Humber Hawk (1957-67)

COMMON FAULTS 

Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel. 

The **Humber Hawk** (Series I-IVA) had several common issues: 

1. **Bodywork & Chassis**: - **Corroding Sills**: All three panels (inner, center, and outer) tend to corrode together. Beware of bodged repairs where new outers are fitted over weakened inners. - **Leaking Windscreens**: Lower corners of windscreens tend to leak, causing rust in the A-posts. Repairing these areas can be challenging due to multiple panels meeting behind them. - **Front Footwells**: Check for corrosion from the bulkhead end backward. Underbody seal or fresh paint may indicate hidden issues. - **Rear Wheelarches and Boot Floor**: Rear wheelarches and outer edges of the boot floor are prone to rust. - **Rear Wing Spray Damage**: Lower rear corners of the rear wings suffer from spray damage. 

2. **Engine**: - The 2.3-litre engine (shared with the Sunbeam-Talbot 90) is robust but has a four-bearing crankshaft that can snap due to over-advanced ignition timing. - Check oil pressure at 50mph (40-50psi is ideal). Noisy tappets may indicate worn rocker shafts. 

3. **Gearbox**: - The manual gearbox lacks synchromesh on first gear and is prone to sheared teeth. Ensure smooth gear changes during a test drive. 

4. **Running Gear**: - Steering: An inch of free play at the steering wheel is usual. - Front Suspension: Grease the more than 20 front suspension grease nipples every 1000 miles. - Listen for noises from worn bearings when idling with the clutch depressed. 

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Generations/Trim Levels

The **Humber Hawk** was produced in **two generations**. The **first generation** (Mk I & II) was launched after World War II and shared similarities with the Hillman 14. It featured a four-cylinder engine and a separate chassis. The **second generation** (Mk III to V) debuted in 1948 with a completely new design, including a Loewy Studio-styled body and improved features. The Mk III retained the earlier side-valve engine, while the Mk IV and V had larger engines. The Hawk's legacy spans from 1945 to 1967. 

Body Styles/Variants The **Humber Hawk** was produced in **several versions** over its production span from **1945 to 1967**. Let's explore them: 

1. **Humber Hawk Mk I & II**: - The Mk I was a re-badged Hillman 14 (1938-1940) and the first Humber car launched after World War II. - The Mk II (from September 1947) introduced a column gear change with synchromesh gears and minor improvements. 

2. **Humber Hawk Mark III to V**: - The Mark III (1948) was a completely new car with Loewy Studio styling, retaining the earlier side-valve engine. - The Mark IV and V featured larger engines (2267 cc) and further bodywork alterations. 

3. **Humber Hawk Mark VI and VIA**: - The Mark VI (1964) continued the Hawk legacy with additional refinements. - The final model, the Mark VIA, was introduced in 1964. 

These versions spanned various body styles, including saloons and limousines, making the Humber Hawk a versatile and enduring classic. 

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Production Total: 15,539 

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Price New: The **Humber Hawk (1957-1967)** had a **new price of around £1,049** in the UK during its production years. It was positioned as a **mid-range executive saloon**, offering **comfort, reliability, and practicality** at a competitive price compared to its rivals. 

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Sales: The **Humber Hawk (1957-1967)** was a **moderate sales success**, particularly in the UK. It was positioned as a **mid-range executive saloon**, offering **comfort, reliability, and practicality** at a competitive price. While it didn’t achieve the same level of popularity as some of its rivals, it maintained a **steady customer base** among professionals and families who valued its **refined styling and dependable performance**. 

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Historical Pricing Comparisons: Here’s a **historical pricing comparison** for various **Humber models** in the UK:

**Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)**

- **Median Price:** **£5,728**.

- **Highest Recorded Price:** **£32,823** (sold at auction in **2021**).

- **Lowest Recorded Price:** **£287** (sold at auction in **2005**).

- **Recent Lowest Price (since 2020):** **£795** (sold in **2022**).

These values reflect auction results and private sales over the years. 

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Rarity & Collector Appeal: The **Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)** holds a **moderate collector appeal**, particularly among enthusiasts of **British executive saloons**. While it was never as widely recognized as Jaguar or Rover models, it has a **loyal following** due to its **luxurious interior, smooth six-cylinder engine, and distinctive styling**. 

**Rarity & Market Presence**

- **Auction Sell-Through Rate:** **87%**, indicating strong demand.

- **Production Numbers:** Exact figures are unclear, but it was produced in **five series** over nearly a decade.

- **Estate Versions:** Particularly rare and sought after.

- **Surviving Examples:** Limited numbers remain on UK roads, making it an increasingly rare sight.

**Collector Interest**

- **Historical Significance:** Used by **government officials and military staff**, adding to its prestige.

- **Classic Car Market:** Prices range from **£795 to £32,823**, depending on condition.

- **Restoration Potential:** Many examples require **extensive restoration**, but well-maintained models are highly valued.

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Recorded in UK 2025

Humber Hawk

- **Licensed:** 297

- **SORN:** 120

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Target Age Group

The **Humber Hawk (1957-1967)** was primarily targeted at **middle-class professionals and families**, offering a balance of **comfort, reliability, and practicality**. Here’s how its **target age group** influenced its design and appeal:

**Target Age Group**

- **35-55 years old** – Aimed at professionals and families who wanted a **refined yet affordable executive saloon**.

- **Marketed To:** Business owners, senior employees, and middle-class families.

- **Positioning:** A **comfortable and spacious saloon**, ideal for long-distance travel and daily commuting.

