Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 28th July from 1pm
Auction 29th July, 2026 12:00
Location: Pavilion Gardens St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
Registration No: JWS 547 Chassis No: 8007064 MOT: Exempt
Previously part of the well-known Marshall Humber Collection from 1991 to 2020
Acquired by the vendor and subject to much recommissioning thereafter
Evidently subject to an older restoration
Supplied with a history file, including the original Humber guarantee from when new
One of the best-known and most fondly remembered upmarket British cars of the post-war period, the Humber Super Snipe was introduced in 1939. Production was very soon curtailed by the war, but restarted in 1945 as an essentially pre-war design of up-to-date characteristics—it had a built-in boot, independent front suspension and a hardy 4, 086cc sidevalve straight-six. Its spacious interior and capable performance made it popular with the police, as shown to good effect in films such as The Blue Lamp. The Mk. II of 1948 introduced more modern bodywork, including headlamps built into the wings and a wider cabin, and the Mk. III was built from 1950 to 1952. It was characterised only by minor revisions to the bodywork and suspension, which included the addition of a Panhard rod at the rear to aid handling. Between the entry-level Hawk and the ultra-luxurious Pullman (typically used by governments and heads of state), the Super Snipe perfectly suited the needs of Britain’s post-war upper middle-class. Some 7, 679 standard Mk. IIIs were built, plus 324 in knock-down form and 700 heavy-duty models.
The Humber Super Snipe may not have had the same exclusivity in period as a Bentley R-type or Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, but they’re similarly comfortable, likely rarer, and arguably more interesting. This example certainly demonstrates just what a good-looking machine they are. It formerly belonged to the Allan Marshall Collection in Hull, a well-known collection of sixteen post-vintage Humber cars which Mr. Marshall had started collecting in the 1970s. The collection, which included three Humbers formerly owned by members of the Royal Family, was auctioned in 2020.
Having been bought for the collection in 1991, this Super Snipe has since been returned to running and driving condition but, says the vendor, it “requires work on the carburettor and to address low compression on a couple of cylinders.” The brakes have been fully renewed, and cosmetically the car is very presentable. It has survived with much history intact, too, including the original buff logbook, the original Humber guarantee, and many old MOTs. No doubt the Humber is itching to be driven properly again after thirty years in a museum, and we can say from experience that there are few things more comfortable than a big old ’50s saloon.
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Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
