Humber Super Snipe (1938-67)
The **Humber Super Snipe (1938-1967)** was a **luxury saloon** produced by **Humber**, part of the **Rootes Group**. It was introduced in **1938**, combining the **four-litre inline six-cylinder engine** from the **Humber Pullman** with the **chassis and body** of the **Humber Snipe**, resulting in a car with **enhanced performance** and a **top speed of 79 mph**.
During **World War II**, the Super Snipe was used as a **British military staff car**, and its chassis was adapted for the **Humber Light Reconnaissance Car**. Post-war, the model evolved through several **Mark versions**, each becoming **larger, more powerful, and more modern**.
In **1958**, the Super Snipe was redesigned with a **unitized chassis and body**, featuring a **2.6-litre six-cylinder overhead-valve engine**. The final **Series VA version** was produced until **July 1967**, marking the end of the **big Humber era**.
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Overview: The **Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)** was a **luxury executive saloon** produced by **Humber**, part of the **Rootes Group**. It was introduced in **1958** as a more refined and powerful alternative to the **Humber Hawk**, featuring a **six-cylinder engine** for smoother performance.
The Super Snipe evolved through **five series**, with the **Series I** starting with a **2.6-litre engine**, later upgraded to **3.0 litres** in the **Series II**. By **1960**, it became one of the first British cars to feature **quad-headlamps**, enhancing its distinctive styling.
Known for its **spacious interior, wood veneer dashboard, and leather upholstery**, the Super Snipe was favored by **executives, diplomats, and government officials**. It remained in production until **1967**, when Humber ceased operations under Chrysler ownership.
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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.
Here are some common faults reported for the Humber Super Snipe
- **Brake issues** – Binding rear brakes and misaligned headlamp aim.
- **Electrical faults** – Alternator warning light staying on.
- **Speedometer inaccuracies** – Over-reading speed, possibly due to cable issues.
- **Engine stalling** – Revs dropping dramatically when clutch is depressed.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Here’s a breakdown of the **generations and trim levels** for various **Humber models**:
**Humber Super Snipe (1938-1967)**
- **Pre-war Super Snipe (1938-1940)** – Based on the Humber Snipe with a **4-litre inline six-cylinder engine**.
- **Mk I to Mk IVB (1945-1957)** – Post-war versions with increasing size and power.
- **Series I to VA (1958-1967)** – Redesigned with **unitized chassis and body**, featuring **six-cylinder engines**.
**Humber Sceptre**
- **Mk I (1963-1965)** – Based on the **Hillman Super Minx**, featuring **quad-headlamps** and a **1,592cc engine**.
- **Mk II (1965-1967)** – Revised front-end styling, **1,725cc twin-carburettor engine**, and improved performance.
- **Mk III (1967-1976)** – Rootes Arrow design, **wood-veneer fascia**, and **87bhp twin-carburettor engine**.
**Humber Imperial (1964-1967)**
- **Single generation** – Based on the **Super Snipe Series V**, featuring **luxury refinements** like **vinyl roof, picnic tables, and power-assisted steering**.
**Humber Hawk (1945-1967)**
- **Mk I to Mk VI (1945-1957)** – Evolved from **pre-war Hillman models**, with increasing engine size and refinement.
- **Series I to IV (1957-1967)** – **Unitary construction**, shared body with **Super Snipe**, and **sleeker styling** in later versions.
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Production Total: Here are the **production totals** for various **Humber models**:
**Humber Super Snipe (1938-1967)**
- **Pre-war Super Snipe (1938-1940)** – **Approx. 1,500 units**.
- **Mk I to Mk III (1945-1952)** – **3,909 (Mk I), 8,361 (Mk II), 8,703 (Mk III)**.
- **Series I to VA (1958-1967)** – **Total production unknown**.
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Price New
Humber Super Snipe (1938-1967)
- **Pre-war Super Snipe (1938-1940)** – **Approx. 1,500 units**.
- **Mk I to Mk III (1945-1952)** – **3,909 (Mk I), 8,361 (Mk II), 8,703 (Mk III)**.
- **Series I to VA (1958-1967)** – **Total production unknown**.
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Sales: The **Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)** was a **respectable success** in the British luxury car market, though it never reached the sales figures of more mainstream brands. It was positioned as a **prestigious executive car**, offering a **smooth six-cylinder engine**, **high-end interior**, and **American-inspired styling**.
While it had a loyal following, the **market for large British luxury saloons** was shrinking by the late 1960s, as buyers increasingly turned to **Jaguar and Rover** for similar prestige with more modern engineering. However, the Super Snipe maintained a **strong reputation** for comfort and reliability, and today, it has a **growing collector interest**.
