Description
Here is my 1963 Humber Sceptre Mark 1 - and, as almost always, the originals remain the best. The Mark 1, with its Trans-Atlantic styling and its imposing twin headlights, is much preferred to the Mark 2 which did away with those twin headlights. So, it's a Mark 1 and I think it's beautiful!
The original Sceptre was launched as a replacement for the Sunbeam Rapier (typical of The Rootes Group), but in reality it never actually happened. The Rapier continued and the Sceptre came along as well.
These sports saloons, with that classic low, wrap around rear screen, were a real driver's car. In my opinion, the dashboard arrangement was one of the best of any car of the 1960s. There are six dials mounted in there and it really is Rootes designing at its very best.
By the way, this may well be the oldest Sceptre on the road. The Mark 1 was launched in 1963 (although I can't find out which month) and mine was registered on January 22 of '63. So, there you go!
She has overdrive on 3rd and 4th which was also standard on these superbly engineered cars.
Bodily and paint-wise, she is in top order for a 52-year-old classic. She motors along admirably - with in effect a choice of six gears - and she handles the road really well. Her panels are straight and she looks a million dollars in her Solent Blue Metallic paintwork.
Interior-wise, her light blue seats are totally un-damaged while that star feature, the dashboard, is in lovely order. All in all, this is mega eye-catching classic which is a pleasure to drive. There are not many about these days. You would imagine that, such is their profile, status and rarity, their owners would never really wish to part with them. In fact that is more than likely why they are rarely offered - and more to the point in this kind of cherished condition. I only managed to acquire this beautiful old girl as her elderly owner had become too old to enjoy her and so, extremely reluctantly, opted to sell.
She has covered just 70, 000 miles and, going by the extensive history file, that would look to be correct. I acquired her from a retired motor mechanic now in his eighties. He bought the Sceptre 25 years ago and has covered just 7, 000 miles during that period. There is a stack of old MoTs going back to 1982 and the continuation of miles is there to be seen.
As with all my classic cars, I regard them as the equivalent of motoring antiques. Even the very best available cannot be perfect. Since the motor car was invented, vehicles have ceased to be perfect once they leave the dealer's showroom. I do not like concourse classics, and have little time for those who take them to shows on trailers, clean the tyre treads with a toothbrush and then sit po-faced at the front of their vehicle all day. Classic cars are to be loved, enjoyed, driven, improved, repaired, tinkered with and hopefully pampered. Even the best will show some signs of wear and tear commensurate with their age. Do not expect a 50-year-old car to be in the same condition as your wife's 6-month old Range Rover. Although I suppose some could actually be in a superior condition come to think of it (sorry, joke!). I love my Georgian dining table, despite all its centuries of repair work. If had wanted a new table then maybe I should have gone to Oak Furniture Land!
I accept all major debit/ credit cards and a ten per cent deposit is required at the point of sale with the balance due within three days. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks, Martin the details below).
