Humber Limited

Humber Limited

Company type	Public company (formerly)
Industry	Automotive, Bicycle manufacturing, Motorcycle manufacturing
Founded	1887
Fate	Acquired by Chrysler Corporation (via Rootes Group) in 1967
Headquarters	London (Devonshire House on Piccadilly) , United Kingdom
Area served	United Kingdom, Europe, International
Key people	Thomas Humber (founder), Rootes brothers (majority owners from 1932)
Products	Bicycles, Motorcycles, Automobiles, Commercial vehicles
Number of employees	20,000 (1960)
Parent	Rootes Group (from 1932), Chrysler Corporation (from 1967)

Humber Limited was a British enterprise specializing in the manufacture of bicycles, motorcycles, and cars, established and publicly traded from 1887. The company adopted the title "Humber & Co Limited" to capitalize on the esteemed reputation of Thomas Humber’s original venture. A corporate financial reorganization in 1899 resulted in the transition of operations to Humber Limited.

Beginning motor vehicle production in 1896, the motor division eventually surpassed the bicycle segment in importance, prompting the sale of cycle trademarks to Raleigh in 1932. Motorcycle manufacturing was discontinued during the economic downturn of the 1930s.

Today, Humber exists as an inactive marque for both automobiles and bicycles. Following an initial investment through Hillman in 1928, the Rootes brothers obtained a controlling interest of 60% in Humber by 1932. They joined Humber’s board and established it as the holding company within their expanding Rootes Group.

By 1960, Humber’s annual vehicle production had reached approximately 200,000 units. Nevertheless, stringent control by the Rootes family contributed to insufficient capital investment. The development costs of the new Hillman Imp exceeded the financial capabilities of both Humber and the Rootes Group, culminating in their acquisition by Chrysler Corporation in 1967.

Ownership and control

• Initially owned by private investors from its establishment and stock market debut in 1887
• Merged with Hillman in 1928; Hillman under control of Rootes brothers
• Rootes Securities acquired a 60% stake in Humber; Hillman became a subsidiary of Humber in 1932
• Chrysler Corporation took ownership of Rootes Motors ("Rootes Group") in 1967

Fully owned operational subsidiaries

• Commer (Commercial Cars Ltd) since 1925
• Hillman (merged in 1929; subsidiary from 1930)
• Thrupp & Maberly coachbuilders, purchased in 1926, integrated into Rootes Securities from 1932
• Clément-Talbot acquired in 1935, rebranded as Sunbeam-Talbot
• Sunbeam Motor Car Company (trolleybus production only) from 1935
• Karrier Motors acquired in 1934
• British Light Steel Pressings from 1937, merged with Thrupp & Maberly in 1939
• Partial ownership of Tilling-Stevens until February 1964
• Partial ownership of Singer Motors until February 1964

1887–1918

Cycle industry

In the late 1880s, consolidation occurred within the cycle industry when partners Thomas Humber and promoter T Harrison Lambert sold their business to investors who combined several leading cycle manufacturers and floated a new company on the stock market. This new firm was named Humber & Co Limited, leveraging Humber’s strong brand recognition despite not being the largest component. Thomas Humber oversaw operations until his retirement in 1892.

Humber expanded into European markets, establishing a dominant position in France by merging with La Société des Vélocipedes Clément and La Société des Cycles Gladiator in 1896. This alliance aimed to dominate the nascent motor carriage sector with extensive new facilities at Levallois Perret. Despite holding a significant market share across Europe and beyond, internal conflicts and an economic downturn led to financial restructuring and the formation of Humber Limited around 1900.

Motorcycles

Humber experimented with motorcycles early on, achieving notable racing victories by 1899. Production halted in 1906 due to limited factory capacity but resumed with a new model range showcased in 1908. Motorcycle manufacturing was suspended during World War I.

Motor tricycles

In 1899, Humber developed a motorized tricycle at Beeston powered by licensed De Dion Bouton engines featuring electric ignition, capable of reaching speeds up to 30 mph.

First series production cars

Humber constructed a prototype along with nine production vehicles at Coventry in 1896, regarded as England’s first series-produced cars. By 1898, they introduced a three-wheeled tricar powered by a Turrell engine, followed by their inaugural four-wheeled automobile in 1901. Production occurred at facilities near Nottingham (Beeston) and Coventry (Stoke) with distinct designs. The Beeston plant closed in 1908 after opening a larger factory at Stoke.

Profits surged from £16,500 in 1905 to £154,400 by 1907. The Stoke factory officially opened in March 1908, spanning 13.5 acres with capacity for manufacturing 150 cars and 1,500 cycles weekly. Another financial restructuring took place in 1909. In 1911, Humber acquired Centaur Cycle Company.

At this time, Humber’s product line ranged from small models such as the 998cc Humberette to six-cylinder vehicles up to six litres. By 1913, Humber ranked second only to Wolseley as Britain’s largest car manufacturer. During World War I, production shifted focus toward motorcycles, bicycles, and military vehicles.

