1947 Humber Snipe Saloon

Registration No: LRB 481
Chassis No: 4710592
MOT: Exempt
Estimate: £2,500 - £4,500

Motor Car Location: Somerset

• Among a handful or so of post-WW2 Snipes currently registered with the DVLA
• Off the road for a dozen years (last MOT certificate expired during October 2010)
• The subject of past renovation work including a colour change in the late 1980s but now in need of re-restoring
• Appears to be substantially complete

Announced in summer 1945 whilst World War Two was still being fought, the revised Humber Snipe owed much to its 1930s predecessors. Powered by a new 2731cc six-cylinder engine (65bhp / 120lbft) allied to four-speed manual transmission, the capacious saloon was reputedly capable of over 70mph. Based around a cruciform-braced chassis equipped with independent front suspension, a live rear axle and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, the five-seater was well built and well appointed. Rated at 18hp and deemed to be the equal of its 21hp pre-WW2 forebear, the Snipe appealed to those who could not quite afford a Bentley MkVI. Almost eighty years later and survivors are few and far between with little more than a handful known to the DVLA.

First registered in Derbyshire (as the ‘RB’ element of its number plate would imply), this particular example is thought to have been supplied new by Brocklehurst Motors Ltd, Motor Engineers of Chesterfield. An accompanying HPi report indicates that the Humber underwent a colour change from Grey to Black in 1988. Thought to have received other restoration work around the same time, the Snipe was last used on the road during 2009-2010. Now in need of a second refurbishment, ‘LRB 981’ appears to be substantially complete. A comparatively straightforward machine to work on, this imposing Humber would surely make a worthwhile winter project. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.