Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1905 Humber (Coventry) 8/10hp Two-Seat Open Tourer

• 'Humber Limited' on step plates.
• Original maker's plate
• Dual ignition fitted
• Original radiator with enamelled 'Humber' badge

Hidden away from public view for more than eight decades, the Humber is one of seven cars coined the 'Somerset Hoard'. An exceptional discovery of seven mainly veteran cars that have remained together in the same Spiers family ownership, untouched and unused since the outbreak of The Second World War.

Born in Sheffield in 1841, self-taught blacksmith Thomas Humber began making bicycles circa 1868 at his home in Nottingham. Humber and Company Ltd was registered in 1887, changing in 1899 to Humber Ltd. Building on his background in bicycle manufacture, Humber began motor vehicle production as early as 1896, displaying motorcycles at 'The International Horseless Carriage Exhibition' that year. The production of Humber vehicles was carried on at both Beeston in Nottingham and in Coventry. There was considerable rivalry between the two factories, the Beeston works being reserved generally for production of the more expensive models.

By January 1904 it was announced that almost 500 light cars had been built, and in 1904 the Prince of Wales awarded a Royal Warrant. The new and significantly more powerful 6½hp models became 'Royal Beeston' Humberettes and by now were equipped with a three-speeds-plus-reverse gearbox. The Beeston models were superior in various respects to the Coventry-built cars, featuring side doors and a governed engine with pedal accelerator, while by 1904 wooden artillery wheels had replaced the more fragile wire wheels of the early models. The 'Royal Beeston' Humberette was priced at 160 guineas, some 10 guineas dearer than the Coventry cars.

This Coventry-built 8/10hp model was introduced in the spring of 1905, an announcement 'for two new types for this year' appearing in the The Autocar of 18th February that year. The 1,885cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine has dual ignition, which may well be a later addition, while the cylinders have gunmetal top covers. Other notable features include a distinctive, albeit short-lived, 'V' shape radiator; an enamelled radiator badge; single-spoke steering wheel; and steps stamped 'Humber Limited'.

The identification plate states that the car was supplied through Humber's Liverpool depot. It may be that the original registration was issued in Liverpool and subsequently lost, hence the October 1932 Somerset issue of 'YD 5598'. It may be presumed that the car saw use in the 1930s.

Offered from long-term dry storage, this car has not been used for some considerable time and will require extensive restoration before returning to the road. Its mechanical condition is not known and thus the car is sold strictly as viewed. There are no documents with this Lot.