Description
A 1964 Humber Super Snipe Series V, the last of the line for this mega luxurious Rootes Group model.
Recently back on the road after an 18 month electrical issue which turned out to be a dodgy connection. Phew!
She is a 3-litre auto with oodles of quality leather with a great engine. Clean column change auto shift - and she kicks through the gears perfectly and cruises like a giant straight-six ought to.
Finished in original Chocolate Brown, she is remarkably solid and straight for such a huge piece of metal and her beige leather interior is simply delightful as is most of the woodwork to the dash and door tops. There are walnut picnic tables in the rear.
These Super Snipes are way rarer than their smaller sister the Hawk. A couple of rust areas around a couple of the wheel arches and boot rim, Apart from some expected paint imperfections here and there, she is pretty good. A good go with basic T-Cut would likely work wonders.
Chrome needs attention but I also have ordered and received some chrome refinisher which I haven't had time to apply, so you are welcome to that.
Note it has been off the road till very recently so it needs a full service - its picked up a bit of noise on the left side when turning left which sounds like a mudguard or something catching on the wheel/ axle. It didn't have that before being laid up for 18 months so I doubt it's serious.
Starts on a dime - obviously as long as you remember to use the choke for a couple of minutes... then bingo. straight to life. Wonderful.
Possibly not surprising as I replaced the whole ignition system.
Had a nightmare swapping out everything - twice - on the ignition system till I gave in and got a mechanic in, who found the problem in 15 minutes (very annoying) - someone added an additional fan in the side of the engine bay (unnecessary as it's never overheated for me so no idea why) and it was causing a short by the looks of it. He just disconnected it from the ignition switch and hey presto. 18 months without starting and it leapt into life. Shockingly quickly.
lots of pics here and i will try to upload the video if it allows.
Note of caution this is a 61 year old car (like me) and like me, it has its minor aches and groans but I've told you everything I think matters. (very small oil leak it's always had - I never investigated).
A little TLC and this could be brought back to being a superb example of this Rootes Group classic. I bought it because I love Hunters and Sceptres and this was a step up from there. 1964 same year I was born so a natural choice. Very low Mileage for the year. Sizeable car which I imagine a banker in the back with his whisky and cigar, while his chauffeur takes him to his club. Lovely responsive engine and easy to work on.