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)** has seen a wide range of historical pricing, depending on condition, rarity, and market demand. Here’s a general breakdown:
- **Median Price:** Around **£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**.
For more detailed valuation insights, you can check **Hagerty UK’s valuation tool** [here](https://www.hagerty.co.uk/valuation/tool/?mk=Humber&md=Super+Snipe).
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Main Rivals
Here are the **new prices** of the Humber Super Snipe’s **main rivals** in the UK during its production years (**1958-1967**):
**Luxury British Saloons**
- **Jaguar Mk 2 (1959-1967)** – **£1,343** (2.4-litre) to **£1,648** (3.8-litre).
- **Rover P5 (1958-1973)** – **£1,500** (3-litre saloon).
- **Vauxhall Cresta PA (1957-1962)** – **£1,049** (base model).
- **Ford Zodiac Mk III (1962-1966)** – **£1,027**.
**Executive-Class Rivals**
- **Austin Westminster A110 (1961-1968)** – **£1,108**.
- **Wolseley 6/110 (1961-1968)** – **£1,150**.
- **Singer Vogue (1961-1970)** – **£899**.
These prices reflect the **original showroom costs** in the UK during the **late 1950s to mid-1960s**.
Rivals Performance
Here’s a look at the **performance** of the Humber Super Snipe’s **main rivals** during its production years (**1958-1967**):
**Jaguar Mk 2 (1959-1967)**
- **Engine:** 2.4L, 3.4L, or 3.8L inline-six.
- **Power:** 120-220bhp.
- **Top Speed:** Up to **125mph** (3.8L version).
- **0-60mph:** Around **8.5 seconds** (3.8L version).
**Rover P5 (1958-1973)**
- **Engine:** 3.0L inline-six or 3.5L V8 (from 1967).
- **Power:** 115-160bhp.
- **Top Speed:** Up to **110mph**.
- **0-60mph:** Around **12 seconds**.
**Vauxhall Cresta PA (1957-1962)**
- **Engine:** 2.6L inline-six.
- **Power:** 95bhp.
- **Top Speed:** Around **90mph**.
- **0-60mph:** Around **15 seconds**.
**Ford Zodiac Mk III (1962-1966)**
- **Engine:** 2.6L inline-six.
- **Power:** 109bhp.
- **Top Speed:** Around **100mph**.
- **0-60mph:** Around **13 seconds**.
**Austin Westminster A110 (1961-1968)**
- **Engine:** 3.0L inline-six.
- **Power:** 124bhp.
- **Top Speed:** Around **100mph**.
- **0-60mph:** Around **12 seconds**.
**Wolseley 6/110 (1961-1968)**
- **Engine:** 3.0L inline-six.
- **Power:** 124bhp.
- **Top Speed:** Around **100mph**.
- **0-60mph:** Around **12 seconds**.
The **Humber Super Snipe** itself had a **3.0L six-cylinder engine**, producing **129bhp**, with a **top speed of around 100mph** and **0-60mph in approximately 12 seconds** Review](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/humber/hawksuper-snipe/specs/). It was competitive with its rivals in terms of **performance and refinement**, though Jaguar’s **Mk 2 3.8L** was significantly faster.
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Historical Advertisements & Marketing Strategy
Humber's **advertising and marketing strategy** focused on **prestige, reliability, and executive appeal**, positioning its cars as **luxurious yet practical choices** for professionals and upper-middle-class buyers. Here’s a breakdown:
**Historical Advertisements**
- **Humber Super Snipe** – Advertised as a **prestigious executive car**, often featured in **British films and television**, including **ITV’s No Hiding Place** and **The Human Jungle**.
- **Humber Imperial** – Promoted as a **new conception of executive luxury**, with ads highlighting its **vinyl roof, picnic tables, and power-assisted steering**.
- **Humber Hawk** – Marketed as a **family saloon**, with vintage ads emphasizing its **comfort and reliability**.
- **Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2** – Positioned as a **sporty luxury saloon**, with ads targeting **young professionals** and emphasizing its **sleek styling and high-end features** - Motor Car History](https://motor-car.net/humber/item/27035-humber-sceptre-mk-ii).
**Marketing Strategy**
- **Executive Appeal** – Humber cars were marketed as **prestigious vehicles** for professionals, diplomats, and executives.
- **Luxury & Comfort** – Ads highlighted **high-end features**, such as **wood veneer dashboards, leather upholstery, and advanced suspension**.
