1903 Humberette 5hp Two-Seater
No Reserve

Registration No: DU 490
Chassis No: 140
MOT: Exempt

• Entered from a private collection
• VCC Certificate of Dating issued on 16th July 1958
• Previous London to Brighton competitor
• Highly original

Widely acknowledged as Britain's first popular light car, the Humberette was introduced in 1903. Assembled at both Humber's Coventry and Beeston works, its lightweight tubular steel chassis frame was an apt reminder that the marque's roots lay in the bicycle industry. Equipped with all round leaf sprung suspension and contracting band rear wheel brakes, it was powered by a water-cooled, 613cc single-cylinder engine that developed some 5hp @ 1,500rpm. Admirably advanced, it used shaft drive where many of its competitors persisted with chains and featured a two-speed manual gearbox. Reputedly capable of 25mph, the presence of "a hand wheel on the Humber Olympia differential system" greatly assisted with high-speed manoeuvres.

Issued with a Certificate of Dating by The Veteran Car Club of Great Britain on 16^th July 1958 (photocopy on file), chassis 140 has participated in numerous London to Brighton runs. Believed but not warranted to retain much of its original paintwork, the Humberette’s leather upholstery has a great deal of age about it too. Sporting a Brevet carburettor, Lucas King of the Road sidelamps and wire wheels, the two-seater’s ‘DU 490’ number plate was first issued by Coventry Council. Previously belonging to W. Faulkner Esq of Witney, it was acquired by the seller in 1998 and entered for the following two years’ London to Brighton runs. Not started for some time, the Humberette will require recommissioning/ servicing prior to use. Worthy of close inspection, this delightful Veteran is worthy of close inspection. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.