Introduced in 1963, the original Humber Sceptre was part of Rootes Group’s rationalisation of its Hillman, Sunbeam, Singer and Humber brands, using shared body structures rather than bespoke deisgns.
The Humber Sceptre MK I was the luxury model, based on the Hillman Super Minx. It featured a unique roof, glass and rear bodywork and a much more upmarket cabin, with a dash that echoed the look of the Aston Martin DB5, no less. It was also sumptuously trimmed, with leather upholstery and deep-pile carpets.
It was a lively performer, too, with a 1,592cc four-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual overdrive transmission.
This example is a lovely older restoration, well known to the Post-Vintage Humber Car Club and cherished by its recent owners. The car is offered for sale due to bereavement and interested parties should note that the car hasn’t been used for over a year. It is, however, in full working order.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
First registered January 1964
Owned by a succession of enthusiast owners
Substantial documented repair work in the early 2000s
MOT certificates back to 1988
Original owners’ handbook
Humber factory workshop repair manual
UK V5C
MOT and tax exempt
Original registration number
Old tax discs
Service and repair invoices dating back to the 1980s
Original Humber sales brochures
THE INTERIOR
Lovely black leather seats in great condition
Smart deep pile carpets
Stunning six-dial dash
Retro 1980s radio-cassette and electric aerial
Humber-specific steering wheel with chrome horn ring
Very good door cards
Excellent roof lining
Protective overmats
Selection of old maps and period road atlas
No cracks on dash or worn/missing trim
THE EXTERIOR
Solid Fern Green
Very smart overall condition
Appears very good underneath
Panels are all straight and dent-free
Very good chrome with only very minor pitting to headlight surrounds
All original badges and trim
Wing-mounted mirrors
Good tyres all-round
Some minor wear to chrome hubcaps
THE MECHANICS
1,592cc OHV four
Four-speed manual
Well serviced and maintained in recent years
Runs well and holds a steady temperature with no excessive smoke
Interested parties should note that this is a bereavement sale and that the car has been parked in a garage for over a year. We were able to jump start it for the photos and the brakes and clutch are freed off, but a full inspection is recommended before the car is used on the road
SUMMARY
If you’re in the market for a compact but upmarket Sixties classic, they don’t come much smarter than the Humber Sceptre and this one’s a lovely example. It’s being sold by the widow of the previous keeper and is sold on the understanding that it hasn’t been used recently, but the overall condition is beautiful regardless and we were able to get it running pretty easily, so there’s no reason it couldn’t be put into regular service once again. It’s a fabulous example of a stylish and desirable classic British saloon.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1964 Humber Sceptre
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