The coachbuilders, Tickford of Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire built convertible bodies on many manufacturers chassis and this particular car was constructed on the Humber Super Snipe frame. This particular coachbuilder was well known for its three position patent hood system, that is fully closed, the portion over the two front seats open and the two rear seats covered, or a fully open car.

This particular model was a most attractive convertible coupe which combined the confort and roominess of a saloon body but with the advantages of an open sports touring car. The hood was covered in a fine quality tropically proofed mohair, the interior being cloth lined and when in the open position the whole hood folded away neatly into a recess thus preserving the attractive lines of the car.

The body shell was a fine example of the coachbuilders art, the framing being of selected ash which was treated with a tropical wood preservative, the scuttle and screen pillars employed steel for their construction whilst the doors and rear coachwork utilised aluminium, both door and boot hinges were concealed so as not to spoil the flowing line of the vehicle. Both the front side windows and rear quarter lights were framed in deeply chromed metal and both wound down to disappear into the sides of the car, to the front doors were also fitted wide-arc opening ventilators.

The adjustable full width front seat provided ample room for three persons, gear selection being by column change thus giving an unobstructed floor, the rear seating also provides room for three, with only two people in the rear the centre arm rest can be pulled down for added comfort, there were also two side armrests. The whole interior was upholstered in fine quality leather with deep pile carpets and felt underlay, ash trays to front and rear and all woodwork finished in polished walnut. The rear wings were fitted with detachable covers.

The Humber Super Snipe Chassis had a wheelbase of 117.5 inches with ground clearance of 7 inches. The front track was slightly more narrow than the rear 57.92 inches against 61 inches. The turning circle being 40ft and 6 inches. Power was provided by the well proven Humber 6 cylinder monobloc side valve engine of 4086 cc (249.23 cubic inches) with detachable alloy cylinder head, four bearing counterbalanced crankshaft and full pressure lubrication. An automatic choke was provided. Drive to the four speed synchromesh gearbox was through a single dry plate Borg & Beck clutch chain linked to the pedal.

The chassis frame was of welded box girder construction with reinforced channels on the side members, a large central cruciform member and boxed cross members ensured suitable strength and rigidity. The front suspension was of the independent type and extra long semi-elliptic springs to the rear with an anti-sway bar and Armstrong double acting hydraulic shock absorbers. In the unfortunate event of having a puncture a four corner mechanical jacking system was employed fitting into permanent sockets on the chassis frame. Steering by Burman worm and nut for high efficiency and minimum friction, coupled with the latest Locking two leading shoe hydraulically operated brake system with 12 inch cast iron drums.

This Humber was a fine car and I have not personally seen one on the road or even at any shows in the UK for many years. If anyone reading this article knows of, or even is lucky enough to own one please do get in touch with me at age-net - your thoughts and observations would be of great interest.

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