1904 Humber Royal Humberette

Lot details
Registration No: AA 678
Chassis No: B2106
Mot Expiry: March 2005

Humber Limited first produced their Humberette at Beeston and Coventry in 1903, the diminutive tourer - very much a replica of a larger motor car, though no poor relation - providing open transport for two. The water-cooled Humber single-cylinder motor would give 5hp at 1500rpm. The Humber transmission was gear-driven by a flexible-shaft from the gearbox to the live-axle, there being 2-forward speeds and 1-reverse. Tyres were pneumatic and braking was by two band levers on the back axle, applied by a hand-lever, and a band-brake on the driving-shaft, applied by foot lever. The tank gave the Humberette a 100 miles range. Two versions were offered; the Coventry costing 125 guineas and the Beeston, with governed engine, bucket seats and side doors, 140 guineas.
Offered here is a 1904 Royal Humberette, chassis number B2106 with Humber engine number 572. Chassis, changed 2-seater body, blue paintwork, black interior, enlarged 1-cylinder motor and 3-speed manual transmission are all claimed to be in good condition, while MOT and tax-exempt disc are said both to be current.
Most importantly, on file is a Veteran Car Club 'Certificate of Date' number 1968, issued 23 March 1993, signed by the Chairman of the VCC Dating Committee. This backs up the 1904 dating claimed for AA 678, noting the non-original bodywork fitted and the De Dion cylinder barrel responsible for the greater 6.5hp rating for the modified Humber motor, but enabling an owner of this Humberette to run it in Veteran events.