HIGHLIGHTS
- Owned by a succession of enthusiast owners
- Smart deep pile carpets
- Great original condition
THE APPEAL
Introduced in 1963, the original Humber Sceptre was part of Rootes Group’s rationalisation of its Hillman, Sunbeam, Singer and Humber brands, using shared body structures rather than bespoke deisgns.
The Humber Sceptre MK I was the luxury model, based on the Hillman Super Minx. It featured a unique roof, glass and rear bodywork and a much more upmarket cabin, with a dash that echoed the look of the Aston Martin DB5, no less. It was also sumptuously trimmed, with leather upholstery and deep-pile carpets.
It was a lively performer, too, with a 1,592cc four-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual overdrive transmission.
This example is a lovely older restoration, well known to the Post-Vintage Humber Car Club and cherished by its recent owners. The car is offered for sale due to bereavement and interested parties should note that the car hasn’t been used for over a year. It is, however, in full working order.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- First registered January 1964
- Owned by a succession of enthusiast owners
- Substantial documented repair work in the early 2000s
- MOT certificates back to 1988
- Original owners’ handbook
- Humber factory workshop repair manual
- UK V5C
- MOT and tax exempt
- Original registration number
- Old tax discs
- Service and repair invoices dating back to the 1980s
- Original Humber sales brochures
THE INTERIOR
- Lovely black leather seats in great condition
- Smart deep pile carpets
- Stunning six-dial dash
- Retro 1980s radio-cassette and electric aerial
- Humber-specific steering wheel with chrome horn ring
- Very good door cards
- Excellent roof lining
- Protective overmats
- Selection of old maps and period road atlas
- No cracks on dash or worn/missing trim
THE EXTERIOR
- Solid Fern Green
- Very smart overall condition
- Appears very good underneath
- Panels are all straight and dent-free
- Very good chrome with only very minor pitting to headlight surrounds
- All original badges and trim
- Wing-mounted mirrors
- Good tyres all-round
- Some minor wear to chrome hubcaps
THE MECHANICS
- 1,592cc OHV four
- Four-speed manual
- Well serviced and maintained in recent years
- Runs well and holds a steady temperature with no excessive smoke
- Interested parties should note that this is a bereavement sale and that the car has been parked in a garage for over a year. We were able to jump start it for the photos and the brakes and clutch are freed off, but a full inspection is recommended before the car is used on the road
SUMMARY
If you’re in the market for a compact but upmarket Sixties classic, they don’t come much smarter than the Humber Sceptre and this one’s a lovely example. It’s being sold by the widow of the previous keeper and is sold on the understanding that it hasn’t been used recently, but the overall condition is beautiful regardless and we were able to get it running pretty easily, so there’s no reason it couldn’t be put into regular service once again. It’s a fabulous example of a stylish and desirable classic British saloon.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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