The Hawk was the first post-war model from Rootes Group’s prestigious brand, Humber, and evolved from the pre-war Humber 14, originally with a rather staid and upright body style.
But all that changed in 1948, thanks to the influence of Franco-American industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who was drafted in to give the Mk III model a new, streamlined and more futuristic look.
The new model was massively more advanced than its predecessor, with coil-sprung front suspension and an integral body structure. It was one of the best-engineered British cars of its time and was made even better in 1951 when the Mk IV model appeared, with a stronger, more powerful 2.3-litre sidevalve engine – a car with genuine 60mph cruising ability.
And that’s what we have here – a 1953 Hawk Mk IV in amazingly original order. Its entire history isn’t fully known, but it comes with tax discs and MOT certificates up to 1979 where it appears to have had one owner, followed by a very long lay-up as proven by a lack of electronic MOT records.
It has been returned to the road and sympathetically recommissioned to keep it as original as possible, giving it a charming and irreplaceable patina.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C showing four previous keepers
Original buff logbook
Original registration number RWA 811 reissued, but non-transferable
Old MOTs and tax discs dating up to 1979
Tax and MOT exempt
Old invoices and receipts
Lubrication chart
Owners’ manual
Original brochure
Dealer directory
Old Labour Party campaign document – a nice bit of British social history!
Tax and MOT exempt
THE INTERIOR
Dark red leather
Matching carpets and door cards in good condition
Some minor wear to leather seat facings and rear of front seat where stitching has pulled apart
Age-related wear to rubbers and door seals
General all-round patina, but in good order with huge charm and very little wear
Aftermarket front seat belts
Immaculate headlining
Gorgeous art deco-style clock
Selection of spare parts in the boot
THE EXTERIOR
Metallic Pewter Grey
Very presentable and largely original, but has had some localised paint repairs over the years
Small areas of localised rust bubbles and paint defects all-round, but nothing alarming
All original chrome – some minor dents and pitting all-round
Appears visually sound underneath
Modern radial tyres
THE MECHANICS
2,267cc 4cyl sidevalve engine
55bhp
Four-speed manual column-change gearbox
Reported to be in good running order
New rear exhaust section
As with any car of this vintage, we would recommend a thorough inspection and check-over before regular use
SUMMARY
If you want an early post-war car that’s usable enough to keep up with modern traffic and oozes charm, then this Humber is well worth a look. It’s beautifully styled, sturdy and has a fascinating pile of paperwork documenting its early history.
It’s not concours, but its charm and patina bring their own substantial appeal – it’s a fabulous piece of British history, ready to use, enjoy or improve if you wish. As it stands, it’s still a lovely and attractive old car, with masses of appeal.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
