Description
1903 Humberette 5HP - VCC Dated
Registration No. BS8256
Chassis No. 40
VCC Dating Certificate No. 729
Having been founded in 1868 as a Bicycle maker, Humber later became part of Harry Lawson’s British Motor Syndicate. It was from this source that the company purchased the designs and rights to a number of obscure and unlikely functional automobiles. Humber freed itself from Lawson and associates in 1890s and reinvented itself with its first production motor car in 1900. This was in the form of the unconventional M D Voiturette which featured front wheel drive and rear wheel steering. A more conventional range of the ever popular De-Dion Bouton powered light cars soon followed which was notable for its shaft drive, in an era where chains set the precedent.
By 1903, Humber were producing Four-Cylinder vehicles of 12HP and 20HP, designed by Louis Coatalen, but it was in this year that the companies most notable additional was added, the Humberette.
The Humberette was powered by a 5HP Single Cylinder engine, which featured two speed and reverse transmission, of course, with shaft drive. Lubrication was via drip fed oiler and carburation via Longuemare. The Wheelbase was recorded as 5ft 3 long, with a track of 3ft 6, the wheels were wire. It was Humbers first ‘mass produced’ car. Built at the firms Beeston and Coventry factories the Humberette was a typical light car, that was both affordable at £150 and well engineered. Production ceased at the end of 1905, but the Humberette name was revived in 1913 when a new V-Twin engined light car was made available.
This example here, chassis No 40, is in fact the earliest recorded survivor of the Humberette motorcar. Previously registered AR330, the early history of this example is largely unknown, however it was first presented to the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain in 1956 when it was awarded a dating certificate No. 729. The car has a long affiliation with the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, having been used on the event as early as 1963 and going on to complete the event at least 9 times. It also spent time in a museum in the 1980s before moving to Austria in the early 1990s. Records show that this is one of 19 surviving 5HP Humberette cars worldwide.
Having been in current ownership since 2008, this fantastic Humberette has been cherished in a home that also houses a number of Humber products. The car last completed London to Brighton in 2023. Offered for sale now for the first time in 18 years, this very presentable 1903 Humberette would make a perfect first time Veteran car for someone that is looking to participate in the worlds oldest motoring event.
£59, 950 GBP.
