Humber 16/50 Tourer

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From the dawn of the motoring age until the end of the 1970s, Humber cars were an important part of the British motor industry and occupied a comfortable niche towards the top end of the market.

At first, high quality cars were produced at Beeston in Nottinghamshire and in Coventry; later production was concentrated in Coventry and a popular range of high grade light cars was developed which lasted into the middle 1920s. As prosperity increased after the Great War, the firm introduced larger and more luxurious models, and by 1930 the catalogue consisted of the 16/50 series and the larger 3-litre Snipe and Pullman range.

Humber Cars of this period represented the epitome of middle-class expectations, and every successful doctor, broker or bank manager aspired to the luxury of the solid and respectable marque. General Montgomery was particularly fond of his Super Snipe staff car in World War Two, giving it the affectionate nickname ‘Old Faithful’.

The 16/50 model offered is typical of the period, with comfortable and extremely spacious open tourer coachwork. The body is well finished and lavishly equipped with leather seating for five and plenty of stowage space including leather door pockets, generous seat-back compartments and a rear passenger foot-locker. Remarkably it also has wind up side windows in place of the more usual detachable sidescreens.

Mechanical specification included a 2.1 litre six-cylinder engine with overhead-inlet and side exhaust valves resulting in amazingly smooth running even at low revs. The gearbox was four-speed with silent helical third gear and an excellent gate change. Powerful Bendix mechanical brakes operated in large drums and proved very effective.

Dating from March 1929, not much is known of the early history of the car although the PK number plate would indicate that it was first registered in Surrey. An old buff log book shows that by 1954 it was owned by a Henry Fowler of Wimbledon, passing in 1958 to Susan and then John Tranter who were to keep it until 1986.

Various bills from the 1980s onwards show regular maintenance including much work at The Humber Workshop, Bury-St-Edmunds, where the brakes, steering, suspension and differential were all overhauled. In 2005 they also rebuilt the engine with new pistons, reground crank etc. at a cost of some £3,300.

Said to be in good running order and driving nicely as we manoeuvred it for the photos, it also comes with some useful technical literature relating to the model and various tools including a wheelbrace and jack. A quality car in all respects, this wonderfully original 85-year-old tourer now just needs a caring new custodian to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.