
Humber Imperial (1964-67)
Total Production: 1,526
Recorded in UK 2024
Licensed=69 SORN=47

The **Humber Imperial**, a luxury car produced by Humber, had some notable features and potential issues:
1. **Powertrain**: The 1938 Humber Imperial featured a **4.1-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine** with **side valve valve gear**. It produced **100 bhp** at **3400 rpm** and could reach a top speed of **130 km/h (81 mph)**.
2. **Rust**: Like many vintage cars, rust was a concern. Inspect the bodywork, especially the **sills**, for signs of corrosion.
3. **Electrical System**: Check for any **electrical issues**, particularly if the overdrive isn't functioning correctly.
4. **Grease and Oil**: Regularly maintain the cam profile and lubricate the cam spindle screw and breaker pivot.
Remember, thorough inspections and proper maintenance are essential for keeping vintage cars like the Humber Imperial in good condition!
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Generations
The **Humber Imperial** had three distinct generations during its production:
1. **1930-1940**: The original Humber Imperial was produced during this period². It was a luxurious car known for its elegant design and craftsmanship.
2. **1945-1954**: After a hiatus due to World War II, production resumed, and the Humber Imperial continued to be a symbol of opulence and prestige.
3. **1964-1967**: In the mid-1960s, Humber reintroduced the Imperial name with facelifted versions of its Hawk and Super Snipe models. These were the last large Humbers, featuring higher equipment levels and trim.
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Trim Levels
The Humber Imperial, produced between 1964 and 1967, was available in both saloon and limousine forms. This model was known for its higher levels of equipment and trim compared to its sister models. Some of the notable features included:
- **PVC leathercloth roof**
- **'Hydrosteer' power-assisted steering**
- **Borg-Warner automatic transmission**
- **'Selectaride' automatically variable suspension**
The coachwork was done by Thrupp & Maberly of Cricklewood.
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Engine
The Humber Imperial, produced between 1964 and 1967, was equipped with a **3-litre straight-six engine**. This engine featured **twin Zenith Stromberg carburettors** and a **Harry Weslake-tuned cylinder head**, producing around **138bhp**.
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Performance
The Humber Imperial from 1964-67 offered respectable performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 100 mph
- **0-60 mph**: Around 16.2 seconds
- **Power Output**: 128.5 bhp at 5,000 rpm
These figures made the Humber Imperial a capable and refined vehicle, especially suited for comfortable long-distance cruising.
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Spares
If you're looking for **Humber Imperial** car spares and parts in the UK and Ireland, here are some options:
1. **MEV Spares**: They offer a range of parts for the Humber Imperial, including brake components, clutch parts, engine and driveline components. You can find items like **fuel pump diaphragm repair kits** for the 3.0-liter model (1964-66).
2. **Humber Car Club**: The **Post Vintage Humber Car Club** caters to Humber cars manufactured between **1931 and 1976**. They may have resources or connections for sourcing parts.
3. **Jonnie Jumble**: While not all parts are listed, you can contact Jonnie Jumble if you can't find what you're looking for.
Remember to verify availability and compatibility with your specific Humber Imperial model.
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Specialists
Finding a garage that can service a classic car like the Humber Imperial (1964-67) can be a bit challenging, but there are a few options you might consider in Northern Ireland:
1. **Classic Car Services**: Look for garages that specialize in classic cars. These garages often have the expertise and parts needed to service older vehicles.
2. **Car Clubs**: Joining a classic car club can be a great way to get recommendations for reliable garages. Members often share their experiences and can point you to trusted mechanics.
3. **Online Forums**: Classic car forums can be a valuable resource for finding garages. Enthusiasts often discuss their experiences and can provide recommendations.
You might want to start by contacting some local classic car clubs or searching online for classic car specialists in Northern Ireland.
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Racing
The Humber Imperial (1964-67) was primarily designed as a luxury vehicle, aimed at providing comfort and refinement for its passengers. It was not built with racing in mind and, as such, did not have a notable presence in competitive racing events.
However, its robust engineering and powerful engine made it a reliable and comfortable car for long-distance travel, which was highly valued by its owners.
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