1928 Humber 16/50 Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: UL 171
Chassis No: 16037
Mot Expiry: April 2013

In common with many early British marques, Humber's roots were in bicycle manufacture, and date back to 1868. The company produced a motorised three-wheeler in 1898 and its first conventional motorcar in 1901. And, though it's perhaps hard to imagine now, by 1913 it had grown into the second largest UK motor manufacturer. Success continued after WWI, with Humber focusing on dependable family transport - cars noted for the quality of their workmanship. Side valve engines were the Humber norm up to 1922, when the company switched to an inlet over exhaust configuration and it was a six-cylinder, 2.1-litre example that powered the 16/50 model.

This beautifully presented 1928 16/50 five-seater, six-cylinder dual purpose Tourer is thought to be one of only 10 such models to have survived out of 223 sold worldwide. The vendor purchased 'UL 171' in a totally dismantled state during 1973 and then proceeded to restore the car to its former glory; finally returning it to the road in 1997 - the first time it had been driven for 45 years. The quality of his workmanship has been borne out by various concours wins and the car is now the veteran of numerous rallies. The Humber has been equipped with a higher than standard final drive ratio for more relaxed touring, and indicators for easier motoring in modern traffic. It comes with wind-up windows as well as a full hood and front and back tonneau covers. Humbers are well-known for their very good weather protection for this period.

The vendor currently considers this charming vintage tourer to have "excellent" bodywork, six-cylinder engine and four-speed manual gearbox, and "very good" paintwork and interior trim. It has covered some 13,668 miles since the refurbishment and is smartly finished in Blue over Black and trimmed in Blue leather. The MOT is valid into April next year. A rare and eminently usable historic motorcar.