1949 Humber Super Snipe MkII Saloon, Registration no. DFX 273 Chassis no. 8800248HSO

Odometer reading: 812
MOT: N/A

*Restored from 'barn find' condition in the 1990s
*Present ownership since 2007
*Offered with a history file

Already the majority shareholder in the combined Hillman/Humber concern, Rootes completed its takeover in 1931. Under Rootes' guidance, Hillman concentrated on models with mass-market appeal while Humber was pitched at a wealthier clientele. The Super Snipe first appeared in the late 1930s, finding a ready market within the ranks of Civil Service officialdom and the middle class professions, and continued in mildly face-lifted form post-WW2. In 1948 the Super Snipe underwent a more extensive revision, emerging as the longer and wider MkII, though still with the 4.1-litre six-cylinder sidevalve engine producing 100bhp. Styled with the assistance of Raymond Loewy's design studio, the MkII featured a new front end, while, perhaps surprisingly, running boards were reinstated. A touring limousine and a drophead coupé were available alongside the standard four-door saloon, while for the carriage trade there were the Thrupp & Maberly-bodied Pullman and Imperial long-wheelbase limousines.
Acquired by the current owner from well-known and much liked dealer John Brown in April 2007, this Super Snipe MkII had been restored from a 'barn find' state to its present condition in the 1990s, as evidenced by photographs and invoice copies on file. The latter also contains a copy of the 2007 bill of sale; an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1954); a quantity of MoTs (most recent expired 2007); and old-style V5/V5C registration documents. It should be noted that the aforementioned registration documents erroneously record the chassis number suffix as 'H50' (should be 'HSO').
The Humber has been on static display for a number of years and as such will require recommissioning prior to road use. Please also note this Lot is subject to UK import tax at the reduced rate of 5% if it is to remain in the UK.

Vendor Score Total: 58 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15 /25
Body Work: 3
Paint: 3
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 12 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 3

Car History File: 1