No, it’s not an MG! The Singer Roadster was actually introduced right before World War II but production continued until 1955 (one car was finished in 1956). It naturally competed with the MG T-Series cars but was a little less sports car and a little more tourer. This one is being offered for sale here on eBay, with the opening bid set at a rather unusual $477 without a reserve. The car is currently stored in Murphysboro, Illinois.

While the metal part of the body actually doesn’t look too bad, remember that a lot of that bodywork is backed by wood components — which basically don’t exist anymore once you look closer. Despite the low entry price, I doubt that it will make financial sense to restore this car to original specification. Which leads me to the question — what would you do with it?

Despite being held together with straps, wire and string, the metal body parts are quite attractive. As much as it may seem like sacrilige to some, I would be looking for another set of mechanical and frame components to put the shell on. I can hear the “LS” yells now. Not my speed, but that may work for some of you. One option would be the readily available Triumph Spitfire/GT6 platform, with late model rusty Spitfires going for less than $500 where I am. However, I’m thinking Miata subframes and some structure to tie them together, but I’d love to hear what you are thinking.

I’d make a lot of effort to retain some classic look in the dash and I love the “banjo” steering wheel.

As you can see, this car was originally sold in France. I’d love to have its full history. The 4AD model was sold from 1951 to 1955, with the 4AD intended for export with a larger 1497 cc engine and the similar but smaller-engined 4AB sold in the home market. The larger engine provided an increase of 12 horsepower over the 4AB (to a ground-shattering 48–there was also a twin-carb version that made 58). In a period review, The Autocar stated that the larger engine made it “a lively open tourer with a performance that falls somewhere between that of a similarly powered saloon and an out-and-out sporting car”. I still think it would be more fun with another drivetrain, like the one we previously featured and sold here.

Despite being called a 1950 model in the ad, we can tell from the serial plate above that it was actually produced in early 1954, and was one of 475 4ADs produced that year. Even with them being that rare, Hagerty only values the cars at $30,000 in concours condition, and that quickly drops as you go down the condition ladder. So, Barn Finds readers, what would you do with this car?