Singer Gazelle

{{Distinguish|Nissan Gazelle}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Use British English|date=May 2011}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Singer Gazelle | image = File:1965 Singer Gazelle Series V.jpg | caption = Singer Gazelle V | production = 1956–70 | manufacturer = Singer (Rootes Group) | predecessor = Singer Hunter | successor = None | body_style = 4-door saloon 2-door convertible 4-door estate car | layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout | engine = | transmission = | length = | width = | height = | weight = | wheelbase = }} The '''Singer Gazelle''' name has been applied to two generations of motor cars from the British manufacturer Singer. It was positioned between the basic Hillman range and the more sporting Sunbeam versions.<ref name=BritishCars/> {{TOC_left}} {{Clear}}

==Gazelle I and II== {{Infobox automobile | name = Singer Gazelle I & II | image = Singer Gazelle series I (1957) - 31214080502.jpg | caption = Singer Gazelle I Saloon | production = 1956–58 4,344 and 1,582 made<ref name=AZ1945-80>{{cite book |last=Robson |first=G |year=2006 |title=A–Z of British Cars 1945–80 |publisher=Herridge & Sons |place=Beaworthy |isbn=0-9541063-9-3 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/azbritishcars1940000robs }}</ref> | predecessor = Singer Hunter | body_style = 4-door saloon 2-door convertible 4-door estate car | engine = 1497 cc straight-4 overhead cam | transmission = 4 speed manual with optional overdrive | length = {{convert|163.5|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars>{{cite book |last1=Culshaw |first1=David |last2=Horrobin |first2=Peter |year=1974 |title=Complete Catalogue of British Cars |place=London |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=0-333-16689-2}}</ref> | width = {{convert|60.75|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> | height = {{convert|60|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=Motor1957/> | weight = | wheelbase = {{convert|96|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> }}

The Gazelle was the first Singer to be produced following the take-over of the Singer company by the Rootes Group in 1956 and was a version of the mainstream Hillman Minx differing mainly in retaining the Singer overhead cam engine. Externally the only significant difference was a restyled nose based around a traditional Singer grille. The new car was announced in late September 1956.<ref>{{Cite journal| title=New Singer Model| url=https://www.thetimes.com/archive/article/1956-09-26/14/4.html| newspaper=The Times| date=26 September 1956| page=14| issue=((53,646))}}</ref>

The body style followed by the Gazelle between 1956 and 1967 came to be known as the "Audax" body, with significant input from the US based Loewy design organisation, highly regarded at the time partly on account of Loewy's input to several iconic Studebaker designs.

The Gazelle was initially offered in saloon and convertible body styles.<ref name=asco/> The '''Gazelle Series II''', offered from autumn 1957, was also available as an estate car, and had optional overdrive and larger fuel tank.<ref>{{cite news| newspaper=Motor Sport| title=The Cars at Earls Court |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1957/22/cars-earls-court| volume=XXXIII| issue=11| date=November 1957| page=639}}</ref> For the Series II the front was changed to include horizontal chrome vents incorporating side lights and indicator lights on either side of the oval centre grille.<ref name=asco/>

The suspension was independent at the front using coil springs while at the rear was a live axle and half elliptic leaf springs. The steering gear used a worm and nut system.

As standard, the car had a bench front seat but individual seats were available as an option. To allow for the bench seat, the handbrake lever was between the seat and the door.

The convertible version had a two position hood where it could be either completely lowered or rolled back to just behind the front seats described as the ''coupé de ville'' position. All side windows could be completely lowered. To compensate for the loss of body rigidity by the removal of the roof, extra cross bracing was fitted under the car.

A car with overdrive was tested by the British magazine ''The Motor'' in 1957. It had a top speed of {{convert|78.0|mph|abbr=on}} and could accelerate from 0-{{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}} in 24.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of {{convert|33.5|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus}} was recorded. The test car cost £1016 including taxes of £332. This included the optional overdrive, heater and radio.<ref name=Motor1957>{{cite journal |title=The Singer Gazelle |journal=The Motor |date=22 December 1957}}</ref> {{Clear}}

==Gazelle IIA to IIIC== {{Infobox automobile | name = Singer Gazelle IIA to IIIC | image = File:Singer Gazelle 3c Reg Jun 62 1592 cc.JPG | caption = Singer Gazelle IIIC Saloon of 1962 | production = 1958–63 3,824, 10,929, 12,491, 13,272 and 15,115 made<ref name=AZ1945-80/> | predecessor = | body_style = 4-door saloon 2-door convertible 4-door estate car | engine = 1494 cc (1592 cc on the IIIC) straight-4 overhead valve | transmission = 4 speed manual with optional overdrive or automatic | length = {{convert|163.5|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> | width = {{convert|60.75|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> | height = {{convert|57.25|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=Motor1959/> | weight = | wheelbase = {{convert|96|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> }}

The Gazelle II was re-designated as the '''IIA''' in 1958.<ref>Michael Sedgwick & Mark Gillies, A-Z of Cars 1945-1970, Bay View Books Ltd, 1993, page 181</ref> The standard Hillman pushrod overhead valve engine replaced the Singer overhead cam unit. The new engine was more powerful, developing 56 bhp against 49 bhp.

