Humber Imperial (1964-67)
The **Humber Imperial (1964-1967)** was the **flagship luxury model** of the Humber range, built by the **Rootes Group**. It was based on the **Humber Super Snipe Series V**, but featured **higher-end refinements**, including **power-assisted steering, automatic transmission, and a vinyl roof**.
The Imperial was designed for **executives and diplomats**, offering **West of England cloth or leather upholstery**, picnic tables, and even **adjustable reading lamps** for rear passengers. It was a true **statement of prestige**, embodying British luxury motoring of the era.
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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 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 period. 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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Production Total: 1,526
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Price New: The **Humber Imperial (1964-1967)** was priced at **£1,500** in the UK when it was launched in **1964**. It was positioned as a **luxury executive saloon**, offering **high-end features** such as **power-assisted steering, automatic transmission, and picnic tables** for rear passengers.
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Sales: The **Humber Imperial (1964-1967)** was a **luxury executive saloon** designed to be the **flagship model** of the Humber range. While it was praised for its **high-end features**, including **power-assisted steering, automatic transmission, and picnic tables**, it was **not a major sales success**.
The **Imperial was more expensive** than the **Super Snipe**, and despite its **prestige**, it struggled against competitors like **Jaguar and Rover**, which offered **more modern styling and performance**. However, it remained a **popular choice among diplomats and executives**, reinforcing its **status as a formal transport vehicle**.
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)**
- **Median Price:** **£5,728**.
- **Highest Recorded Price:** **£32,823** (sold at auction since **2020**).
- **Lowest Recorded Price:** **£795** (sold since **2020**).
These values reflect **auction results and private sales** over the years.
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Main Rivals (Pricing & Performance)
Humber Imperial Rivals
- **Vanden Plas Princess 4 Litre R (1964-1968)** – £2,000
- **Rover 3 Litre (1958-1967)** – £1,298
- **Jaguar MkX (1961-1970)** – £2,000+
These prices reflect the luxury and executive car market of the time, with Humber models competing against Austin, Jaguar, Rover, and Ford.
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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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Historical Advertisements & Marketing Strategy
Humber’s **advertising and marketing strategy** focused on **prestige, reliability, and executive appeal**, positioning its models as **luxurious yet practical choices** for professionals and families. Here’s a breakdown:
**Historical Advertisements**
- **Humber Super Snipe** – Advertised as a **prestigious executive car**, often featured in **government and military use**.
- **Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2** – Marketed as a **sporty luxury saloon**, appealing to **young professionals** - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/humber/sceptre-series-1-2/).
- **Humber Imperial** – Promoted as a **flagship luxury model**, emphasizing **comfort and exclusivity**.
- **Humber Hawk** – Positioned as a **family-friendly executive saloon**, with ads highlighting **spacious interiors and reliability**.
**Marketing Strategy**
- **Executive Prestige** – Humber cars were often associated with **government officials, diplomats, and business leaders**.
- **Luxury & Comfort** – Advertisements emphasized **wood veneer dashboards, leather upholstery, and smooth rides**.
- **Performance & Reliability** – Humber promoted its models as **dependable long-distance vehicles**.
- **Film & Television Placement** – The **Super Snipe** appeared in **British TV shows and films**, reinforcing its **status and desirability**.
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Rarity & Collector Appeal
Humber Imperial (1964-1967)
- Rarity: High – Limited production numbers, making it a rare sight on UK roads.
- Collector Appeal: Strong – Known for its luxury features, including picnic tables, power-assisted steering, and a vinyl roof.
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Recorded in UK 2025
Humber Imperial
- Licensed: 69
- SORN: 47
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Target Age Group
Humber Imperial (1964-1967)
Target Age Group: 50+ years old – Targeted at high-ranking executives and diplomats.
Market Positioning: A flagship luxury model, competing with Jaguar and Rover.
Influence on Design: Power-assisted steering, automatic transmission, and picnic tables for rear passengers.
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Influence of Target Age Group
The **target age group** for Humber cars played a significant role in shaping their **design, marketing, and positioning**. Here’s how:
**Design Influence**
- **Luxury Features** – Humber models like the **Super Snipe and Imperial** were tailored for **executives and diplomats**, featuring **wood veneer dashboards, leather upholstery, and picnic tables**.
- **Spacious Interiors** – The **Humber Hawk** was designed for **middle-class professionals and families**, ensuring **comfort for long journeys**.
- **Sporty Styling** – The **Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2** targeted **young professionals**, incorporating **twin headlamps and refined styling**.
**Marketing Strategy**
- **Executive Prestige** – Humber cars were often associated with **government officials, diplomats, and business leaders**.
- **Family-Friendly Appeal** – The **Humber Hawk** was marketed as a **comfortable and practical executive saloon**, ideal for **long-distance travel**.
- **Sporty Positioning** – The **Humber Sceptre** was promoted as a **sporty luxury saloon**, appealing to **younger professionals**.
**Market Positioning**
- The **Humber Super Snipe** was positioned as a **luxurious executive car**, competing with **Jaguar and Rover**.
- The **Humber Hawk** was a **mid-range executive saloon**, offering a balance of **comfort, reliability, and practicality**.
- The **Humber Sceptre** was marketed as a **sporty alternative**, competing with models like the **Ford Cortina GT**.
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Parts Bin Engineering
The **Humber Imperial (1965-1967)** sourced components from various manufacturers, as was common within the **Rootes Group**. Some notable parts included:
- **Lucas Electricals** – Provided **lighting, ignition systems, and switches**.
- **Borg-Warner Transmission** – Some models featured **automatic gearboxes** sourced from Borg-Warner.
- **Lockheed Brakes** – Supplied **braking components**, including **master cylinders and servo units**.
- **Smiths Instruments** – Manufactured **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 [Classic Engine Parts](https://www.classicengineparts.co.uk/vehicles/humber-imperial-1964-to-1967) or [eBay UK](https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/bn_96287798). 🚗💨 Would you like details on specific components?
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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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Valuation
The **Humber Imperial (1964-1967)** has a **median value of £5,292** in the UK as of **2025**. The **highest recorded sale** was **£8,748**, while the **lowest recorded sale** was **£1,716** 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/imperial).
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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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