Humber Sceptre MkIII Automatic

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From 1966 to 1979, the Rootes Group (later Chrysler Europe) produced a range of cars incorporating several badge-engineered marques.

Often referred to by the name of its most prolific model, the Hillman Hunter, internally all cars were known as the ‘Arrow’ model at Rootes and were also sold badged as Sunbeams and Humbers depending on their level of specification.

The first Arrow model to be launched, the Hillman Hunter was presented as a replacement for the Hillman Super Minx and was Rootes’ main contender in the medium family car segment. In its 13-year production run, its UK rivals included the Ford Cortina, Morris Marina and Vauxhall Victor.

A new 5-bearing version of the well-proven 1,725cc overhead valve petrol engine provided the power, with outputs from 66bhp to 88bhp (as in the Humber Sceptre on offer today). The engine was inclined by a modest 15 degrees to give a lower bonnet line and to allow clearance for the carburettors.

For the first time in a Rootes car, MacPherson strut suspension featured at the front, with a conventional live axle mounted on leaf springs at the rear. The model's image was boosted when a Hunter driven by Andrew Cowan won the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon rally.

This structurally sound top-of-the-range 1972 Humber Sceptre MkIII automatic has had just three owners from new and was acquired two years ago by the vendor from a gentleman in Birkenhead as a car to use and improve. Just prior to purchase, it had been fitted with two new front brake calipers and he has subsequently added a new heater fan, fuel pump, carpet set (including the boot which is 75% finished) and a fresh battery. 

Fitted with an automatic gearbox, quad-headlights, full-width chrome grille and a fully stacked burr-walnut dashboard, this Humber Sceptre was as luxurious as it got in 1973 offering strong performance and excellent road manners into the bargain. MOTd until July this year, the documents folder also includes nine old MOTs, a number of bills and invoices and an owner's handbook.

There are only 529 Humber Sceptres of all types still registered in the UK of which only 35 are automatics, making this a rare car indeed. For someone hoping to get a foot on the classic car ladder, or simply wanting interesting and practical everyday transport, this rare Humber looks a promising bet.