In line with Rootes Group policy, the car kept getting small upgrades each with a new designation. In September 1958 the Gazelle, now re-designated '''III''',<ref name=asco/> received better seats, enhanced at the front by a folding central arm rest.<ref name=PracticalMotorist195812>{{cite journal |editor-last=Camm |editor-first=FJ |editor-link=Frederick James Camm |title=New Cars at the Motor Show |journal=Practical Motorist |volume=5 |issue=54 |pages=547–551 |date=December 1958}}</ref> A new two-tone paint became available with this upgrade.<ref name=PracticalMotorist195812/>

The '''IIIA''', introduced September 1959,<ref name=asco/> gained small tail fins and a larger windscreen. The engine was upgraded with twin Solex carburettors replacing the single Solex, distinguishing it from the Minx, and lifting output to 60 bhp. Home market cars got a floor gear change and as well as overdrive, Smith's Easidrive automatic transmission also became an option.

Autocar Magazine carried out a Used Car Test, No.214 in their famous series, on a Singer Gazelle III first registered on 2 January 1961. What is not made clear is whether this was a Gazelle IIIb or an earlier Gazelle IIIa model, fitted with the twin carburettors. In comparison with the new Gazelle IIIb tested on 17 March 1961, it reached 0-60 mph in 23.9secs, compared with the used car at only 19.9secs. A 4sec saving. The standing quarter mile was also covered in 21.3sec. compared with 22.2 for the new IIIb model.

The '''IIIB''', launched September 1960,<ref name=asco/> reverted to a single carburettor which improved fuel consumption and facilitated servicing "in remoter territories".<ref name=PracticalMotorist196106>{{cite journal |title=Know Your Singer Gazelle |journal=Practical Motorist |volume=7 |issue=82 |pages=1068, 1071 |date=June 1961}}</ref> The IIIB also received a new back axle featuring a hypoid bevel in place of the former model's spiral bevel.

The '''IIIC''', launched July 1961, was fitted with a larger engine of 1592 cc developing 53 bhp.<ref name=asco/> The convertible was discontinued in February 1962 followed by the estate car in March 1962.<ref name=asco/>

A Series III convertible with the 1494 cc engine was tested by ''The Motor'' in 1959. It was recorded as having a top speed of {{convert|83.4|mph|abbr=on}} and could accelerate from 0-{{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}} in 21.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of {{convert|32.5|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus}} was recorded. The test car cost £1,003 including taxes of £295. This included the optional overdrive. The convertible cost £67 more than the saloon.<ref name=Motor1959>{{cite journal |title=The Singer Gazelle Series III |journal=The Motor |date=29 April 1959}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px"> File:Singer Gazelle Series III Saloon.jpg|Singer Gazelle III Saloon File:Singer Gazelle Convertible Rear.jpg|Singer Gazelle III Convertible File:Singer_Gazelle_Interior.jpg|Singer Gazelle III Convertible File:Singer Gazelle Series III (15895644366).jpg|Singer Gazelle III Station Wagon (Australia) File:Singer Gazelle Convertible (1960).jpg|Singer Gazelle IIIA Convertible of 1960 File:1960.singer.gazelle.arp.jpg|Singer Gazelle IIIB Convertible of 1960 File:1961 Singer Gazelle Series IIIC Convertible (32644640902).jpg|Singer Gazelle IIIC Convertible </gallery>

==Gazelle IV== In July 1961 the Rootes Group released the new Singer Vogue, using the body of what was intended to be the Gazelle IV.<ref name=asco/> As a consequence, the Gazelle IV designation was not used.<ref name=asco/>

==Gazelle V== {{Infobox automobile | name = Singer Gazelle V | image = Singer Gazelle of about 1965.JPG | caption = Singer Gazelle V | production = 1963–65 20,022 made<ref name=AZ1945-80/> | predecessor = | body_style = 4-door saloon | engine = 1592 cc straight-4 overhead valve | transmission = 4 speed manual with optional overdrive or automatic | length = {{convert|164.5|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> | width = {{convert|60.75|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> | height = | weight = | wheelbase = {{convert|96|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> }}

The Gazelle V was introduced in August 1963,<ref name=asco>{{cite web |url=http://www.asco.org.uk/Gazelle%20BrochureWeb-1.pdf |title=Singer Gazelle |publisher=Association of Singer Car Owners |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912114622/http://www.asco.org.uk/Gazelle%20BrochureWeb-1.pdf |access-date=20 June 2014 |archive-date=12 September 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> following the Hillman Minx update. It had an updated body with longer rear doors and no longer having a wrap-around rear window.

