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By Jerry Zedman at 2006-04-17 20:22
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After World War II, production began again in 1946 with traditional-style 1100s and 1500s continuing with only detail changes. However, the aerodynamic model (1500 only) was a real suprise. This used the same chassis as the established cars, which was narrow, but had a full width, all enveloping, body style, which was not a success. This shell had to be supported from the narrow frame by a series of outriggers, not only at the sides but also at the front and rear. These deteriorated rapidly, and most of the aerodynamics have since been rebodied as 'standard' cars.
The HRG's main post-war competitor was the MG sportscar - the TC at first, the TD from 1950. The MGs were about £200 cheaper, available in quantity, and gave a much softer ride, thanks to the use of coil spring independent front suspension. The 'Hurg', as it was popularly known, retained a front beam axle on very stiff springs, and while many thought it had an acceptable ride, it appealed to the more masochistic enthusiast.
Competition successes continued to come to the Singer-engined cars. In 1948, for instance, six cars were entered in the French Alpine Rally and, between them, won two team prizes, a Coupe des Alpes, a class win, and three special test awards. In 1949 Peter Clark returned to Le Mans with a team of three lightenend, and special-bodied, cars. Eric Thompson and Jack Fairman won in their class, and one of these cars also won its class in the Spa 24 Hour event.
Later developments included the substitution of the Singer SM engine, and evntually a twin-overhead-camshaft version of this unit was completed. Not only was this engine to have been fitted to an entirely new model (of which three prototypes were completed), but it was to have been offered in a Singer saloon model as well. The prototype HRG had a tubular chassis frame, and disc brakes of HRG's own design. It was to have been sold at a price of £1867, but this was far too high for a 1500cc sportscar of the mid-1950's.
A final HRG prototype appeared in 1965, with a 1.6 litre Vauxhall VX 4/90 engine, but this was purely a one-off, and the company finaly closed down in 1966. Total production of the Singer-engined cars was 187, of which 49 had the 1100cc engine and 138 the 1500 unit.
Picture from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Hrg1500.jpg
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