Gazelle timeline

1956

The Gazelle is launched as the first Singer to be made under Rootes ownership. It’s a badge-engineered variant of the Hillman Minx, albeit with a better specification and the overhead-cam 1497cc engine from the Singer Hunter. The slightly tweaked MkII comes along a year later, with the option of an estate body.

1958

The MkIIA sees the adoption of the 1494cc overhead-valve engine from the Minx, meaning that power rises from 49bhp to 56bhp. It’s followed just six months later by the MkIII, with just trim and two-tone paint differences compared to its predecessor.

1959

Roll-over rear fins and a bigger front windscreen make an appearance on the MkIIIA. The gearchange moves from the column to the floor and there’s the option of Easidrive automatic transmission. A twin downdraught Zenith carburettor gives a little more power (60bhp).

1961

There’s a bigger 1592cc engine on the MkIIIC. Then, for the MkV of 1963, there’s a quite radical restyle, with a flattened roof and rear screen, larger back doors, 13-inch wheels and disc brakes up front.

1967

The Audax-style Gazelle bows out with the MkVI, which had been launched in 1965 with a 1725cc engine and slightly restyled nose with a different grille. It is superseded by the handsome, but rather short-lived Arrows-type Singer Gazelle.