Singer Vogue I/II/III/

The first generation Singer Vogue I/II/III/IV models of 1961 to 1966, was a badge engineered version the Hillman Super Minx .

History

Introduced in July 1961, it was positioned above the Super Minx and Singer Gazelle and featured quad headlights as well as a more powerful 66 bhp version of the 1600 Minx engine.

Inside The interior appointments are of a high standard. Particularly luxurious is the facia veneered in walnut the doors are capped in a similar style with large lockable compartment. the Vogue affords exceptionally good visibility, all doors are wide and, opening to full right angles make entry to and exit from easy.The instruments, reading the dash left to right, are: ammeter, clock (optional), oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, speedometer and fuel gauge. Included in this line of instruments are the min beam and flashing indicator warning lights.Below the instruments in order are the choke, heater controls (car heating anddemisting equipment is standard on the Vogue), ignition warning light,ignition starter, screen wiper switch and the screen wash control.Between the general parcel shelf and the facia is a centrally-placed ashtray which has space above it for a radio

The hand brake, fitted at the driver's right hand The hand. brake operates through cable and linkages and in independent of the foot brake. Seat adjustment as standard, the bench-type front seat has adjustment front to back. Leg room for rear seat passengers is good, there is plenty or headroom, front and back. Available as optional extras are separate individually-adjustable front seats.

The suspension is I.F.S. by swinging links, coil spring and ball joint swivel bearing' controlled by double-action hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers.Rear wide semi elliptic leaf springs and double-acting hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Tyres tubeless 3.90 X 13.

The Vogue is powered by the Rootes 1.6 litre (1,592 c.c.) engine. Though the power to weight ratio is not impressive, this engine is extraordinarily flexible and will pull the car from 20 miles per hour to its maximum speed in top gear without fuss.The overdrive (an extra) is controlled by a switch on the steering column, and operates on third and top gears this, until the upper fifties are reached, can be flicked in and out

The Mark II version for 1963 had front disc brakes as standard. The Mark III of 1964 gained six light bodywork and an increase in power to 84 bhp.

PERFORMANCE: Mark II 1600cc

• Engine capacity: 97.37 cu in, 1592 cu cm
• Fuel consumption: 27.7 m imp g
• Max power (SAE): 62 hp at 4400 rpm
• Max torque (DIN) 11.9 kgm at 2500 rpm
• Max number of engine rpm: 5600
• Specific power: 38.9 hp/l
• Power-weight ratio: 37.3 lb/hP, 16.9 kg
• Acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 22.2 sec, (0—80 km/h) 15.2 sec

The final version of this generation, the Mk IV was introduce at the 1965 motor show and saw the engine size increased to 1725 although there was no change in power output. The Singer Vogue was also available as an estate car.

Australian production as the Humber Vogue

The Vogue was also produced in Australia, by Rootes Australia, and was marketed as the Humber Vogue. It was introduced in 1963 and was followed by the Vogue Sports which was fitted with a Sunbeam Rapier engine that provided a 35 percent increase in power to 85.5hp. The Vogue Sports also featured improved suspension, brakes and wheels. The Rapier-powered Vogue III was introduced in early 1965 at which time the Vogue Sports was discontinued. Australian production of the Vogue ceased in 1966 following the takeover of Rootes Australia by Chrysler Australia.