John

Surtees

I have been driving the Singer Chamois, a smallish, economical family car on my first road test for Sunday Mirror readers.

It fills a useful gap between the Minis and the medium-sized popular saloons.

Women will like the Chamois because of the big doors and high seat that you can slide on to without jack-knifing yourself into awkward positions.

Although it is small, parkable, and good for negotiating town traffic, it has a big car appearance.

The impression of squatness on its cheaper sister —the Hillman Imp— has been removed by styling changes, including a flash on the side which gives it a longer, more streamlined look.

I found the driving position good and the forward vision excellent. I have heard criticisms of the upright seat, but in this type or car it is acceptable, and it helps you to see well over the bonnet to the road immediately in front.

This is useful in town and night driving —and in bad conditions.

The clutch, brake and accelerator pedals were light in action, but due to the wheel arch cutting well into the car, the accelerator and brake were too near the centre and forced the right foot in.

I liked the instrument panel with its nicely positioned cowled horizontal-scale-speedometer, which I could see easily through the steering wheel.

I liked the unorthodox twin stalks jutting out below the speedometer which operate tlle dip-switch, headlight flasher, turn indicators and horn. These are in easy fingertip reach from the steering wheel.

I liked the way the floor change gear lever and hand brake are comfortably set for the left hand.

I liked the idea of individual ashtrays and storage pockets for back seat passengers.

I didn't like the arm rests. They appeared to be a last-minute thought, and did not give the Impression of quality.

The car had done only just over 3,000 miles, but it was disappointing to see the early signs of rust along the door edges, the front bonnet and the rear engine cover.

This was clearly due to scarcity of paint — a complaint I have heard voiced too often about British cars.

The reason for the rust on the bonnet was that a rubber seating strip did not run the full length around the edges, and the two metal surfaces were rubbing together.

Apart from this, the body finish was good.

The rubber insert in the over-riders is a good idea picked up from the Continentals. They save those annoying bumper dents and scratches.

The wheel arches could have benefited from under-sealing to reduce road noise and protect what are normally rust-prone spots.

The Dunlop SP41 tyres, although superior in road holdlng to standard production type tyres, did create a little 'roughness' and noise at low speeds and on rough surfaces.

There was a fair amount of noise from the rear-mounted engine nearing top speeds in each gear, although at normal cruising speeds it was not objectionable.

There were no annoying body rattles — just a 'tinny' effect when you closed the doors.

I liked the all-synchromesh gear box, which was nice to use.

After leaving the car out all night there was a little difficulty getting it into first gear. but when it warmed up, this disappeared. This is one of the better standard production gear boxes.

I left the car out for two cold nights, but with the help of the automatic choke, the engine burst into life immediately I turned the switch.

It took about three miles before it reached the proper running temperature, but then it settled down nicely.

I found the top speed of 80 m.p.h. quite satisfactory, but my first impression was that the engine, although smooth, was a little under capacity for the size of the car.

You must use the gearbox to the full to keep up a good average speed, especially when loaded. This can be tiring and a strain over distances.

I would have liked a little more power at lower revs for hills. The increased capacity would give more middle-range power with no loss of economy.

The Chamois has reasonably good road holding characteristics at normal speeds, and for driving it was quite predictable.

But the suspension doesn't lend itself to fast sports car driving techniques. Ir you try to throw it around, it seems as if you can't tell what it is liable to do.

Stability svas also affected by strong cross winds.

Brakes are positive and good, although there is a considerable amount of free movement in the brake pedal.

The boot was quite big for a car this size.

I also liked the opening rear window, although in my test car the window catch DIDN'T catch.

And the rear seat can be folded down to give extra space for luggage which can be loaded through this window.

Touring for two could be very pleasant —and cheap with a fuel consumption of around 40 m.p.g. In town, or with hard driving, vou will get around 34 m.p.g.

I drove the Chamois on fast roads, on country roads, and in London in the five days that was all the Rootes Group allowed me. My verdict:

A chic car, comfortable, easy to drive, nicely fitted and finished generally, and a very fair buy for £581.

Cost: £581 1ls. 3d. (inc. p.t.).   Turning circle: 30½ft.   Length: 1 lft. 9½in.   Width: 5ft. ¼in.   Tank capacity: 6 gal.   Brake h.p.: 42.