Classic Car Catalogue

Humber 1939

Sixteen
Snipe
Super Snipe
Imperial
Pullman
Snipe Mk II

Great Britain

Humber Sixteen, Snipe and Imperial for 1939 are all similar in appearance. All has 9 ft 6 in wheelbase and 6.00-16 tyres. Main difference is under the bonnet where the six-cylinder side-valve engines were of 2576.5-, 3180.9- and 4085.7-cc cubic capacity. All has 120-mm stroke, bore being 67.5, 75 and 85 mm respectively.
Humber Pullman has same 4085.7-cc six-cylinder engine as Snipe and Imperial but 11 ft wheelbase.
Humber started military (Super) Snipe Mk 2 production in the Summer of 1939. It has large (9.00-1 3) tyres, wire mesh type radiator grille and other military modifications. Other body styles on the same chassis: Staff Saloon, Open Tourer, 8-cwt Truck, Light Reconnaissance Car, etc. In War Office nomenclature the word 'Super' was usually omitted from the vehicle model designation although all had the 85-mm bore engine.

 

Sixteen and Snipe

Sixteen (2576 cc, 60 bhp; wb: 9' 6'')
 Saloon de Luxe
 Sports Saloon
Snipe (3181 cc, 75 bhp; wb: 9' 6'')
 Saloon
 Saloon de Luxe
 Sports Saloon

In the first year of its life, the New Snipe has added credit to the name of Humber. As a fast, quality car with comfortable coachwork, is has fulfilled the demands of many motorists who had previously been unable to find a car exactly to suit their needs. With its new improvements and wonderful value, ït should be considered by every motorist requiring these advantages.
So also with the Sixteen. lts roominess, smooth riding, luggage space and economy of running have been proved to be realities. The compact size, outstanding performance, and reasonable pnce of these models place them within the reach of thousands of motorists desiring cars of quality and distinction.
 
OUTSTANDING ENGINEERING AND COACHWORK FEATURES
A full five seater saloon.
Exclusivee appearance. Practical design allied to modern artistic simplicity has resulted in a car eminently fitted to bear the name of Humber.
Deep, soft cushions luxuriously upholstered with "Latex," and tasteful modern furnishings, create an atmosphere of luxury, and comfort. Fine-quality leather adds distinction to the interior of the car.
Evenkeel suspension. Humber's own proved design of independent front wheel springing, reduces all road shocks and gives the most comfortable back-seat ride in the world.
Full inter axle seating makes the back-seat ride as stable as the front.
Box girder chassis frame with deep section cross bracing, provides a completely rigid foundation for noiseless, enduring coachwork.
Very flexible top gear, giving smooth traffic motoring and high cruising speeds with a petrol consumption that is most moderate for such a fine performance.
Lockheed hydraulic brakes are powerful, light in operation, and stop the car in a straight line no matter what the conditions. Very small pedal pressure is required.
The automatic choke guarantees instant starting from cold, andd immediate even running. Hand operation is entirely eliminated.
Finger light, shock free steering gives instant and positive control. Castor action reduces fatigue of the driver. Steering columnn is adjustable for length.
Wings,, radiator, and bonnet are cushion mounted, and independent from chassis movement. This prolongs the life of the radiator and provides a front end entirely free from vibration.
Six separate devices are provided for ventilating the car in all weathers. Special insulation is provided against sound, fumes, and heat.
Modern side valve engine develops smooth, silent, and economical power at all speeds.
The handsome instrument panel gives diffused lighting for all instruments.
Largee quantities of luggage can be accommodated under cover, whilst the lid of the rear boot forms a rigid luggage platform should trunks or exceptionally bulky articles be carried.
Pass and fog lights are fitted on Saloon de Luxe models in additionn to the powerful headlamps. They permit comfortable touring after dark in all weather conditions.
Four-speed all-silent synchromesh gearbox.
Pressed panel wheels are easy to clean and always distinctive.
Easi-lift hydraulic jacks on de Luxe models remove the necessity for stooping.
The Snipe has both increased performance and greater acceleration in keeping with the larger power output of its engine.

SNIPE SALOON
Full-width spring steel bumpers front and rear, fitted with over-riders. Triplex toughened plate glass to screen. Independently adjustable front seats of bucket type. Draughtless ventilation panels to both front doors. Built-in self-cancelling direction indicators. Dual electric screen wipers, with silent motor beneath bonnet. Independent operation if desired. Two interior sun visors. Windscreen opens right up with centre winder. Finest hide upholstery to seating. Pillar pulls. Pile carpet. Wide parcel shelf at rear. Large glove box in facia. Handsome instrument panel with diffused illumination. Thief-proof master door lock. Safety-curve door handles. Ashtray in facia board. Independent stop and rear lights. Rear blind operated from driver's seat. Stiff pockets on all doors specially designed to retain their shape. Roof lamp. Scuttle ventilator. Interior driving mirror.

