Humber Sceptre
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Sunbeam Rapier |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Defunct | 1976 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Luxury automobiles |
MK I (1963 to 1965)
Debuting in 1963, the Humber Sceptre MK I was a luxury automobile derived from the Hillman Super Minx platform, yet it featured distinctive roof design, glass components, and upper/rear body panels that set it apart from both the Super Minx and the Singer Vogue. Originally conceived as a four-door successor to the Sunbeam Rapier, it was ultimately launched under the Humber brand, showcasing a sportier edge than the typical Humber models. Positioned above the Hillman Super Minx and Singer Vogue within the mid-range Rootes Group portfolio, it incorporated twin headlights similar to those on the Vogue and was equipped with an enhanced version of the Minx engine. Standard features included front disc brakes, overdrive transmission, windshield washers, a reversing lamp, a tachometer, and comprehensive instrumentation; an automatic gearbox option was introduced later. The MK IA revision appeared in 1964. Although the Super Minx and Vogue adopted new six-light body styles that year, the Sceptre retained its original body until replaced by the MK II in 1965. Combined production of MK I and IA models totaled 17,011 units.
MK II (1965 to 1967)
Launched in 1965, the Sceptre MK II presented refreshed front styling along with a twin carburettor engine variant that boosted its performance capabilities. Manufactured until 1967, this version saw a total output of 11,983 units. The MK II delivered competitive performance figures for its segment; in April 1966, Motor magazine recorded its top speed at 94.8 mph, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 12.5 seconds, and a standing quarter-mile time of 19.5 seconds.
MK III (1967 to 1976)
The introduction of the Sceptre MK III in 1967 marked a premium iteration within the Rootes Arrow series while preserving Humber’s emphasis on luxury. It featured a wood-veneered dashboard fascia, full instrumentation suite, adjustable steering column, vinyl roof covering, and enhanced chrome detailing on wheel arches and rear panels. Powered by an upgraded engine with twin carburettors producing increased output, manual transmissions were paired with either D-type or later J-type Laycock De Normanville overdrive units—the latter introduced from July 1972 onward. Automatic transmission remained an optional feature throughout the range. Subsequent Sceptre models utilized a closer-ratio G-type gearbox combined with J-type overdrive.
An estate version was unveiled at the 1974 London Motor Show, distinguished by its integrated roof rack, carpeted cargo area with metal strips for durability, interior lighting, and rear window washer/wiper—a rare feature among UK estate cars at that time.
Production ceased in September 1976 alongside the discontinuation of both Humber and Hillman marques; following this, Chrysler UK consolidated its vehicle offerings under the Chrysler nameplate. Total MK III production reached 43,951 units.
Use of the Sceptre name by Peugeot
The "Sceptre" designation reappeared in 1990 applied to SRi trims of the Peugeot 205, 405, and 605 models. Peugeot had acquired Chrysler’s European operations—including Simca—in 1978 and subsequently rebranded Chrysler’s European vehicles under the Talbot marque during that period.