This is Ashley Crosland’s 1950 4AC Roadster, first off in the experimental run of about 13 cars and having chassis number 1. The 4AC Roadsters were intended to have 1200cc engines, and some did exist with this size engines, but this car received a standard 1500cc twin carb SM engine and so at first glance is almost indistinguishable from a standard 4ADT. Made in 1950, Singers gave this car regular face-lifts and as far as we know was the “Show Car” at the 1953 Earls Court Motor Show. Singers then sold the car to their Works Manager in 1954, (so it’s registered as a 1954 car) and it passed through various hands until Ashley bought it in 1980. It was then in bits, and Ashley was able to put it all back together, aided largely by the fact that he already owned a 4A Roadster.The car has one or two “hand built” features compared to a production 4AD Roadster, primarily in the chassis area with the X section reinforcement across the middle of the car reinforced with fillets, much indeed as can be found on the chassis of the even rarer SMX Roadster, formerly owned by the late Bill Haverley but now also owned by Ashley. Apart from the addition of flashing indicators for safety (on the headlamp stalks), the car is very original. Ashley took about 4 years to restore the car, and after relegating their 4A, Ashley and his wife Pat used it as their second car. The car has been very reliable in daily use, except once when returning from a weeks family holiday at the coast in 1991 the crankshaft broke on the motorway. Fortunately it was not too far from home, and the 4A was pressed into service with 6 months road tax whilst repairs were done. Over the years, the 4AC has been seen at numerous rallies, and Pat and Ashley have found it an ideal car for them and their 2 children. Incidentally, the photo shows the car with the driver’s door open, so it’s not actually a bad fitting door.
Event List
Beaulieu International Spring Autojumble 2024 18th and 19th May
18 - 19 May 2024
The SMC stand will be in attendance at this ever popular spring autojumble. We look forward to seeing you there!
At Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7ZN
Sandringham Pageant of Motoring Sun 26th May 2024 Sandringham Estate - 'An Event not to be missed in the Royal Parkland'
26 May 2024
See details from Barry Paine in March-April magazine - please contact Barry if you are interested in attending
At Sandringham Estate, Norfolk
SNCW Sussex 12th - 14th July 2024
12 - 14 Jul 2024
Singer National Car Weekend 2024 based at the East Sussex National Hotel, Golf Club and Spa, Horsted, Sussex with Sunday display day at the famous Bluebell Railway, Horsted Keynes Station
At East Sussex National Hotel, Horsted, Sussex and Bluebell Railway, Horsted Keynes Station (Display day)