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 and its 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 April 1929, this well presented example was given a comprehensive restoration back in the 1980s. Exhibiting a pleasant patina of careful use, the vendor acquired the car in 2014 from MA Autos and has greatly enjoyed the car, often using it for his daily commute to work. A conversation with a Humber club member informed him that the engine had been the subject of a major overhaul within the last ten years, although he has no paperwork to support this.

The vendor, a skilled vintage car component machinist, has overhauled the gear linkage and steering box and reports that it drives very nicely. He has recently moved his business to his home workshop, meaning that his Humber can no longer live in its nice warm garage, hence it needs to find a new owner before the onset of winter. The information file includes a V5C, a handbook, two old MOTs and an old style log book along with various Humber Club magazines.

A quality car in all respects, this well presented 85-year-old tourer now just needs a caring new custodian to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.