1930 Singer Junior Porlock

Odometer reading: tbc
MOT: Exempt

*Quality vintage motoring
*Rare sports model
*Older restored example

Launched in 1927 the Singer Junior was Britain's first competitively priced family car with overhead camshaft engine that produced a healthy 8hp. This delightful unit, as in the case of the Morris Minor/MG, just longed to be at the heart of a sports car. Available in a variety of open and closed guises, arguably the most desirable Junior was the open 'Sports' version. Boasting boat-tailed bodywork and wire wheels, the new model was made famous in December 1928 (not long after its introduction), when E W Deeley Esq. used one to achieve 100 ascents and descents of a 1:4 section of Somerset's notorious Porlock Hill. Performed under the officiating eye of the Royal Automobile Club, this impressive feat earned the plucky Singer it's 'Porlock' nickname and led to a limited production model in two tone green with a high compression engine. It was to be the forerunner of the famous Singer Le Mans and was itself the most serious competition to the early MG Midget. Weighing it at only 11½ cwt, it was said to be capable of 60mph and 42mpg. The 'Porlocks' made up a tiny fraction of the 30,000 Juniors built, which briefly helped Singer to third place in the British sales league. The Singer Owners Club knows of only 9 surviving original Porlocks worldwide.

The original 1930 Porlock offered here was owned by the Secretary of the Singer Owner club for 42 years before the Vendor bought it in 2007 to add to his collection of interesting and well preserved cars. Carefully garaged, and used occasionally, the Porlock has proved to be reliable and entertaining whilst maintaining a high level of originality, including its 6 volt electrics. There is also a well stamped Buff logbook and old VSCC Eligibity Licence. Thought to have been restored in the mid-1980s, it has aged well and has a nice used look without appearing scruffy. With good ground clearance and an adequate amount of power, it could prove to be a competitive car in Vintage trials. Last used competitively in the VSCC driving tests at Brooklands in 2014 it is now being offered at a very attractive Estimate as the owner is reducing the size of the collection.

Vendor Score Total: 85 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 19 /25
Body Work: 3
Paint: 3
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 5
Wheels/Tyres: 4

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 20 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 5
Axles: 5
Suspension: 5
Brakes: 5

INTERIOR TOTAL: 18 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 5
Headlining: 5
Trim: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 10 /10
Main components: 5
Ancillary components: 5

ENGINE TOTAL: 14 /20
Starting: 5
Running: 0
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 5

Car History File: 4