3,498cc Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Stromberg Carburetor
77bhp at 3,400rpm
De Normanville Epicyclic Gearbox
Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Rare Example of Humber's Successful Prewar Models
*Single-Collector Ownership in USA Since 1993
*Retains Exceedingly Rare Original de Normanville Gearbox
*Provenance Includes Early Ownership in Nova Scotia
*Attractive "4-Light" Body Style with Sliding Sunroof
*Accompanied by Correspondence with UK Marque Authorities

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Established in Sheffield, UK by Thomas Humber, the marque bearing his surname progressed from bicycles to its first motorcar in 1898. Its earliest production models were manufactured in Coventry and then in Beeston near Nottingham. Always a maker of luxury-class cars, Humber acquired Hillman in 1928 and soon after, Humber was in turn acquired by Rootes. Renowned for offering big-car style and sophisticated engineering with remarkably strong value for the money, Humber enjoyed particular success with its Snipe 80 of 1930-35.

Named after the 80-millimeter bore dimension of each of its engine's cylinders, the Snipe 80 was powered by Humber's 3,498 cc inline six-cylinder engine. Four-speed manual and advanced de Normanville semi-automatic gearboxes were available for the Snipe; the latter was often replaced by more conventional manual gearboxes. A line of five body styles was catalogued for the Snipe 80, mostly produced in-house. During the 1930s, Humber enlisted an outside designer, one Captain Molyneux, who according to period Humber advertisements, added stylistic flair and eye-catching color combinations intended to appeal to the growing numbers of female automobile buyers.

The 1935 Humber Snipe 80 offered here carries "four-light" saloon coachwork with two windows per side, a sliding sunroof and formal rear quarters. Two-tone paint, wire-spoke wheels, driving lamps, a slightly raked and shuttered radiator grille, large chrome headlamps, hood shutters and landau irons add considerable appeal. As denoted by the "D" chassis-number suffix of this Snipe 80, it was factory-equipped with an exceedingly rare de Normanville epicyclic gearbox, which it continues to utilize today. Prior to acquisition by the current owner in 1993, the Snipe 80 was comprehensively restored, with the work completed in 1992 to fine effect. According to the prior owner, the Humber was located in Nova Scotia on Canada's east coast, where it was possibly used for VIP transport; however, further research is required. Benefiting from sole ownership within a respected private automobile collection since purchase in 1993, this 1935 Humber Snipe 80 "four-slight" saloon is accompanied by correspondence with a UK marque authority and marks a refreshing opportunity to own and enjoy this rare and respected prewar British motorcar.