Web Forum for Singer Cars

It is with a very heavy heart that I have to pass on the sad news about John Horne.

I received this message from the Singer Motor Club (nee ASCO) today:

It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce the death on the 18th of August, nine weeks before his 90th birthday, of founder member, Life President and Le Mans and 1930-39 Singer registrar, John Horne.

John's knowledge of these cars and Singers in general was legendary throughout the world wherever Singer enthusiast gathered. He will be truly missed.

Our condolences to John's son Miles and the family at this sad time.

Simon Bishop
Chairman. Singer Motor Club

I'd known John for many years and always had a good natter with him at Beaulieu about pre-war Singers on the ASCO stand when I'd visit. We kept in touch by e-mail often discussing the minute details of originality and other facts about our favourite Marque. He probably forgot more than I will ever know about the 1930's Singer, but I feel honoured to have learnt so much from him over the years.

We have lost another of The Old Masters. As Simon says, he will be truly missed.

Drive on in peace, John. Your legacy will live on every time we pre-warriors meet!

Hi Phillip, Hi Everyone,

My sadness comes along with Phillip's; Phillip I am Very sad to learn that John has passed as I have a small sense of how much you and he shared over the years.

When I first acquired CRL157 --Charlotte-- although I didn't know him at all, John kindly asked if I would write an article about the process, which gave me great pleasure. And when he edited what I had sent in, he most cordially made me an honorary Canadian ( by mistake, I think, but I took it as a compliment ).

From my extremely limited experience of John he was a most gracious and knowledgeable fellow. That he knew, liked and shared the passion for prewar Singers that many of us feel simply raises him further in my estimation.

Sad that our community has lost such a beacon of enthusiasm and willingness to share his knowledge.

Support goes out to his son and friends.

Kind Wishes,

David

I am a late comer to Singer Ownership. When I needed a replacement 1st gear earlier this year I messaged the club and John replied. He had a LM gearbox that had on the shelf for 40 years, condition unknown as it has come out of a scrapped car. He was so helpful with advice about how to fit it and what to be careful of.

The small encounter with him showed me what a genuine nice man he was and what a Classic Car Club used to be about, helping each other keep their cars on the road.

The gear box in great condition by the way.

He will be missed.