over the Roadster’s advertised engine power output.

The only substantial drive train modification was a redesign of the rear axle, which now incorporated an offset spiral bevel and a bevel type differential in place of the spur gear.

New and improved bumpers that were stronger, deeper and curled at the ends were also added for increased protection from the peripherally challenged.

Date of Manufacture—4A Sep. 1949 to Oct. 1950,

Serial No. location — Brass plate under bonnet.

Engine
Firing order 1,3,4,2Four cylinder, 60 mm. by 95 mm. = 1,074 c.c.
                       :in 2.3622 X 3.7401 :cu in 65.54Single overhead camshaftRAC rated 9 hpCompression ratio 6.9:1 Maximum power 36 b.h.p. @ 5,000 r.p.m.Max Torque 47 lb/ft at 2800 r.p.m.Single Solex downdraft (30 F.A.I) carburatorIgnition Lucas coil

Gearbox and TransmissionBorg and Beck 7 1/4 in. single dry plate clutchFour speed gear box with ratios 5.43, 7.96, 12.32 and 19.5 to 1Synchromesh on second, third and fourth gearsHardy-Spicer open propeller shaftSpiral bevel final drive

Wheels and Brakes16 inch pressed steel easy-clean wheels5.00 X 16 inch Goodyear tiresTyre pressure: 20 lbs. sq. in. front, 22 lbs. sq. in. rearGirling mechanical brakes with 8 in drums

SteeringBurman worm and nut

SuspensionSemi-elliptic leaf front and rearArmstrong hydraulic shock absorbers

Main DimensionsWheelbase 7 ft. 7 ins.Track 3 ft 9 inOverall length 12 ft 7 3/4 inWidth 4 ft 7 3/4 inHeight (hood up) 4 ft 10 1/2 inTurning circle 34 ftGround clearance 5 1/2 inWeight 15 cwt

Price
£450 plus £125 15s purchase tax