Humber , creator of the 1965 Humber Sceptre Mark II , could trace its origins back to 1887 and was advantageously known as the Divine of in high spirits - lineament , conservative motorcarsfor Britain ’s upper - middle class . To some people , Humber was " Britain’sBuick . "
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Humber began importing motorcar to the U.S. after World War II : two in 1948 , 309 in 1951 – but never much more . Humber was perhaps best known for the Super Snipe , an upmarket sedan with a 110 - inch chassis and a 133 - bhp , 2965 - cc inline six ( 1963 ) . At $ 4,500 , it cost $ 450 more than a Buick Electra 225 .
Humber had acquired Hillman in 1928 , and both became part of Rootes Motors Ltd. in 1932 . Although Humber maintain its own identity over the geezerhood , by the Sixties it succumbed to the " badge engineering " so rampant in the British auto diligence .
Thus was born the 1964 Sceptre ( never sent to the U.S. ) . It was really a Hillman Super Minx : 101 - inch wheelbase , 165 inches long , 1,725 - cc four with 69.5 bhp and 91.5 Ibs / ft torque . Where the wand differed from the Super Minx was in the more flowery grillwork , although both shared the unusual hooded parking lights . Body trim also varied , and the Sceptre induce an altogether higher - level interior and more standard equipment .
When this 1965 scepter was build , Chryslerhad already been negotiate to acquire Rootes , and soon did . After 1967 , the big Humbers would be die , lead only the scepter . The marque would finally go away in 1976 .
The featured Sceptre Mark II belongs to John Treadwell , of Surbiton , Surrey , England . Painted Sherwood Green Metallic , this 114,000 - nautical mile car has won many honour since its restoration .
