1966 Singer Gazelle MK VI |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1966 Singer Gazelle MK VI

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Mileage~28,997
TransmissionManual
Engine1.7-litre
LocationBletchley, Buckinghamshire

AUCTION CLOSED

1966 Singer Gazelle MK VI

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Admired by those seeking comfort and a little well-mannered style - a true little classic.

Singer was part of a huge organisation that specialised in well-made cars appealing to a conservative market. Known as the sporting variant of the group, the brand became rebadged to Hillmans after the war, albeit with more power and plusher furnishings. Introduced in 1956, the Gazelle underwent several iterations - this is the MK VI.

Powered by the favoured 1725cc engine, the Gazelle is a deceptively brisk performer. 14,842 MK VI cars left the Coventry production line, but due to the large and complicated semantics of the Rootes organisation, its standing as a comfortable and refined family car had been overshadowed not only by other Rootes cars, but a whole gamut of Ford and BMC rivals.

As a rolling restoration, with a sound chassis combined with a well-maintained history, this rather underrated car could be ideal for someone looking for a starter classic with lots of style, some fascinating original paperwork and an exceptionally low-mileage.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren Rungasamy after meeting Simon the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Both my dad and brother were Rootes car owners - I have lots of fond memories.

Simon has long had a fondness for the Singer Gazelle, due to formative memories recollected from experiences of his dad's car when he was young. As an owner of several classics cars, he grasped the opportunity to buy this car two years ago as a possible project, however, rationality with a dose of realism meant that he’s going to focus on his main classic car.

Simon

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Subject to a previous partial restoration, the car has a very sound foundation making it an easier project for an enthusiast.

Wheels and Tyres

All four 'Motorway' branded tyres date from the mid-'90s, and although they show a reasonably healthy amount of tread, it would be a sensible precaution to replacement them. The steel wheels are in decent shape, with no significant signs of kerb damage or distortion, the trims show signs of age but are largely damage-free.

Bodywork

Structurally the car is very good, with much of the underside, inner wings and other structural elements in decent order.

Age has caught up with some of the bodywork panels but by no means in a terminal manner. The main issues revolve around the front wings, with the lower sections of the rear arches also showing corrosion and a few bubbles forming on some of the doors, but the engine bay, boot section are strong.

The sills are in solid condition, with some evidence of surface rust here and there. The panel work is in decent condition with no significant dents or scrapes, including the roof and panel work.

All-in-all a very good base to start from.

Paint

The Silver Moss paint has seen a blow over in the mid-'90s but has now become something of a flat finish.

The trim has been spared much of the overspray and appears to have been properly prepared.

The paint coverage is relatively even, suggesting that it was of a good standard. There are typical age-related scratches and wear throughout, particularly on the roof - but that's prime patina.

Glass and Trim

The ample body chrome work has survived well and is in presentable condition.

Some areas, such as the boot hinges and door handles have corrosion blemishes but other areas such as the detailing around the glass, grill and lights are good.

The glass areas are good with no major signs of damage, cracks or chips although the windscreen and rear window rubber show signs of deterioration. Both sets of bumpers are in good condition, having been treated to a satin finish.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Despite its 1966 build year, the interior reflects an age an older tradition.

Seats and Carpets

This is where the benefit of the low mileage really comes in. The seats are in very good shape, with minor signs of wear but no tears.

The door cards are good, with minor signs of ageing, the headlining has been recently replaced by a local specialist and is faultless.

The carpets and mats have worn through in places so a new set could be the finishing touch to the interior.

Dashboard

The dashboard presentation is a visual treat, although the wood veneer lacquer finish that is showing age.

The leather facia top and the rest of the dashboard is in good condition with no significant damage and just the usual wear.

The controls and switches and are in good condition, with elements of wear to the dials, but all said to be operational.

It comes fitted with a separate parking light plug.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear stick are in good condition with no obvious damage, just the expected touches of age.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The engine is pleasingly refined, even by today's standards.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine was initially a little reluctant to start, but once fired up it sounded strong and didn't miss a beat. It ran well with no knocking noises.

The actual engine is said to not use much oil and there was no evidence of leaking on our visit.

Overall the engine presentation was good and suggested that it has seen plenty of attention over the years.

The gearbox is said to be working well with no issues.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes were overhauled in 2018 and as a result, perform well. The suspension absorbs the road well, with no knocking noises coming from the components.

The Drive

The appeal of the Singer Gazelle comes from the absorbent ride which is cushioned further by the well-shaped seats.

As the car travelled, there were no significant noises emanating from the steering or suspension, with the very smooth and sweet engine providing plenty of power to keep up with the traffic.

Its slightly demure styling may give it the appearance of an older car but the heads still turn. Its charm really shines through.

Electrics and Other

The car is used and therefore the owner has ensured that the electrical systems are reliable and fit for road use.

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History and Paperwork

A mileage reading of just 28,997 is backed up by its fascinating paperwork.

The Singer comes with quite a history as so much of the original paperwork has been preserved, including its original green logbook. This not only gives you clues about the original owner but also includes the care and attention spent on the car, thanks to detailed records of maintenance, old tax discs, bills of sale and insurance paperwork.

Originally bought by a lady owner from Surrey in 1966, she retained the car into the early '80s. It was then passed on to two more long term owners, meaning that the car had only seen three owners over its first 50 years!

It saw something of a restoration in the mid-90s, with paint, tyres, and exhaust renewal carried out. The car passed through the hands of several owners, until 2019 when it was bought by Simon, the current owner.