Description

1933 Humber Snipe 80 Sports Saloon

Rare aluminium-bodied saloon restored in 2016 by Humber specialist; original engine, gearbox and axle; believed one of only five remaining 

The upmarket Humber Snipe was a four-door luxury saloon introduced in 1930 as a successor to the Humber 20/55hp. The Snipe, or from 1932 the Snipe 80, featured a 3,498cc six-cylinder side valve engine.
It was available in a range of body styles including saloon, tourer, drop head coupe and the rarest - the Sports Saloon. Widely regarded at the time to be a less ostentatious competitor to Bentley, Humbers were well equipped and were known for their luxurious interiors. In 1931 a fleet of Snipes were used by the Prince of Wales on his tour of the West Indies.
Offered here is a rare Sports Saloon which has been lovingly restored by a member of the Humber Register. The Sports Saloon body has a lower windscreen and roofline, upright radiator and shorter body giving a more rakish and sporty look. It is thought that there are no more than five examples surviving.
First registered in Kent in March 1933 and first owned by a Mr E O'Sullivan, AKK 21 was discovered in storage where it had been for at least 30 years and was purchased by the current keeper in 2015. His daughter then announced she was getting married the following year and would it be ready as bridal transport?

Luckily upon closer inspection the chassis was found to be particularly sound, the engine turned and the owner embarked on a concentrated restoration, spending 40+ hours a week on the project. The Snipe was remarkably original, with its matching engine, gearbox and axle. The chassis was cleaned and then treated to a coat of special Marine paint. The body, being aluminium, had held up well, with just the wooden frame requiring attention. There are photos on file that show various stages of the thorough restoration, which was completed by the 'big day' when the Humber performed its duties admirably.
As can be seen from the photographs, the work has been completed to a good standard. The interior was retrimmed in cream leather and the rear folding tables, mirrors and lights are all correct. The large sliding sunroof works as it should. It retains the correct Snipe radiator cap and a second, plain example is also included should the car be parked up unattended. Documentation includes a photo of the car as found, correspondence with DVLA to retrieve the original registration number, an original instruction book and some rare period sales brochures. In case you are wondering if it will fit in your garage, the dimensions are: 4.60m long (15'1"); 1.55m high (5'6"); 1.55m wide (5'1").
Since arriving at Brightwells the car has been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site. The exhaust is very smoky when the car is started from cold but we are told that this improves markedly once the engine has warmed up. All in all a unique opportunity to own one of the rarest and best presented Humbers available at a very modest guide price.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com