Humber Hawk Series IV

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As British as Big Ben, the Humber Hawk was introduced in 1945 as Rootes’s mid-range four-cylinder luxury saloon.

A steady seller, it was offered alongside its six-cylinder sibling, the Super Snipe, proving particularly popular with middle-class professionals. Its virtues of quality engineering, oodles of leather trim and quietly imposing styling all combining to give these luxury motorcars their fully justified reputation as cars for the discerning motorist.

The Series IV models were updated with front disc brakes, brake servo and a lower profile roof-line, as well as additional glass behind the rear doors. The engine remained the same dependable 2.3-litre straight-four, but the 4-speed gearbox became an all-synchromesh unit.

Registered new in Worcestershire in April 1965, this Hawk is probably the finest Humber you will ever see: it really is stunning. With just two owners and 29,945 miles from new, it last changed hands in 1985 when it was sold by Oakleigh Garage of Worcester for £4,400.

The colour, Burnt Almond Metallic, is an inspired choice, giving the large car an air of gravitas without making it look lumpen. The beige interior trim keeps the cabin light and airy, helped by the large area of glass above the gunwhales. The walnut veneered dashboard and traditional array of instruments reminds you that this is a very British car.

The Humber had a stainless steel exhaust fitted in 1986 and was converted to take unleaded petrol in 2000. It has only covered 821 miles in the last 13 years, and while there is insufficient documentary evidence to warrant the low mileage, even a cursory glance at the car leaves you in no doubt that it has to be genuine.

On offer here from a deceased estate, this is an astounding car in first class condition, inside and out. It’s too good a car to hide away and the new owner can be sure of lots of admiring glances while driving it. What a beauty.