1919–1939

The economic downturns following World War I in the early 1920s coincided with a consumer shift away from pedal bicycles toward motorcycles and automobiles. Leading cycle manufacturers such as Rover, Singer, Swift, Triumph, and Riley discontinued their bicycle production.

Humber acquisitions

In 1925, Humber broadened its portfolio by acquiring Commer, thereby entering the commercial vehicle sector. Despite Commer’s increased sales by 1928, the company reported losses for a second year running. While bicycle sales saw an upturn, motorcycle demand diminished. Positioned as premium products, Humber automobiles were more vulnerable to market fluctuations compared to mass-market vehicles. Chairman Stanley Brotherhood emphasized a comprehensive redesign of Humber models intended to improve aesthetics, performance, and pricing to enhance market competitiveness.

Subsequently, in 1929, Humber merged with its partially owned subsidiary Hillman Motor Car Company. Controlled by the Rootes brothers and recognized for producing popular mid-range cars, Hillman complemented Humber’s distinctive vehicle range. The merger received unanimous approval from shareholders.

With Rootes’ involvement, marketing initiatives intensified, appointing Rootes Limited as "World Exporters." Humber launched new models in 1929: the 16-50 (introduced at the 1928 Motor Show), alongside the Snipe and a seven-seater Pullman (both showcased at the 1929 Motor Show). Existing models such as the 9-28 and 20-65 hp continued production but at reduced prices.

Automotive historian Michael Sedgwick later characterized this period as a "levelling process," during which Humber integrated Rootes-standard components like Bendix brakes, downdraught carburetors, silent third gearboxes, and hydraulic shock absorbers. The vehicle range increasingly resembled larger Hillman models but featured different engines and extended wheelbases. For example, the Humber Twelve bore similarities to the Hillman Minx but included unique styling details and attracted independent coachbuilders. The Vogue sports saloon may have been designed by Captain Edward Molyneux. The engine used in the Twelve was also adapted for Hillman's Fourteen and the postwar Sunbeam-Talbot 90.

By 1939, the large-engined Super Snipe equipped with hydraulic brakes was performing well in sales; one version became widely known as the British Army’s preferred staff car during World War II.

Rootes brothers and Prudential acquire majority stake

Humber lost its independence in 1931 when the Rootes brothers gained majority ownership with financial support from Prudential plc, utilizing their Hillman shares as part of the payment.

Humber cycles

In response to growing domestic and international bicycle demand, Raleigh Bicycle Company purchased all Humber cycle trademarks in February 1932 and relocated production to its Nottingham plant. The Humbers produced by Raleigh retained distinct features such as unique chainwheels, fork crowns, and certain brake components that differentiated them from standard Raleigh models.

1939–1945

The Ryton on Dunsmore facility, which ceased operations in 2006, was originally established in 1939 as a shadow factory focused on aero engine production. Another shadow factory located at Speke, Liverpool began assembling bombers in April 1939. Existing factories manufactured armoured vehicles including scout cars and staff cars along with other wartime equipment.

General Bernard Montgomery, commander of British and Allied forces in North Africa during World War II, utilized two specially modified Humber Super Snipe tourers featuring enhancements such as mine-resistant floors and extended-range fuel tanks. Nicknamed 'Old Faithful' and the 'Victory Car,' these vehicles exemplified Humber’s engineering excellence. The Victory Car notably transported Montgomery alongside Winston Churchill during London’s VE Day celebrations.

Yearly Vehicle Production

• 1929–30: 9,000 units
• 1933–34: 20,000 units
• 1937–39: 41,000 units
• 1946–47: 42,000 units
• 1949–50: 90,000 units

1945–1967

After World War II, Humber concentrated on producing the four-cylinder Hawk and the six-cylinder Super Snipe, which gained popularity among professionals and government officials due to their superior craftsmanship and well-appointed interiors. These vehicles exhibited a notable "transatlantic" styling influence.

Annual production volume: 200,000 vehicles

By the year 1960, Rootes ranked as the twelfth largest automobile manufacturer globally by output, manufacturing close to 200,000 vehicles each year—including passenger cars, commercial vans, and trucks—and employing approximately 20,000 staff. The company managed nine assembly facilities outside the UK, encompassing six million square feet (557,000m²) of production space. Their business operations extended beyond manufacturing to include car rental services, hire purchase financing, driving instruction schools, and air conditioning production. The domestic market was supported by roughly one thousand dealerships. The Rootes brothers directed the company from their headquarters in Devonshire House on Piccadilly; their former showroom location currently houses an Audi dealership.

Imp and Chrysler

In reaction to the popularity of BMC's Mini, Rootes expedited the development of a compact vehicle. Government incentives encouraged establishing new factories in regions with plentiful labor; consequently, Rootes selected a greenfield site near Glasgow Airport at Linwood adjacent to the Pressed Steel Company body manufacturing plant.

