Descrição
We are pleased to offer this charming Humber 9/ 20 Fabric Saloon, one of the finest Vintage light cars.
The Humber has been in the same ownership for the last fifty years, during which time it has been painstakingly rebuilt and subsequently used in VSCC and Humber Register events.
TO 7368 would have started life as a fabric ‘D’ back saloon and was first registered in Nottingham on 30 March 1928. According to the buff log book with the car, there have been but four owners.
In the 1980s the plan was to rebuild the car as a ‘Doctors Coupe’ but closer inspection showed the body frame to be unsuitable for the conversion and the decision was made to rebuild the body as a sports saloon, very much in the style of the contemporary Riley Monaco. The rear of the body was shortened by fourteen inches and a lockable boot was added with the spare wheel mounted behind. The result is most attractive and modern looking when compared with the standard saloon.
At the same time the original wings were replaced with some of a more swept and sporting design while the brakes were modified to give four wheel braking on the foot pedal.
The Humber 9/ 20 can trace its origins back to the 985cc 8HP of 1923 when Humber introduced new inlet over exhaust engines across its range. Built to Humber’s acknowledged high standards, the new luxury small car earned a good reputation and sold in reasonable numbers. Later called the 8/ 18 the baby Humber grew up to become the 9/ 20 in 1925, was generously equipped and was known very much as a big car in miniature. In 1929 the 9/ 20 was restyled under Rootes Brothers influence and became the heavier, slower and less appealing 9/ 28.
The restored car was returned to the road in 1993 and has been regularly used. For a small Vintage saloon the performance is more than acceptable with a cruising speed of 40-45mph while achieving 30mpg and an average of 30mph on cross country journeys.
The Humber remains in excellent condition and looks extremely smart in brown fabric with black wings. It is fitted with wire wheels which were an option on the later 9/ 28 and enhance the sporting look of the car while no doubt reducing un-sprung weight. The interior is a joy to behold with much of the leather most likely the original. High quality fittings abound and there are nice touches fitted by the previous long term owner such as the drawers under the back seat to hold essentials such as spare bulbs and small tools in an easily accessible place. The doors are all lockable and there is a rear window blind.
The top hinged boot lid features budget locks and inside there is a decent space for larger tools and some luggage.
The accompanying history file contains V5, RF60 ‘buff’ log book, invoices and much technical information on the 9/ 20. There is also the original Instruction Book containing fascinating notes from previous owners including the first, spare magneto and a booklet containing a record of fuel used by the last owner.
Well supported by the Humber Register, the 9/ 20 is ideal for Inter-Register and VSCC events, including those of the increasingly popular Light Car Section. It is a Vintage car of the highest quality for a modest price.
We will happily consider taking a classic car or motorcycle in part exchange.
Thank you for reading.