The Saloon de Luxe
Full-width spring steel bumpers front and rear, fitted with over-riders. Triplex toughened safety glass throughout. Independently adjustable front seats of bucket type. Draughtless ventilation panels to both front doors. Opening rear quarter lights. Built-in selfcancelling direction indicators. Dual electric screen wipers, with silent motor beneath bonnet. Independent operation if desired. Two interior sun visors. Mirror fitted to passenger's sun visor. Windscreen opens right up with centre winder. Finest hide upholstery to seating. Armrests for driver and passenger on both front doors. Centre folding armrest and two side armrests for rear passengers. Pillar pulls. Pile carpet. Wide parcel shelf at rear. Large glove box in facia with lid and private lock. Handsome instrument panel wihh diffused illumination. Electrically illuminated clock recessedd into lid of glove box. Cigar lighter. Thiefproof master door lock. Safety-curve door handles. Ash-tray in facia board and in both armrests of rear compartment. Independent reversing, stop, and rear lights. Pass light and fog light fitted on plated badge bar. Rear blind operated from driver's seat. Stiff pockets on all doors specially designed to retain their shape. Roof lamp. Scuttle ventilator. Licence holder. Interior driving mirror. Chromium rings on wheel rims.

The Sports Saloon
Full-width spring steel bumpers front and rear, fitted with over-riders. Triplex toughened safety glass throughout. Sunshine roof. Independently adjustable front seats of bucket type. Draughtless ventilation panels to front doors. Built-in self-cancelling direction indicators. Dual electric screen wipers with silent motor beneath bonnet, independent operation if desired. Two sun visors. Mirror fitted to passenger's sun visor. Windscreen opens right up with central winder. Finest hide upholstery to seating. Armrests for driver and passenger on both front doors. Centre folding armrest and two wide side armrests for rear passengers. Pile carpet. Electrically illuminated clock recessed into lid of glove box. Large glove box in facia with lid and private lock. Handsome instrument panel with diffused illumination. Thiefproof master door lock. Pass light and fog light fitted on plated badge bar. Cigar lighter. Safety-curve door handles. Stiff pockets on all doors specially designed to retain their shape. Ash-tray in facia board and on the backs of the front seats. Independent reversing, stop, and rear lights. Rear blind operated from driver's seat. Roof lamps. Scuttle ventilator. Licence holder. Rear vision mirror. Wheels fitted with handsome discs.

INTERIOR ACCOMMODATION and VENTILATION
THE SALOON DE LUXE MODELS
Deep soft cushions upholstered with Latex and five resilient armrests provide comfort for all occupants of the car. The front seats are individually adjustable. A bench seat for three persons can be provided at a small extra charge, if desired. Ventilation is made perfect under all weather conditions by means of draughtless ventilators in the front doors, opening quarter lights, fully opening windscreen, sunshine roof, scuttle ventilator, and wide-opening door windows.

SPACIOUS LUGGAGE ACCOMMODATION
This large boot will accommodate suitcases, golf clubs and many other articles. Luggage housed in it is kept clean, dry and safe, and the lock is operated with the door key. In addition, the boot lid is hinged to form a horizontal platform, unrestricted by arms, for trunks, and large suitcases. Carpets and rubber mats fitted on Saloon de Luxe models. Spare wheel and tools can be removed from their separate compartment without disturbing the luggage. On the Sports Saloon any additional luggage stored in the boot in its open position is protected from the weather by a waterproof covering.

 

Super Snipe

           
           

 

 

Imperial and Pullman

Imperial (4086 cc, 100 bhp; wb: 10' 4'')
Pullman (4086 cc, 100 bhp; wb: 11' 0'')

The Imperial and the Pullman have been designed to satisfy those requiring the highest luxury at extremely reasonable prices. These fine models are in fact the highest grade cars manufactured in volume.
The Imperial is available in a wide range of coachwork, whilst the Pullmann chassis carries large and luxurious bodies of the seven passenger Limousine type.
Both are equally suited for use as town carriages and for fast long distance travelling. They represent value unequalled in their class.
 