The Linwood facility commenced operations in May 1963 concurrent with the launch of the rear-engined Hillman Imp. However, challenges with labor relations and mechanical reliability negatively impacted its success. Elevated development expenses combined with waning sales in the US market resulted in financial losses during 1962 and 1963.

In February 1964, minority shareholders in Humber Limited (including subsidiaries Tilling-Stevens and Singer Motors) exchanged their shares for stock in Rootes Motors Limited, thereby making Humber a fully owned subsidiary.

Shortly before his passing in December 1964, Lord William Edward Rootes initiated discussions to sell the company to Chrysler Corporation. Chrysler completed acquisition of Rootes in 1967.

1967–1976

The final traditional large Humber model—the series VA Super Snipe equipped with twin Stromberg CD100 carburettors—remained available until production ceased in 1968 under Chrysler’s management. Although several V8-powered variants reached pre-production stages, none were released commercially; a few prototype examples still exist.

The last newly introduced Humber vehicle was the second-generation Humber Sceptre, a version of the Rootes Arrow series. The Humber brand was discontinued in 1976 as all Hillman models were rebranded under the Chrysler name.

The Hillman Hunter, another model within the Arrow range, carried Chrysler badging until production ended in 1979 when Chrysler Europe was sold to Peugeot, which subsequently rebranded these vehicles as Talbot. Talbot passenger cars were phased out by 1986; however, Talbot-branded vans continued production for an additional six years.

Post-1976 Developments

In 1986, an independent effort emerged aiming to revive Humber as a premium automotive brand utilizing the recently closed Bathgate truck and tractor factory in Scotland. Originally established by BMC in 1961 for manufacturing light trucks and tractors—later marketed under Leyland’s ‘Redline’ brand—the site offered production capabilities separate from Longbridge.

Peugeot retained ownership of Humber’s trademarks during this period. A new company named Humber Motor Company Limited was formed intending to pursue this revival but faced opposition from local Bathgate council members who favored commercial retail development over industrial use. Similar retail proposals were also rejected by authorities in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Eventually, the Bathgate factory premises were demolished and converted into an automotive distribution facility.

Humber Motor Company Limited was registered in Scotland in August 1986 and dissolved in July 2007; a company with a similar name was later registered in England in June 2007.

Four Humber trademarks—Sceptre, Hawk, Super Snipe, Snipe—were renewed with the Intellectual Property Office. The Humber brand name and emblem continue to be registered trademarks.

There remains ongoing interest in Humber automobiles supported by active online communities comprised of enthusiasts and current owners.

Main models

• Humber 8 (1902)
• Humber 12 (1902)
• Humber 20 (1903)
• Humberette Voiturette (1903–1911)
• Humber 8/10 (1905)
• Humber 10/12 (1905–1907)
• Humber 30/40 (1908–1909)
• Humberette Cycle Car (1912–1915)
• Humber 11 (1912)
• Humber 14 (1914–1917)

1919–1939

• Humber 10 (1919–1921)
• Humber 15.9 (1919–1925)
• Humber 11.4 and 12/25 (1921–1925)
• Humber 8/18 (1922–1925)
• Humber 15/40 (1924–1928)
• Humber 9/20 and 9/28 (1925–1930)
• Humber 14/40 (1926–1929)
• Humber 20/55 and 20/65 (1926–1929)

Under Rootes Brothers

• Humber 16/50 (1928–1932)
• Humber Snipe (1929–1947+)
• Humber Pullman (1930–1954+)
• Humber 16–60 (1933–1935)
• Humber 12 (1933–1937)
• Humber 16 (1936–1940)
• Humber Imperial (1938–1967+)
• Humber Super Snipe (1938–1967+)

1945–1967

• Humber Snipe (1929–1947)
• Humber Pullman (1930–1954)
• Humber Super Snipe (1938–1967)
• Humber Imperial (1938–1967)
• Humber Hawk (1945–1967)
• Humber Sceptre (1961–1976)
• Humber Vogue (1963–1966, Australia)

Surviving cars

Numerous pre-1930s luxury Humbers continue to be cherished by a committed enthusiast association.

Up until its closure in 2020, the Marshalls Post-Vintage Humber Car Museum located in Hull maintained the most extensive collection of Rootes-era Humbers, showcasing over twenty-five different models produced between 1932 and 1970, including both fully restored and original-condition vehicles. After the museum shut down permanently, many of these automobiles were dispersed through sales.

Aviation

Prior to the First World War, Humber was involved in manufacturing aircraft and aero engines, notably securing a contract in 1909 to produce forty units of the Blériot XI monoplane, each powered by their proprietary three-cylinder engine. Four of these planes were exhibited at the Olympia Aero Show in 1910.

During the First World War, the company built BR1 and BR2 engines designed by W O Bentley. In the Second World War, Humber continued engine production for the Air Ministry at its Coventry facilities.