Lot 213: 1924 HUMBER 11.4HP SALOON

Yellow with black roof, mudguards and chassis, fawn interior.

Engine: four cylinder monobloc overhead inlet and side exhaust valves, 68 x 120mm bore & stroke, 1,734 cc; Gearbox: four speed, right hand change; Suspension: front and rear, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: rear wheel drums. Right hand drive.

Humber cars have never lost their attraction for enthusiasts who value their solid workmanship, quality fittings and high standard of finish. The 11.4 hp saloon has additional Humber features - the steeply-veed windscreen, above which there is a prominent peak, and the wooden dashboard that follows the 'vee' of the screen, in which a plated flower vase is fitted. There are 3 doors; the driver shuffles across, and has a sliding window and a smokers' companion. The interior is trimmed in an ornate fashion in the original Bedford cord and broad lace, with bone loop door pulls, and a roof-mounted net for papers and small items. Some damp damage is apparent in the rear, but, with luck, this will clean satisfactorily. The Lucas lighting set is the original, as is one of the rear lights.

Humbers were late to fit four wheel brakes, and possibly this car originally had beaded-edge wheels in place of the more practical 21 inch well-base wheels and tyres now fitted. Under the bonnet, the Solex carburettor with an air cleaner is a more recent fitment, but the handle for the jack is clipped to the bulkhead, where a period oil can rests in its holder.

The 11.4 hp Humber was current from 1922-4 only, and this example has the potential to be a prime example from the golden age of this famous company.