A SELECTION OF FINE ENGINEERING and COACHWORK FEATURES
These cars reflect dignified luxury in the modem style. Their appearance justifies their use for all purposes.
The cushions give comfort in the truest sense, and the other fumishings are in keeping.
Leather of the highest quality is used, in shades harmonising with every colour scheme.
Evenkeel suspension. Independently sprung front wheels in conjunctionn with very long rear springs provide a ride free from pitching and swaying without any risk of car-sickness.
Variations of weather make no difference to the occupants of these cars. The arrangements for ventilation will deal with every contingency.
Large quantities of luggage can be accommodated under cover, whilst the lid of the rear boot forms a rigid luggage platform should trunks or exceptionally bulky articles be carried.
Head, pass, and fog lamps ensure a brilliant light for fast touring underr all conditions, with freedom from dazzle to approaching traffic.
Proved Side Valve Engine develops smooth silent power at all speeds.
The very flexible top gear gives smooth traffic motoring, and high cruising speeds.
The Box Girder Chassis Frame, proved in use to be stronger than the channel section frame, contributes to the silence of the bodywork and the steadiness of the car.
The Automatic Choke guarantees instant starting from cold, and immediate even running. Hand operation is entirely eliminated.
Radiator,, bonnet, and wings are mounted at one point on the chassis frame. They are independent of all chassis movement and vibration.
Bendix Self-Energising Brakes give a straight-line halt, evenly and smoothly, at the lightest touch of the foot. The hand brake operates on all four wheels.
The steering is very light and free from vibration. The column can bevaried in length and height. Caster action after taking corners reduces driving fatigue.
Harmonic Stabilising Bumpers damp out road wheel vibration and stabilise the chassis.
Speciall Sound, Fume, and Heat Insulation ensured by means of a steel-faced bulkhead at the front of the car and numerous other modern insulating processes.
Four-Speed All-Silent Synchromesh Gearbox.
Full Inter-Axle Seating ensures stability under all conditions of motoring.
Steell Panel Wheels are modern, smart, and easy to clean.
Thee Instrument Panel has large instrument faces and restful diffused lighting.
D.W.S. Permanent Jacks remove the possibility of soiling one's clothes.

The Imperial

 

SEATING
Full accommodation for five persons. Front seats independently adjustable over a range of 8 inches, with recessed footrests and picnic tables at rear (except in Saloons with division in which bench type front seat with centre folding armrest is standard). Rear seat with side armrests and centre folding armrest. Adjustable armrestss on front doors. A special drop-glass partition behind the driver can be fittedd at an extra charge.
UPHOLSTERY
Finest-grade furniture hide, in colours to harmomse with exterior schemes. Specially designed spring cushions and squabs. Pile carpet in front; wool mat at rear, both with feit underlay.
EQUIPMENT
Single control sliding sun roof (except on Saloons with division which have fixed roof as Standard, but can be supplied with sun roof to either front or rear compartment at small extra cost).
Front doors recessed to include inside door handles; chromium-plated interior and exterior fittings; Triplex glass throughout; front door windows controlled by "quick-lift" handles; rear quarter lights are of the sliding draught-proof type; front doors also have draughtless ventilation windows controlled by hand winder; walnut interior fillets; Vee-shape windscreen fully opening on driver's side, with concealed dual screen wipers with silent electric motor under bonnet; concealed self-cancelling direction indicators; translucent box-type rear number plate with independent reversing, stop, and rear lights; licence holder; interior driving mirror; cigar lighters and ashtrays to front and rear compartments; glove boxes; rear blind operated from driver's seat; rear locker, with interior light,, provides ample normal luggage accommodation, lid forms platform for additional luggage; sun visors adjustable to windscreen and side windows ; passenger's visor fitted with small vanity mirror; interior lights; arm-slings to rear compartment; bumpers front and rear fitted with over-riders.


SEATING
Full accommodation for five persons. Front seats independently adjustable over a range of 8 inches with recessed foot-rests and tables at rear (except in saloons with divisions which have bench type front seat with centre folding armrest as standard). Rear seat with side armrests and centre folding armrest. Adjustable armrests on front doors.
A special drop glass partition behind the driver can be fitted at an extra charge.
UPHOLSTERY
Finest-grade furniture hide, in colours to harmonise with exterior schemes. Specially designed spring cushions and squabs. Pile carpet in front; wool mat in rear, both with felt underlays.
EQUIPMENT
Single control, sliding sun roof (except on Saloons with division which have fixed roof as standard, but can be supplied with sun roof to either front or rear compartment at small extra cost).
Front doors recessed to include inside door handles; chromium plated interior and exterior fittings; Triplex glass throughout; front door windows controlled by "quick-lift" handles. Front doors have draughtless ventilation windows controlled by hand-winder; walnut interior fillets; Vee-shape windscreen fully opening on driver's side with concealed dual screen wipers with silent electric motor under bonnet; concealed self-canceling direction indicators; translucent box type rear number plate with independent reversing, stop and rear lights; licence holder; interior driving mirror; cigar lighters and ashtrays to front and rear compartments ; companion sets; glove boxes; rear blind operated from driver's seat; rear locker, with light, provides ample normal luggage accommodation, lid forms platform for additional luggage; sun visors adjustable to windscreen and side windows; interior lights; arm slings to rear compartment; passenger's visor fitted with vanity mirror; bumpers front and rear, fittedd with over-riders.

