Class winner at Brooklands in 1934, FIA & FIVA Passport
Year
: 1934
Chassis
No:
Engine: 972 CC
Transmission: 4 SPEED
SOLD TO GERMANY
The success of the Nine Sport at Le Mans led immediately to the introduction in 1933 of the first Le Mans model. This was the two seater equivalent of the Nine Sports and it typified the British sports car of the 1930’s. At a price of 215 pounds, an output of 34 h.p. and a top speed of over 70 m.p.h. with the windshield lowered, it provided keen competition for its closest rivals, the J2 and P series M.G.’s.
The Le Mans 4 cylinder performance engine of 972 cc included high lift harmonic cams, a counterbalanced crankshaft and an extra large capacity ribbed oil sump for greater cooling capacity. Additional drive train modifications included a heavy duty clutch and a closer ratio gear box, with third gear reduced from 8.7:1 to 7.5:1. Body changes included the addition of an externally mounted 12 gallon slab fuel tank, fitted with a quick action filler cap and twin rear mounted spare tires to complete the competition look. The new upswept scuttle cowls also signaled that this was a machine that meant business on the road as well as the track.
Supplied by Agents Cook & Palmer to privateer racer J.R. Hodge (Sir John Hodge in later life) on the 1st February 1934, Reg. AYK 561. An extract from correspondence on file from Sir John in 1988 confirms it’s race pedigree “I raced the car at Donnington, Brooklands and of course at the dirt track at Greenford. I also won quite a number of speed trials.” Records show that he won the Junior Class at Brooklands on the 7th July 1934 at an average speed of 73.89 mph and at the Greenford dirt track. In fact the picture shown was taken for the Automobile Racing Club magazine and was accompanied by the text below:
Dirt Track - from the "Automobile Racing Club" Hodge (don't confuse with Donnington Hodges) had a first on a Singer at Greenford. A number of experienced drivers have tried the "dirt", but I am of the opinion that it is going to be difficult to retain the support of the public and at the same time to avoid nasty smashes. It seems to me that the chances of a broken neck are pretty high and the prize money pretty small for the risk taken. I am not trying to put the damper on the sport; it is only a suggestion for what it is worth. Anyway Hodge considers it is the next thing to suicide. Hodge I understand is entering for a good many events before the end of the Season. He has just taken delivery of a Le Mans Singer which has received "attention" from Francis. With the special body, also designed by Francis, it looks the real goods. and I believe, is the real goods. We shall see. I have just heard the reason why a certain press photographer installed on the edge of the banking, suddenly took to flight when Day came round the mountain. Apparently when the former was in the act of taking him; Day noticed it. and decided that it might be a better picture if taken at closer quarters. The photographer thought otherwise, and ran for his life
John Hodge was to go on to own and race three Singer’s, one of which was re-bodied into the famous ‘streamliner’ single seater (Francis).
Fully restored in the late 80's with cycle front wings and having covered just 12,000 miles since it drives exceptionally well and has developed a wonderful patina. Documentation includes correspondence from Sir John Hodges and Rivers Fletcher confirming AYK 561's undoubted provenance. FIA Papers & FIVA Passport.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
PRINT
BOOKMARK
CONTACT