**Influence on Design & Features**

- **Spacious Interior** – Designed to accommodate families and professionals who valued comfort.

- **Reliable Engineering** – Focused on durability, making it a practical choice for long-term ownership.

- **Classic Styling** – Conservative yet elegant, appealing to buyers who preferred understated luxury.

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Influence of Target Age Group

The **target age group** for the **Humber Hawk (1957-1967)** had a direct impact on its **design, marketing, and positioning**. Here’s how:

**Design Influence**

- **Spacious Interior** – Designed for **middle-class professionals and families**, ensuring comfort for long journeys.

- **Reliable Engineering** – Focused on **durability and practicality**, making it a dependable choice for long-term ownership.

- **Classic Styling** – Conservative yet elegant, appealing to buyers who preferred **understated luxury**.

**Marketing Strategy**

- **Professional Appeal** – Advertised as a **refined executive saloon**, ideal for business owners and senior employees.

- **Family-Friendly Features** – Promoted as a **comfortable and spacious vehicle**, suitable for family use.

- **Competitive Pricing** – Positioned as an **affordable alternative** to more expensive luxury saloons.

**Market Positioning**

- The **Humber Hawk** was marketed as a **mid-range executive car**, offering a balance of **comfort, reliability, and practicality**.

- It competed with models like the **Ford Zodiac Mk III, Austin Westminster A110, and Wolseley 6/110**, which targeted similar demographics.

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Parts Bin Engineering

The **Humber Hawk (1957-1967)** incorporated parts from various manufacturers, as was common within the **Rootes Group**. Some notable components included:

- **Lucas Electricals** – Used for **lighting, ignition systems, and switches**.

- **Borg-Warner Transmission** – Some models featured **automatic gearboxes** sourced from Borg-Warner.

- **Lockheed Brakes** – Provided **braking components**, including **master cylinders and servo units**.

- **Smiths Instruments** – Supplied **gauges, speedometers, and dashboard instruments**.

- **Zenith Carburettors** – Used in some versions for **fuel delivery**.

- **Dunlop Tyres** – Often fitted as **original equipment**.

Many of these parts were **shared across Rootes Group vehicles**, including the **Humber Super Snipe, Singer Vogue, and Hillman Super Minx**. If you're looking for **replacement parts**, you can check suppliers like [MEV Spares](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Humber-Hawk-Car-Parts/) or [Humber Spares](https://humberspares.co.uk/). 

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Spares 

If you're looking for **Humber Hawk** spares in the United Kingdom and Ireland, here are some options: 

1. **[MEV Spares](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Humber-Hawk-Car-Parts/)**: They offer a range of **Humber Hawk** car parts, including brakes, clutch, hydraulics, engine components, gearbox, driveline, suspension, and steering parts. 

2. **[Jonnie Jumble](https://jonniejumble.co.uk/classic_car_parts/vehicle/Humber.shtml)**: You can find unboxed, unused old stock for the Humber Hawk, including oil filters, oil seals, petrol pumps, rotor arms, speedo cables, starter spares, trackrod ends, wiper arms, water pumps, wheel bearings, and workshop manuals. 

3. **[Rootes Parts Service](https://rootesparts.com/)**: They supply parts for all types of Rootes group cars from 1936 onwards, including the Humber Hawk. 

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Specialists

If you're looking for **specialist garage services** for the **Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)** in **Northern Ireland**, here are some options:

**Specialist Humber Services**

- **[Humber Spares](https://humberspares.co.uk/)** – While primarily a **parts supplier**, they may have connections to restoration specialists.

- **StillMotoring** – This site appears to list **Humber-related services**, though details are limited.

**Classic Car Restoration & Servicing**

- **[Classic Car Garage NI](https://bing.com/search?q=specialist+garage+service+Humber+Super+Snipe+1958-1967+Northern+Ireland)** – A general **classic car specialist** that may offer **Humber servicing**.

- **Local Classic Car Clubs** – The **Post Vintage Humber Car Club** may have recommendations for **trusted garages**.

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Racing

The **Humber Hawk (1957-1967)** was **not widely known for racing**, as it was primarily designed as a **comfortable executive saloon** rather than a high-performance vehicle. However, Humber cars did have some **historical connections to motorsport**:

- The **Humber Hawk Mk IV** was tested by *The Motor* magazine in **1951**, achieving a **top speed of 71.4 mph** and **0-60 mph in 30 seconds**.

- Some Humber models were occasionally used in **rallying and endurance events**, but they were more commonly seen as **military staff cars** or **government vehicles**.

- The **Humber Super Snipe** had a more powerful **six-cylinder engine**, making it slightly more suited to long-distance touring, but it was never a dedicated racing car.

While Humber cars weren’t **race-focused**, they were **well-engineered** and had **strong road presence**, making them popular among executives and professionals. 

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Valuation

The **Humber Hawk (1957-1967)** has a **median value of £3,330** in the UK as of **2025**. The **highest recorded sale** was **£7,145**, while the **lowest recorded sale** was **£726** since **2020**. 

If you're looking for a valuation tailored to a specific condition or model year, you can check **The Classic Valuer’s price guide** [here](https://www.theclassicvaluer.com/cars/humber/hawk). 

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Clubs

The **Post Vintage Humber Car Club** is a well-established club catering to Humber enthusiasts across the UK, including Northern Ireland. The club provides **technical support, social events, and access to rare Humber parts**, making it a great resource for owners and collectors. 

Additionally, the **DVLA maintains a list of vehicle owners' clubs**, which may include Humber-specific groups in Northern Ireland. If you're looking for local meetups or restoration advice, this could be a helpful reference. 

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