SEATING
Full accommodation for five persons. Front seats adjustable over a range of 8 inches. Footrests, folding picnic tables, and pockets at rear of front seats. Rear seat with side armrests and centre folding armrest, also adjustable armrest on front doors.
UPHOLSTERY
Finest-grade furniture hide, in colours to harmonise with exterior schemes. Specially designed spring cushions and squabs. Pile carpet in front; wool mat in rear, both with felt underlay.
EQUIPMENT
Single control sliding sun roof; front doors recessed to include inside door handles ; chromium-plated intenor and exterior fittings; Triplex glass throughout; front door windows controlled by "quick-lift" handles; front doors also have draughtless ventilation windows controlled by hand winders ; burr-walnut interior fillets ; single-panel fully-opening windscreen with concealed dual screen wipers with silent electric motor under bonnet; concealed self-cancelling trafficators; box-type interior illuminated number plate with independent reversing, stop, and rear lights; licence holder; interior driving mirror; cigar lighters and ashtrays to front and rear compartments ; glove boxes ; rear blind operated from driver's seat; large boot, with light, provides ample luggage accommodation, spare wheel with metal cover recessed in boot lid; lid also fitted with adjustable straps and waterproof cover for additional luggage; sun visors adjustable to windscreen and side windows; interior lights; arm slings to rear compartment; bumpers front and rear.

SEATING
Full accommodation for five persons. Front seats independently adjustable over a range of 8 inches; the backrests of the front seats arranged to tilt forward to facilitate easy access to rear seats. Rear seat fitted with side armrests and centre folding armrest. Adjustable armrest. Adjustable armrests on the front doors.
UPHOLSTERY
Finest-quality waterproof furniture hide in colours to harmonise with the exterior schemes. Specially designed spring cushions and squabs. Pile carpet with felt underlays.
EOUIPMENT
Three-position De Ville type head; patented quick-action fittings. Chromium-plated interior and exterior fittings; Triplex glass throughout; door windows controlled by winding handles; walnut interior fillets; single-panel opening windscreen fitted with concealed dual screen wipers with silent electric motor under the bonnet; concealed self-cancelling direction indicators; translucent box type interior illuminated rear number plate with independent reversing, stop, and rear lights; licence holder; interior driving mirror; cigar lighter on the dashboard; ashtrays to front and rear compartments; glove boxes; large boot, with interior light, provides ample luggage accommodation; lid also fitted with adjustable straps and waterproof cover for additional luggage; interior light; bumpers, front and rear, fitted with over-riders; additional cross member fitted, making the car as rigid and stable as a saloon.

The Pullman

 

SEATING
There is ample accommodation for seven persons. Two large occasional seats face forward, folding away flush. Length of rear seat adjustable to three positions; centre folding armrests are fitted to both front and rear compartments and adjustable side armrests to front doors. Side armrests for armchair comfort to rear seats.
UPHOLSTERY
The deeply-cushioned seats in front compartment are upholstered with grained furniture hide; in rear compartment with finest beige West of England cloth; alternatively hide can be supplied in both compartments; roof linings of finest quality cloth to tone. Pile carpet in front; silk wool mat in rear compartment, both with felt underlay.
EQUIPMENT
Drop-glass partition behind driver with recessed clock; front doors recessed to include inside door handles ; ash-tray and cigar lighters in front and rear compartment; Vee-shape windscreen fully opening on driver's side with concealed dual screen wipers with silent electric motor under bonnet; glove boxes; hand dictograph telephone from rear compartment to driver; silk rope pulls ; interior step lights; figured walnut interior finish; exterior dnving mirror; Triplex glass throughout; interior light in front and rear compartments; handles attached to division to assist rear passengers when alighting; ladies' mirror in rear compartment; front doors have windows controlled by hand winders ; draughtproof sliding quarter lights are fitted to the Limousine and drop-type quarter lights to the Landaulette; concealed self-cancelling direction indicators; concealed spare wheel in boot luggage platform; bumpers front and rear, fitted with over-riders; interior sun visors adjustable to either windscreen or side window Single-control sliding sun roof can be fitted to front or rear compartment of Limousine at slight extra cost. Wheel discs can also bt supplied at slight extra cost on both Limousine and Landaulette.


