Humber Pullman
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 19th century |
| Fate | Acquired by Rootes Group in 1931 |
| Successor | Rootes Group |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Parent | Rootes Group (from 1931) |
Humber Pullman is a four-door limousine introduced by the British automaker Humber Limited in 1930, succeeding the Humber 20/65 hp and serving as a long-wheelbase version of the Humber Snipe. In 1939, an enhanced variant was launched under the name Humber Imperial, but following World War II, the Pullman designation was reinstated. Between 1948 and 1954, the Pullman was available with a central partition designed for chauffeur-driven use, whereas the partition-free model carried the Humber Imperial badge, targeting owner-drivers.
During World War II, the Pullman/Imperial was not marketed to civilians; production was confined to staff vehicles. Manufacturing for civilian use recommenced in 1945 and continued until 1954. Humber later revived the Imperial name in 1964 for a luxury model based on the Humber Super Snipe, which remained in production until 1967.
Before World War II
The initial 1930 Pullman came equipped with a 3498cc straight-six engine featuring overhead inlet and side exhaust valves, delivering 80 hp (60 kW). Its limousine-style body included rear-hinged doors and bore resemblance to the Humber Snipe 80, although it was both longer and wider, achieving a top speed of 73 mph (117 km/h). Available body styles encompassed limousine, Landaulette, and Sedanca de Ville. Following Humber’s acquisition by the Rootes Group in 1931, a coupé version briefly appeared in 1935.
In 1936, the Pullman was redesigned with a new body featuring a two-piece V-shaped windscreen while maintaining the same wheelbase but extending its overall length. The engine size grew to 4086cc, producing up to 100 hp (75 kW), which increased its top speed to 75 mph (121 km/h). By 1940, enhancements included independent front suspension and hydraulic braking systems. Independent coachbuilders such as Thrupp & Maberly also received chassis for bespoke bodywork.
The Humber Imperial (also called Snipe Imperial) joined the lineup in 1939, utilizing the same engine as the Pullman but built on a shorter chassis to boost performance, boasting an advertised top speed of 81 mph (130 km/h). Despite its reduced length, it retained spaciousness and became favored by British government officials throughout the 1940s. Offered body types included four- and six-light saloons as well as drophead coupés. Civilian manufacturing halted in 1940 as production shifted toward military vehicles; however, "razor-edge" Pullmans continued to be produced for official government use during wartime.
After World War II
The Pullman reappeared in 1945 featuring seven-seat limousine and landaulette configurations, which were succeeded in 1948 by the Humber Pullman Mk II mounted on an extended chassis. From that year onward, models were available either with or without a dividing partition: those equipped with partitions retained the Pullman name while partitionless versions were marketed as Humber Imperial for owner-drivers. Headlamps were redesigned to be integrated into the wings rather than mounted separately.
The Mark III model released in 1951 closely resembled its predecessor but was lengthened and incorporated a fully synchromesh gearbox. At an overall length of 212 inches (5385 mm), it matched that of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud introduced four years later. Combined production figures included approximately 2,200 Mk II and III Pullmans along with 1,526 Imperials.
In 1953, both Mark IV Pullmans and Imperials received upgraded straight-six engines of 4,139 cc with overhead valves generating between 113 and 116 hp (84–87 kW). Production concluded in 1954.
Imperial revival
In 1964, the Rootes Group brought back the Humber Imperial designation as an upscale variant of the Humber Super Snipe. This model was characterized by a unique, lowered vinyl roof with a coupé style, an automatic transmission as standard, and an upgraded, more refined interior. The extensive Humber lineup, which included the Imperial, was phased out by Rootes in 1967.