Humber Snipe 80 Golfers Coupe

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This striking, rakish Humber Snipe 80 Golfers Coupe is thought to be the only surviving example of two built by Lancefield in 1934. Its style clearly emulates American roadsters of the period. Comfortable and well furnished, a two or four seater with a Dickey seat and golf bag compartment. It must certainly have cut a dash in its time, and has the looks to feel at home amongst Bentleys and Rolls-Royces of the period.

Supplied by Rootes of Piccadilly to Sir Philip Sassoon MP of Park Lane on the 1^st January 1934.  He was a regular visitor to Buckingham Palace and it is thought that Her Majesty the Queen Mother knew and admired the car. It appears that Earl Haig, a close friend of Sir Philip, had always showed interest in the Humber, and in 1937 Sir Philip presented it to him as a gift.

At the outbreak of the Second World War Earl Haig sold the Humber to a Hamish Crighton of Dunbar. It may have then been used on a farm, with a hay rake attached in place of the front bumper, perhaps to qualify for petrol coupons as a farm vehicle! Whether that is true we will never know, but it was soon put into storage where it remained for 30 years.

The Vendor purchased the Humber in 2014 from Ireland. The body had been restored, but mechanical work was required that was recently completed. As usual with projects of this type the costs have soon mounted up, with bills on file from the past 4 years totalling over £27,000! Much of the work has been completed by Robin Lackford Engineering near Horsham. To make it more useable it has been fitted with electric fan and fuel pump. The bills showing new wiring, carburettor rebuild, pistons, gaskets  and new white metal bearings are all on file. The engine rebuild was completed earlier this year and the running-in oil will need to be changed shortly.

It will come with a substantial history file, with Buff logbooks, a selection of period Instruction and Repair manuals.  It has just had a fresh MOT which is valid until October 2019.

All in all a handsome and delightful car that ran beautifully on the day of our visit.  Now ready for the next chapter to be added to its illustrious history, the fortunate new owner will know they have a unique car in lovely condition, and one that has the looks and pedigree to be comfortable in any company.