A LANDAULETTE MODEL is also available on the Humber Pullman chassis. (See top illustration)


SEATING
Very comfortable accommodation for seven persons; two large forward- facing occasional seats fold flush with division when out of use. The rear seat cushion is adjustable for length, centre folding armrests are fitted to both front and rear seats, side armrests for armchair comfort to rear seats and adjustable side armrests on front doors.
UPHOLSTERY
The deeply-cushioned seats to front compartment are upholstered in very soft Black hide. Interior is in finest-quality Beige West of England cloth; roof lining of similar quality to tone. Thick pile carpets to front and rear, and silk wool mat to rear compartment; sponge rubber mat to front compartment.
EQUIPMENT
Divisionn behind driver with Thrupp & Maberly horizontally sliding glasses, and fitted with cupboards for parcels, etc. each side of occasional seats. Ash-trays and cigar lighters in front and rear compartments; concealed dual electric screen wipers with silent motor under bonnet; glove boxes with concealed hinged lids in instrument board; electrically operated rear blind; Circassian walnut interior finish; doors fitted with silent locks, with handles incorporated in moulding, and concealed reinforced hinges; exterior driving mirrors on front wings; interior and exterior metal fittings chromium plated; Triplex glass throughout; two interior lamps in rear compartment, one in front; companions fitted in the rear containing ash-trays, cigar lighters, and mirror; Burovox telephone fitted on offside quarter; front and rear doors fitted with drop windows operated by winding handles; fully opening sloping windscreen with curved top; quarter lïghts to hinge open for ventilation are fitted to the Limousine, and drop-type quarter lights to the Landaulette; concealed self-cancelling trafficators; sparee wheel with cover fitted in nearside front wings; illuminated number plate incorporating stop, tail, and reversing lamps built into the body; bumpers front and rear. The Limousine can be supplied with large boot providing exceptional luggage accommodation or without the boot but with luggage locker in rear panel. In each case the lid opens downwards to form platform for additional luggage. The Landaulette is supplied with luggage locker only and no boot.
PULLMANN SPECIAL LANDAULETTE (Coachworkk by Thrupp & Maberly) The Landaulette is exactly the same as the Limousine except that a leather canopy folds back completely as illustrated, allowing the rear seat to be fully opened or fully closed as required.

SEATING
Very comfortable accommodation for seven persons; two large side-facing occasional seats fold flush with division when out of use. The rear seat cushion is adjustable for length, centre folding armrests for armchair comfort to rear seats and adjustable side armrests on front doors.
UPHOLSTERY
The deeply-cushioned seats to front compartment are upholstered in very soft hide to tone with interior, which is in finest-quality Beige West of England cloth; roof lining of similar quality to tone. Thick pile carpets to front and rear, and silk wool mat to rear compartment; sponge rubber mat to front compartment.
EQUIPMENT
Thrupp & Maberly electrically operated drop-glass partition behind driver; centre cabinet with cupboards and latex footrests each side; Thrupp & Maberly improved patent sliding canopy extension, having folding arms and sliding roof which allows the driver's compartment to be fully open or fully closed, as desired; ashtrays and cigar lighters in front and rear compartments; concealed dual electric screen wipers with silent motor under bonnet; glove boxes with concealed hinged lids in instrument board; electrically operated rear blind; Circassian walnut interior finish; doors fitted with silent travell locks, with handles incorporated in moulding, and concealed reinforced hinges; exterior drivmg mirrors on front wings; interior and exterior metal fttings chromium plated; Triplex glass throughout; interior lamps in rear compartment; companions fitted in the rear quarters containing ashtray, cigar lighter, and mirror, and covered with a cloth-covered sliding door to match headlining; front doors fitted with draughtless swivelling ventilating windows and front and rear doors fitted with drop windows operated by winding handles ; sloping windscreen with curved top; concealed self-cancelling trafficators; large luggage boot with rear lid and spare wheel with cover semi-recessed into the rear panel; number plate incorporating stop, tail, and reversing lamps; bumpers front and rear.


 

Snipe Mk II

4086cc,


Humber Snipe Mk II utility

 

           
           

 

Rallies:
  Event: Entered: Raced: Finished: Best results:
17-25.01.1939 Rallye Monte Carlo     3 61 Waleran Super Snipe 12th
          62 Garrad Super Snipe 14th
          85 Graham Super Snipe 16th

Lord Waleran, Humber Super Snipe, start from Tallinn, 12th.