1966/D SINGER CHAMOIS MK2 2 DOOR SALOON (HILLMAN IMP)

1966 SINGER CHAMOIS MK2 2 DOOR SALOON – Known internally at Rootes as the “Apex” project. the Hillman Imp was to be the first post-Second World War small car by the group. Its main rival on the home market was the BMC Mini. which preceded the Imp by nearly four years. One key difference between the two cars was the Imp's 875 cc all-aluminium power unit. adapted by Rootes from a Coventry Climax FWMA fire pump engine which had enjoyed some success on the racing scene. The Imp's engine was mounted behind the rear wheels. slanted over at 45° to fit. This was done to keep the center of gravity low and to minimise its effects on the roadholding of the car.

In an attempt to interest a wider public when sales figures fell well short of the intended 100. 00 or more cars per annum. several badge-engineered derivatives. such as this example (the luxury Singer Chamois launched October 1964). and the Sunbeam Sport (launched October 1966). with a more powerful twin-carburettor engine. were offered with varying degrees of success. For marketing reasons the Singer variants were sold as Sunbeams in many export markets. even before May 1970 when the Singer marque was discontinued altogether by Chrysler UK.

This particular example is really quite remarkable having seemingly undergone a complete. nut-and-bolt restoration some years ago. From the documentation we have to hand it appears that the restoration may have been carried out between November 1988 and July 1992 and from what we can ascertain. since the exacting restoration was completed there has been little use. with only around 7000 summer. dry miles being covered between 1992 and 2005 when the previous owner declared SORN. Since then this car has been sitting in his heated garage unused. and has only come into the market now as the result of a divorce.

We have extensive documentation for the vehicle including MOT certificates dating back to 1983 when the mileage reading was stated at 37306. Given that the mileage reading is now 54383 and the original Owner's Service Book (still perfectly intact) shows the last entry on 27th September 1977 at 30. 54 miles. everything points to the mileage being the original. Certainly. that suggestion would coincide with the overall. apparently un-welded & damage-free condition of the beautiful ”Oxford blue” coachwork & completely original interior trim which. despite a very minor vinyl repair on the driver's seat (we suspect as a result of light damage rather than wear). retains its correct constitution and has an excellent patina.

Complete with all the period fittings of the era which we believe were either factory options or fitted when new (twin Lucas spot & Fog lights. retractable door-pillar aerial. twin overtaking mirrors etc. ) there are also a number of period ‘customised' options such as the 12” Dunlkop alloy wheels. and 13” leather-rimmed steering wheel and a period 1980's radio cassette. together with all the original factory items (wheels/tyres/wheel trims/hub-caps) and steering wheel. in addition to which there is a plethora of spares.

This is a surprisingly nippy (being powered by the renown and ‘streets-ahead-of-its-time all-aluminium Coventry Climax 875cc engine and all syncromesh 4 speed gearbox) and agile little car to drive (actually. it is great fun!). It is in excellent condition having been properly renovated by a dedicated enthusiast. We say this because to execute any restoration today. to this standard would cost way and above the now asking price. Not to be missed and very rarely offered in this condition.

One of only 247 known Singer chamois remaining.

£6995

For more info or to arrange a visit please call 01159 665596Open: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm – Saturday: 9:30am-4:30pm – Sunday: By appointment

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