1903 Humber Olympia Tandem Forecar

Footnotes

With a background in bicycle manufacture, Humber entered motor vehicle production as early as 1896, displaying motorcycles at The International Horseless Carriage Exhibition that year, these machines being powered by Pennington 2hp engines. Humber later built Léon Bollée engines under licence, and in 1902 acquired the rights to build Phelon & Moore engines. The forecar design enjoyed a long vogue among various manufacturers, lasting until around 1907. The production of Humber vehicles was carried on at both Beeston, Nottingham, and at Coventry, there being some considerable rivalry between the two factories, the Beeston works being reserved generally for production of the more expensive models.

"The 'Humber Olympia' motor tandem is an ideal vehicle for two riders. All control is in the hands of the rear rider while the passenger is in the front, out of reach of dust and the exhaust gases, and conversation is easy. The front seat is most comfortably hung on springs and is excellently upholstered, luxurious to even the most delicate. The steering is unaffected by the absence or the presence of a passenger, and is easier than that of an ordinary tricycle." Thus did Humber describe their 1903 offering, which came with a price tag of £75, or £21 11s 3d deposit and twelve monthly payments of £5 8s 0d. The single-cylinder air-cooled engine was built under Phelon & Moore licence.

Purchased from Robert Thomas (Partsmade), this tandem forecar is one of the earliest surviving Humbers. The vehicle's earliest known owner is one A Foley, a resident of Norwich, to whom it belonged in the 1950s, and there is a photograph on file of the Humber being ridden circa 1910 showing the registration 'BJ 2513'. Also in the history file are photographs showing various stages of its restoration (carried out in 2000); sundry bills for work carried out; miscellaneous papers; Pioneer and VCC certificates; and a V5C document. Noteworthy features include a 'Wheel of Life' chain and a Longuemare carburettor. While with the current owner the Humber has participated in two Pioneer Runs and various local rallies. Described by the vendor as in very good condition throughout, this Beeston-built Humber (as identified by the engine number's 'B' prefix) is eligible not only for the prestigious London to Brighton Veteran Car Run but also for the equally prestigious Sunbeam MCC's Pioneer Run from Epsom to Brighton, and the VMCC's Banbury Run.

This Lot is available to view at 101 New Bond Street from Friday 28th October to Friday 4th November during normal business hours