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 1494cc overhead cam engine. Externally the only significant difference was a restyled nose based around a traditional Singer grille.
More updates of the Singer Gazelle appeared between 1958-60, starting with the IIA in 1958. The new Gazelle model now had the Hillman Minx pushrod engine which was more economical than the old Singer unit that it replaced and had a top speed of 83mph. It also had optional overdrive, a larger fuel tank and revised tail fin rear end styling. The suspension was independent at the front using coil springs while at the rear was a live axle and half elliptic leaf springs. 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.
In 1960 a Gazelle IIIB appeared and introduced further improvements including a hypoid rear axle. It could be ordered as either a saloon, estate or an attractive convertible, the latter having a two position hood which 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.
First registered in January 1961, this IIIB Convertible has been in the current ownership for the last five years and has only had four other owners before that. Apart from a respray about four years ago and a new hood about ten years ago, it is said to be wholly original and unrestored.
The 37,000 miles on the clock is believed to be genuine and is partially backed up by a run of old MOTs going back to 1988 when the mileage was 24,347. Fitted with new tyres and a new radiator in 2003, it is currently taxed and MOTd and is said to drive beautifully.
It comes with a fair amount of history from new including its original green log book (showing it was first owned by FV Gauntlett of Highbridge, Somerset), its original service schedule and all its original handbooks and service books. Altogether a most well-preserved car that has clearly led a very pampered life.
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