The front brakes became discs and from 1964 it gained a new gearbox with synchromesh on first gear. The optional Borg Warner automatic got a floor mounted selector lever.

<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px"> File:Singer Gazelle V of 1964 (back).jpg|Singer Gazelle V of 1964 </gallery>

==Gazelle VI== {{Infobox automobile | name = Singer Gazelle VI | image = Singer Gazelle VI reg 1966 1725 cc.JPG | caption = Singer Gazelle VI | production = 1965–67 14,842 produced <ref name=asco/> | predecessor = | body_style = 4-door saloon | engine = 1725 cc straight-4 overhead valve | transmission = 4 speed manual with optional overdrive or automatic | length = {{convert|166.5|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> | width = {{convert|61.75|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> | height = | weight = | wheelbase = {{convert|96|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=BritishCars/> }}

The Gazelle VI, which was introduced in 1965,<ref name=Sedgwick/> was the last of the "Audax" Gazelles. The engine was all new, with a five-bearing crankshaft and capacity of 1725 cc at first developing 65 bhp but this was later reduced to 59 bhp.

The grille, now rectangular instead of the traditional Singer oval shape, was no longer attached to the opening bonnet but remained fixed to the front panels on opening. {{Clear}}

==Gazelle VII== {{Infobox automobile | name = Singer Gazelle VII | image = File:1968 Singer Gazelle 1.8.jpg | caption = Singer Gazelle VII | production = 1967–70 <ref name=Sedgwick>{{cite book |last1=Sedgwick |first1=Michael |last2=Gillies |first2=Mark |year=1993 |title=A–Z of Cars 1945–1970 |place=Bideford |publisher=Bay View Books |isbn=1870979397 |page=183}}</ref> 26,846 produced <ref name=asco/> | predecessor = | body_style = 4-door saloon<ref name=Sedgwick/> | engine = 1496 cc straight-4 <ref name=Sedgwick/> 1725 cc straight-4 <ref name=Sedgwick/> | transmission = manual <ref name=Sedgwick/> automatic <ref name=Sedgwick/> | length = | width = | height = | weight = | wheelbase = | related = Hillman Hunter Singer Vogue }} The Gazelle VII was introduced in 1967 as one of numerous models in the Rootes Arrow range.<ref name=asco/> It was offered only as a 4 door saloon.<ref name=Sedgwick/> Initially available only with automatic transmission and a 1725cc engine, subsequently a manual transmission variant with the 1496 cc engine was introduced.<ref name=asco/> Production ceased in 1970, the last example produced also being the last Singer to be built.<ref name=asco/> {{Clear}}

==Australian production== thumb|Hillman Gazelle

===Singer Gazelle=== The Singer Gazelle was also produced in Australia from 1957 to 1961 by Rootes Australia.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Davis |editor-first=Pedr |year=1986 |title=The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring |place=Dee Why |publisher=The Macquarie Library Pty Ltd |isbn=0-949757-357 |page=437}}</ref> It was offered in Sports Saloon, Station Wagon and Estate Van models.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=Rootes (Australia) Limited advertisement for "The New Flying Gazelle" |title=Australian Motor Manual |date=1 April 1959 |page=13}}</ref>

===Hillman Gazelle=== {{main|Hillman Gazelle}} Following the purchase of Rootes Australia in 1965, Chrysler Australia produced a variant of the Gazelle VI as the Hillman Gazelle.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.sa.hillman.org.au/RT_GazelleBrochure1.htm |title=1966 Hillman Gazelle brochure (side 1) |publisher=Hillman Car Club of South Australia Inc |access-date=3 September 2010}}</ref>

==Scale models== *Meccano Dinky Toys; No. 168 (production 1959–63), Series 1 Gazelle, (1:44, approximately O scale).<ref>{{cite book |last=Ramsey |first=John |title=The Swapmeet and Toy fair Catalogue of British Diecast Model Toys |date=1984 |place=England |publisher=Swapmeet Toys and Models Ltd |page=31 |isbn=095093190X}}</ref>

==References== {{Commons category}} {{Reflist}}

Category:1960s cars Category:1970s cars Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Gazelle Category:Cars introduced in 1956 Category:Sedans Category:Station wagons