Highlights

Believed to be the only remaining Series 1 Super Snipe Estate on the road
Distinguished provenance - supplied new to Sir Robert Black of Elvendon Priory
In current ownership for over a decade, with £23,000 spent on service and repairs
History files including original buff logbook and almost 60 years of records
Upper paintwork and red interior trim reported to be original

The Appeal

Rootes Group knew how to make a handsome saloon, and equally knew exactly how to make a distinguished estate car. The Super Snipe Estate was a perfect best-of-both-worlds, with eyecatching sharp-featured styling that, perhaps, conjured up the littlest amount of American-style gleaming chromework whilst maintaining its attractive, quintessentially English milieu. The Series 1 estate is vanishingly rare today, and this example - known affectionately as 'Smokey' - is believed to be the sole survivor still in active use on the road.

Its provenance is notable. Supplied new to Sir Robert Black of Elvendon Priory, it served as the family's utility vehicle, ferried by the chauffeur to transport guns and fishing rods to their Scottish estate. It remained with the Black family until 1981, and its history from new is documented through correspondence with Sir David Black, the original owner's son.

The current owners acquired the car in 2015 and have used it enthusiastically, travelling to Goodwood, Dorset, Pendine Sands and the Peak District. It's a fine example of a truly scarce machine, and one that's clearly been pampered from top to bottom.

Key Information

Mileage: 86,803 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: Uprated to 3.0-litre (from original 2.7) six-cylinder inline petrol, 3-speed manual with overdrive
Paperwork: Original buff logbook, Shell service folder, Rootes service booklet and two history files spanning almost 60 years

The Detail

Engine reportedly uprated to the Series II 3-litre unit almost from new, at the request of Sir David Black
Fitted with a 3-speed manual gearbox with overdrive; the vendor reports it cruises comfortably at 70 mph
Power steering fitted, though the hydraulic ram has a leak that needs attention
High-torque starter motor and electronic ignition fitted
Upper paintwork in the two-tone light-over-dark-grey scheme is reported to be original
Lower bodywork was rust-treated, repaired and repainted a few years ago
Bodywork as a whole looks very straight and tidy
Brightwork is very well kept and contrasts beautifully
Palatial red interior complete with generous rear bay and picnic tables
Some gentle patina to the upholstery
Instruments in good order
Dashboard looks very original with lovely fascias
ISOFIX fitted in the rear
Original registration number SMO 666 retained since new
Featured in numerous magazine articles
Retained by the Black family from new until 1981; ownership history known from new

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