Humber Sceptre Mk 1 (1963-65)

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 Sceptre**, part of the **Audax series** introduced by Rootes in the early 1960s, was a sensibly-sized British luxury car. Here are some common faults associated with it: 

1. **Rust**: Like many 1960s saloons, rust is a significant concern. Pay close attention to the **sills** for bodyshell strength. Check if cover sills have been fitted, as these may hide ongoing corrosion. 

2. **Electrical Issues**: Some Mark I Sceptres were equipped with **overdrive** as standard. If the overdrive isn't functioning correctly, it could be due to electrical problems such as a poor earth or a failed relay. 

3. **Automatic Transmission**: The Mark II offered an automatic option using a **Borg Warner gearbox**. Ensure that this works correctly if you're considering a Mark II. 

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Generations 

The **Humber Sceptre** was produced in **three generations** by the Rootes Group between **1963 and 1976**². Here's a brief overview of each generation: 

1. **MK I (1963 to 1965)**: The MK I Sceptre, introduced in 1963, was a luxury car based on the Hillman Super Minx. It featured unique styling not shared with other models and positioned itself as a sportier alternative to traditional Humbers. Production totaled 17,011 units. 

2. **MK II (1965 to 1967)**: The MK II, produced from 1965 to 1967, featured revised front-end styling and a twin carburettor version of the 1,725 cc engine. It was a capable car with performance figures like a top speed of 94.8 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 12.5 seconds. 

3. **MK III (1967 to 1976)**: The MK III, introduced in 1967, was a derivative of the Rootes Arrow design. It continued Humber's tradition of luxury cars, featuring wood-veneer fascia, complete instrumentation, and extra brightwork. The MK III had a more powerful version of the 1,725 cc engine with twin carburettors, giving 87 bhp. 

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Production Total: 11,983 

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Price New: The **Humber Sceptre Mk 1** was introduced in **1963** as a **sporty executive saloon**, positioned above the **Hillman Super Minx** in the Rootes Group lineup. Its **new price in the UK** at launch was approximately **£978**. 

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Sales: The **Humber Sceptre Mk 1 (1963-1965)** was a **moderate sales success**, positioned as a **sporty luxury saloon** within the **Rootes Group** lineup. It was based on the **Hillman Super Minx** but featured **higher-end styling, twin headlamps, and a more powerful engine**. 

**Sales & Market Positioning**

- **Production Numbers:** **17,011 units**.

- **Target Audience:** Young professionals and executives looking for a **compact yet refined saloon**.

- **Competition:** It was marketed against models like the **Vauxhall VX 4/90, MG Magnette Mk IV, and Riley 4/72**.

- **Public Reception:** It was praised for its **performance and equipment**, but faced challenges due to **Rootes Group’s financial struggles**.

While it wasn’t a **blockbuster hit**, it maintained a **steady customer base** and was later succeeded by the **Mk II (1965-1967)**, which featured **styling updates and a twin-carburettor engine**. 

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Historical Pricing Comparison

Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2

- **Median Price: £5,170.

- **Highest Recorded Price: £14,191 (since **2020**).

- **Lowest Recorded Price: £675 (since **2020**).

- **Sell-Through Rate: 81%.

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Rarity & Collectors Appeal

Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2 (1963-1967)

Rarity: High – The Mk 1 is one of the UK’s rarest cars, with very few surviving examples.

Collector Appeal: Moderate – Appreciated for its sporty styling and high-end features, but overshadowed by more famous British classics Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/humber/sceptre-series-1-2/).

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Recorded in UK 2025

Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2

Licensed: 376

SORN: 212

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Target Age Group

Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2 (1963-1967)

Target Age Group: 30-50 years old – Aimed at young professionals and executives.

Market Positioning: A sporty luxury saloon, positioned above the Hillman Super Minx Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/humber/sceptre-series-1-2/).

Influence on Design: Twin headlamps, refined styling, and a more powerful engine.

Parts Bin Engineering

The **Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2 (1963-1965)** 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 [Humber Spares](https://humberspares.co.uk/) or [MEV Spares](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Humber-Sceptre-Spares-Car-Parts/).  

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Spares

 If you're looking for **Humber Sceptre** 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 Sceptre, including clutch, brakes, hydraulics, engine, gearbox, and driveline components. You can explore their selection online. 

2. **eBay**: Check out listings on eBay for Sceptre Estate parts and memorabilia. Some sellers may have specific Humber Sceptre parts available. 

3. **Jonnie Jumble**: While not all parts are listed, you can contact Jonnie Jumble if you can't find what you're looking for.

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Specialists NI

There aren’t many **dedicated Humber specialists** in **Northern Ireland**, but you can find **classic car restoration experts** who may be able to assist with **Humber parts, servicing, and restoration**. Here are a few options:

- **Classic Car Specialists** – Some restoration garages in Northern Ireland may work on Humber models, even if they don’t specialize in them.

- **Online Suppliers** – Websites like [Humber Spares](https://humberspares.co.uk/) and [MEV Spares](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Humber-Sceptre-Spares-Car-Parts/) offer parts that can be shipped to Northern Ireland.

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Racing

The **Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2 (1963-1967)** was **not widely known for racing**, as it was primarily designed as a **sporty executive saloon** rather than a high-performance vehicle. However, it did have some **motorsport connections**:

- The **Sceptre Mk II** featured a **twin-carburettor 1,725cc engine**, which gave it **respectable performance** for its class.

- Some Humber models were occasionally used in **rallying and endurance events**, but they were more commonly seen as **luxury transport** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/humber/sceptre-series-1-2/).

- The **Mk II series** recorded a **top speed of 94.8 mph** and **0-60 mph in 12.5 seconds**, making it **quick for a mid-sized saloon.

While Humber cars weren’t **race-focused**, the Sceptre was **sportier than traditional Humber models**, originally intended as a four-door replacement for the Sunbeam Rapier. 

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Valuation

The **Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2** has a **median value of £5,170** in the UK as of **2025**. The **highest recorded sale** was **£14,191**, while the **lowest recorded sale** was **£1,462** 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/sceptre). 

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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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