# Singer Gazelle

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{{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](/source/Singer_Motors) ([Rootes Group](/source/Rootes_Group))
| predecessor  = [Singer Hunter](/source/Singer_Hunter)
| successor    = None
| body_style   = 4-door [saloon](/source/sedan_(car)) <br/> 2-door [convertible](/source/convertible) <br/> 4-door [estate car](/source/estate_car) 
| layout       = [Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout](/source/Front-engine%2C_rear-wheel-drive_layout)
| engine       = 
| transmission = 
| length       = 
| width        = 
| height       = 
| weight       = 
| wheelbase    =
}}
The '''Singer Gazelle''' name has been applied to two generations of [motor cars](/source/automobile) from the [British](/source/United_Kingdom) manufacturer [Singer](/source/Singer_Motors). It was positioned between the basic [Hillman](/source/Hillman) range and the more sporting [Sunbeam](/source/Sunbeam_Motor_Car_Company) versions.<ref name=BritishCars/>
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==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<br/>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](/source/Singer_Hunter)
| body_style   = 4-door [saloon](/source/sedan_(car)) <br/> 2-door [convertible](/source/convertible) <br/> 4-door [estate car](/source/estate_car) 
| engine       = 1497&nbsp;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](/source/Macmillan_Publishers) |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](/source/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](/source/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](/source/Raymond_Loewy), highly regarded at the time partly on account of Loewy's input to several iconic [Studebaker](/source/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](/source/Motor_Sport_(magazine))| 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><!-- can i get a cite that lets me chapter and volume and issue ? --> 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](/source/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](/source/Coupe_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](/source/The_Motor_(magazine))'' 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](/source/The_Motor_(magazine)) |date=22 December 1957}}</ref><!-- cite check? comes out on Wed 25, wouldn't be dated the 22nd -->
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==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<br/>3,824, 10,929, 12,491, 13,272 and 15,115 made<ref name=AZ1945-80/>
| predecessor  = 
| body_style   = 4-door [saloon](/source/sedan_(car)) <br/> 2-door [convertible](/source/convertible) <br/> 4-door [estate car](/source/estate_car) 
| engine       = 1494&nbsp;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&nbsp;bhp against 49&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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](/source/Spiral_bevel_gear) [bevel](/source/Bevel_gear) in place of the former model's spiral bevel.<!-- https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Practical-Motorist-Magazine-June-1961/363082191481?hash=item5489629279:g:3VgAAOSwcABb0H45&frcectupt=true -->

The '''IIIC''', launched July 1961, was fitted with a larger engine of 1592&nbsp;cc developing 53&nbsp;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](/source/The_Motor_(magazine)) |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>

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==Gazelle IV==
In July 1961 the [Rootes Group](/source/Rootes_Group) released the new [Singer Vogue](/source/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<br/>20,022 made<ref name=AZ1945-80/>
| predecessor  = 
| body_style   = 4-door [saloon](/source/sedan_(car))
| engine       = 1592&nbsp;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>

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==Gazelle VI==
{{Infobox automobile
| name         = Singer Gazelle VI
| image        = Singer Gazelle VI reg 1966 1725 cc.JPG
| caption      = Singer Gazelle VI
| production   = 1965–67 <br/> 14,842 produced <ref name=asco/>
| predecessor  = 
| body_style   = 4-door [saloon](/source/sedan_(car))
| engine       = 1725&nbsp;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&nbsp;cc at first developing 65&nbsp;bhp but this was later reduced to 59&nbsp;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.
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==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> <br/> 26,846 produced <ref name=asco/>
| predecessor  = 
| body_style   = 4-door [saloon](/source/sedan_(car))<ref name=Sedgwick/>
| engine       = 1496&nbsp;cc straight-4 <ref name=Sedgwick/> <br/> 1725&nbsp;cc straight-4 <ref name=Sedgwick/>
| transmission = manual <ref name=Sedgwick/> <br/> automatic <ref name=Sedgwick/>
| length       = 
| width        = 
| height       = 
| weight       = 
| wheelbase    = 
| related      = [Hillman Hunter](/source/Hillman_Hunter) <br/> [Singer Vogue](/source/Singer_Vogue)
}}
The Gazelle VII was introduced in 1967 as one of numerous models in the [Rootes Arrow](/source/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/> 
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==Australian production==
thumb|Hillman Gazelle

===Singer Gazelle===
The Singer Gazelle was also produced in Australia from 1957 to 1961 by [Rootes Australia](/source/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](/source/Chrysler_Australia) produced a variant of the Gazelle VI as the [Hillman Gazelle](/source/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](/source/Dinky_Toys); No. 168 (production 1959–63), Series 1 Gazelle, (1:44, approximately [O scale](/source/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>

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==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

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Singer Gazelle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singer_Gazelle) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singer_Gazelle?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.