Although best known for its cars, Coventry-based Singer began by making motorcycles, while its connection with two wheels goes back even further.
In 1875, George Singer and his brother-in-law, James Stringer, founded a cycle company, and Singer went on to build the world’s first safety bicycle.
By 1883, Singer was one of the country’s largest cycle manufacturers and had a big enough workforce to establish its own football team, Singers FC. It was the first football team in Coventry and, in 1889, would become Coventry City FC.
Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines.
In 1900, Singer launched a motorised bicycle and a tricycle using an engine developed by Edwin Perks and Frank Birch, who had previously worked for the company.
A report from the 1900 Stanley Show noted that “the Singer Motor Wheel perhaps most holds the eye”.
When George Singer’s son, George Ernest Singer junior, joined the company, the firm unveiled several new models. These included a ladies’ model in 1903, followed by tricycles, forecars, a tricar and a V-twin motorcycle in 1904.
In 1905, George appears to have decided to concentrate on car production. However, the company returned to two wheels in 1910 with the introduction of the Moto-Velo, a lightweight machine powered by a 1¼hp, 211cc Dufaux engine.
George Singer had died suddenly in 1909, which may account for the revival of the company’s motorcycle activities.
The Singer stand at the 1910 Stanley Show displayed 10 motorcycles, including a 499cc, 3hp machine with gear-driven magneto ignition and a handlebar-controlled carburettor.
In 1912, Singer built a 499cc racing motorcycle featuring water cooling and a four-valve cylinder head. George Singer junior competed on the machine at Brooklands and on the Isle of Man, although without great success.
A two-stroke model was added to the range in 1914, but the company’s main focus remained on four wheels. Motorcycle production ceased following the outbreak of the First World War and never resumed under the Singer name.
The company later acquired Coventry Premier and Calcott. In 1956, Singer became part of the Rootes Group, with the name continuing to appear on cars until 1970.