- **Film & TV Placement** – Humber models appeared in **British films and TV shows**, reinforcing their **status and desirability**.
- **Performance & Refinement** – The **Humber Sceptre Mk 2**, for example, was marketed as a **sporty yet refined saloon**, appealing to buyers who wanted **both performance and luxury**.
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Rarity & Collector Appeal
The **rarity and collector appeal** of Humber models vary depending on production numbers, historical significance, and desirability among enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown:
**Humber Super Snipe (1938-1967)**
- Considered a **prestigious executive car**, often used by **government officials and military staff**.
- **Sell-through rate of 87%** at auctions, indicating strong demand.
- **Rare estate versions** are particularly sought after.
**Humber Sceptre Mk 1 & Mk 2 (1963-1967)**
- The **Mk 1 is one of the rarest Humber models**, with some examples kept in the same family since new.
- The **Mk 2 is a niche collector’s car**, appreciated for its **sporty yet luxurious appeal**.
**Humber Imperial (1964-1967)**
- A **high-end luxury model**, often associated with **executives and diplomats**.
- **Limited production numbers** make it a rare find today.
**Humber Hawk (1945-1967)**
- **One of the more common Humber models**, but still has collector interest.
- **Only 9 examples remain on UK roads**, making it increasingly rare.
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Recorded in UK 2025
Here are the **recorded numbers** of Humber models in the UK as of **2025**:
**Humber Super Snipe**
- **Licensed:** **1**
- **SORN (off-road):** **1**
These numbers reflect vehicles that are **actively registered** or **declared off-road** in the UK.
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Target Age Group
**Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)**
- **Target Age Group:** **40-60 years old**
- **Marketed To:** **Executives, diplomats, and senior professionals**
- **Positioning:** A **prestigious executive car** with a **smooth ride and refined styling**.
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Influence of Target Age Group
Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)
Target Age Group: 40-60 years old
Influence: The Super Snipe was designed as an executive car, appealing to business leaders, diplomats, and professionals. Its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and refined styling reflected the preferences of older, established buyers who valued **prestige and comfort** over sportiness.
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Parts Bin Engineering
The **Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967)** incorporated parts from various manufacturers, as was common in 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 Hawk, 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-Super-Snipe-Car-Parts/) or [Humber Spares](https://humberspares.co.uk/).
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Spares
If you're looking for **Humber Super Snipe (1958-1967) spares** in the **UK and Ireland**, here are some great sources:
UK Suppliers
- **[Humber Spares](https://humberspares.co.uk/)** – Specializes in parts for **Humber Sceptre, Super Snipe, and Hawk**, including **suspension, brakes, engine components, and bodywork**.
- **[Post Vintage Humber Car Club (PVHCC)](https://www.humber.org.uk/club_spares.html)** – Offers **remanufactured parts** for club members, including **wheel arch repair panels, windscreen seals, and pedal rubbers**.
- **[MEV Spares](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Humber-Super-Snipe-Car-Parts/)** – Supplies **classic Humber parts**, including **brakes, clutch, ignition, and suspension components**.
Ireland Suppliers
[Humber Spares](https://humberspares.co.uk/)** – Ships to Ireland and stocks a wide range of **Humber parts**.
[MEV Spares](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Humber-Super-Snipe-Car-Parts/) – Also delivers to Ireland, offering **engine, gearbox, and electrical components**.
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Specialists NI
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.
**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: Humber cars, including the **Super Snipe, Sceptre, Imperial, Hawk**, and others, were **not widely known for racing**. They were primarily **luxury and executive vehicles**, designed for **comfort, prestige, and reliability** rather than high-performance motorsport.
However, Humber cars did have some **historical connections to motorsport**:
- The **Humber Sceptre Mk II** had a **sporty character**, but there’s no strong evidence of it being used in competitive racing.
- The **Humber Super Snipe** was occasionally used in **rallying and endurance events**, but it was more commonly seen as a **military staff car**.
- The **Humber Imperial** was strictly a **luxury vehicle**, with no racing history.
- The **Humber Hawk** was a **family saloon**, not built for racing.
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 Super Snipe (1958-1967)** has a **median value of £5,728** in the UK as of **2025**. The **highest recorded sale** was **£32,823**, while the **lowest recorded sale** was **£795** since **2020**.
If you're looking for a valuation tailored to a specific condition or model year, you can check **Hagerty UK’s valuation tool** [here](https://www.hagerty.co.uk/valuation/tool/?mk=Humber&md=Super+Snipe).
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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