Founded in the late 1890's by Thomas Humber the Humber motor company initially produced light-cycle cars after manufacturing bicycles for many years. By 1908 Humber was producing models from two factories and was establishing itself as a luxury-car manufacturer to rival other companies such as Rover, Wolseley and Armstrong Siddeley.

By the 1930's Humber had become the flagship and backbone marque of the Rootes Group. The 1940's brought the famous Super Snipe model which would become a favourite official car amongst British Generals and politicians. Humber enjoyed a successful period during the 50's and 60's and sadly fell victim to Rootes rationalisation in the early 1970's.