June 20, 2008 Only around 15 models still known in the world – Classic Car Colors finds original colors Pearl Grey and Pippin Red No, it’s not a sewing machine: Münster is the Glasurit Automotive Refinish A division of home of Germany’s one and only Singer Gazelle BASF Coatings AG Dr. Michael Golek convertible Tel. +49 25 01-14 37 47 Fax: +49 25 01-14 37 50 [email protected] www.glasurit.com Münster. No, it’s not a sewing machine: The Singer Gazelle Mk. III A dhc – proudly owned by Jürgen Book, head of Customer Service at BASF Coatings – is a classic sports car. It’s the only known model of its kind in Germany, and there are only 15 of these special cars throughout the world. For Jürgen Book and his wife Anja, the 13 feet, 10 inch-long convertible is a hobby they pursue with a passion. “The Singer Gazelle is a milestone in automotive history. Plus, this model has a number of special features that make it unique even compared to those in other places in the world.” At least one thing is clear to the Books: Whenever they take the Singer out for a spin, the people alongside the road wave at them and enjoy the car as much as the proud owners. As a classic car fan, and as a paint expert in particular, for Book, having the matching color for the Singer is crucial. The Classic Car Colors color matching system by Glasurit, BASF Coatings’ paint brand, helped him find and mix the colors – Pearl Grey RTS 16 and Pippin Red RTS 26, to be exact. How did they come up with them, you might ask? Located in Münster, Glasurit’s Classic Car Colors is the 1 / 3 Glasurit Automotive Refinish A division of BASF Coatings AG Dr. Michael Golek Tel. +49 25 01-14 37 47 Fax: +49 25 01-14 37 50 [email protected] www.glasurit.com world’s largest color archive. The rest of the matching secret involves a good eye for colors and a bit of experience. For Book, one thing is certain: “Older cars must have paintwork that is as close as possible to the original color.” And Book is proud of the fact that his own employer has vast experience in the color-matching department. After all, there aren’t exactly a lot of Singer Gazelles around anymore. In the 1920s and 1930s, Singer was one of the largest English car manufacturers, which means it’s a make with a long tradition in Great Britain. In 1954, it was acquired by the Rootes Group as a luxury brand (along with Hillman, Humber and Sunbeam), and in 1967, Rootes was taken over by Chrysler. Singer production was discontinued in 1970. From September 1959 to August 1960, 12,491 Model III A Gazelles were built. They were typical mid-class sedans with limited editions of station wagons and convertibles. The model’s distinctive feature is its “rollover fins,” which were also used for the 1958 Chevy Impala. The Model III A was the only model to have twin Solex carburetors. The history of Book’s Singer Gazelle is quite colorful. The car was first registered on November 30, 1960, in New York. Back then, the sticker price was $2,522. From 1975 to 1985, the car was registered in Miami, Florida. From 1985 to 1990, it was not registered. It was then imported to Germany. The Singer has been an “honorary citizen” of Münster since October 21, 1990, and Book has gradually completely restored it to match the original. 2 / 3 Glasurit Automotive Refinish A division of BASF Coatings AG Dr. Michael Golek Tel. +49 25 01-14 37 47 Fax: +49 25 01-14 37 50 [email protected] www.glasurit.com For classic car fans, the technical specifications of the Singer Gazelle are presented below: 4 cylinders, 1,494 cubic centimeters, approx. 60 horsepower. Length: 13 feet, 10 inches, Weight: 1.2 tons, Speed: 84 mph). Despite its small size, the car has a trailer hitch. And there’s yet another special feature: The model can also be driven as a “Coupe de Ville” version – semi-open with the roof over just the back seats. Glasurit Automotive Refinish Under the Glasurit brand, BASF markets a comprehensive range of automotive refinishing paint systems, focusing on eco-efficient waterborne basecoats and high-solids paints. By using these systems all legal solvent-reduction requirements can be complied with anywhere in the world, and with regard to appearance and durability, the products meet the same quality standards as solvent-borne paints. In this area, the company offers a wide variety of services to support its customers. Glasurit Automotive Refinish is approved by most of the leading car manufacturers for aftermarket repair worldwide and chosen by them for its color expertise. Internet: www.glasurit.com. 3 / 3 .