Humber Super Snipe
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Fate | Taken over by Chrysler |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom , United Kingdom |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Parent | Rootes Group (until Chrysler takeover) |
The Humber Super Snipe was manufactured by the British company Humber Limited from 1938 until 1967.
Pre-war Super Snipe
Launched in October 1938, the Super Snipe combined the four-litre inline six-cylinder engine from the larger Humber Pullman with the chassis and body of the Humber Snipe, which originally housed a three-litre engine. This fusion resulted in a higher-performance automobile, achieving a top speed notable for its time. The engine's design was influenced by American engineer Delmar "Barney" Roos, previously with Studebaker, who joined Rootes in 1936.
Aimed at upper-middle-class professionals, managers, and government personnel, the Super Snipe provided considerable size and power at a competitive price point, reflecting American automotive principles of delivering strong value.
During World War II, production persisted as a British military staff vehicle, identified as Car, 4-seater, 4x2. Furthermore, its chassis was adapted for the Humber Light Reconnaissance Car, an armored military vehicle.
Military operators
Super Snipe Mark I to III
Civilian manufacturing recommenced after the war in 1946, with the Super Snipe undergoing several iterations, each progressively larger and more powerful, culminating in the Mark IVB in 1957.
Mk I
The Mark I essentially represented a six-cylinder variant of the 1945 Humber Hawk, itself a refreshed pre-war design. Its standard powerplant was the 4086cc side-valve engine first introduced in the Humber Pullman in 1936, consistently producing 100 bhp at 3400 rpm until 1952.
Mk II
Released in September 1948, the Mark II featured an updated chassis and body with a broader track and variable ratio steering. It accommodated six passengers via a bench front seat and moved the gear lever to the steering column. Headlights were incorporated into the wings, and running boards made a return. The suspension retained transverse-spring independent front suspension but added extra leaf springs to enhance ride comfort.
The smaller-engined Snipe model was discontinued. Early Mk II units displayed round fog and "pass" lamps beneath the headlights; these were replaced by rectangular side lamps from late 1949 onwards and continued into the Mark III.
Contemporary reviews highlighted some drawbacks such as difficult spare wheel access and gear noise but commended the finish as typical of Rootes Group craftsmanship.
Between 1949 and 1950, Tickford produced 125 drophead coupés based on this model.
Mk III
Introduced in August 1950, the Mk III was distinguished by rear wheel spats and a Panhard rod incorporated into the rear suspension system. This allowed for softer springs by controlling lateral wheel movement. Visual differences from its predecessor included simpler dome-shaped bumpers and rectangular stainless-steel footplates on the running boards.
A 1951 The Motor test recorded a top speed of , acceleration from 0- in 19.1 seconds, and fuel efficiency of . The tested vehicle was priced at £1,471 including taxes.
Mk IV
The completely redesigned Mark IV, unveiled at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1952, utilized an extended version of the Hawk Mk IV body shell coupled with a more potent 4138 cc overhead-valve engine shared with a Rootes Group Commer truck. Upgrades to chassis and suspension were implemented to accommodate increased weight and power, rendering parts incompatible with those of the Hawk. Overdrive became available as an option in 1955, followed by an automatic transmission in 1956.
Shortly after its debut, Leslie Johnson, Stirling Moss, and Rootes personnel undertook a high-speed endurance journey driving a silver-grey Super Snipe from Oslo to Lisbon—crossing fifteen countries in less than four days—to demonstrate its reliability at sustained speeds.
A 1953 The Motor review noted enhanced performance figures: top speed of , acceleration from 0- in 14.7 seconds, and fuel consumption of . The car's price stood at £1,481 including taxes.
Testing of the Automatic Mk IV in 1956 showed an average top speed of 97 mph, with acceleration from 0–60 mph achieved in 14.8 seconds and completing a standing quarter mile in 20.4 seconds. Output was rated at 122 bhp on a compression ratio of 7.13:1.
In 1957 The Times praised the Mk IV for its sturdy construction and respectable image despite styling that appeared somewhat dated. The spacious front seats could fully recline for added passenger comfort. Steering was described as imprecise and low-geared during parking maneuvers, lacking power assistance. Overall, it represented "remarkably fine" value for money.
Series I
Debuting at the Paris Motor Show in October 1958, the Super Snipe Series I introduced a unitary body and chassis structure derived from the four-cylinder Humber Hawk. It was equipped with a 2.6 litre (2,651 cc) six-cylinder overhead valve engine, which was based on an Armstrong Siddeley design, producing 112 bhp at 5000 rpm with nearly hemispherical combustion chambers.
The drivetrain featured a three-speed manual gearbox, with optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive or Borg Warner DG automatic transmission. Additional options included power-assisted steering and a touring limousine variant fitted with a glass partition.
Despite its smaller external dimensions, the Series I provided greater interior room and enhanced performance relative to the previous model.
Series II
Released in October 1959, the Series II saw an engine upgrade to 3 litres (2,965 cc) by enlarging the bore to 87.2 mm, increasing power output to 129 bhp at 4800 rpm through the use of a new Zenith carburettor. Cooling efficiency was improved by fitting an eight-bladed fan.
The front brakes switched to Girling 11.5-inch discs, paired with 11-inch drum brakes at the rear, along with a reinforced front anti-roll bar to enhance handling dynamics.
A 1960 test by The Motor recorded a maximum speed of 94.7 mph and acceleration from standstill to 60 mph in 16.5 seconds, achieving fuel economy of 24.6 mpg (imperial). The tested vehicle's price was £1,601 including taxes; the standard price started at £1,453.
Series III
The Rootes Group unveiled the Series III in October 1960, showcasing a unique design that included four headlights and a redesigned full-width grille—marking it as the first British automobile featuring dual pairs of headlamps. Adjustments to the suspension and floorpan improved stability during high-speed travel. The front end was lowered with a bonnet line reduction and extended by 3.25 inches to accommodate an extra crankshaft pulley for optional air conditioning aimed primarily at North American customers. Separate ducts were implemented for heating and cooling functions. Engine enhancements included upgraded bearings, an improved lubrication system, better cooling efficiency, and a quieter cooling fan. Seating was redesigned to offer increased rear legroom.
A review by The Times noted issues such as instrument panel arrangement, obstruction of gauges by the horn ring, and an excessively bright choke warning light. The power steering was criticized for its lack of tactile feedback. The vehicle’s top speed reached 95 mph in direct top gear and was marginally lower when overdrive was engaged.
Series IV
Presented at the October 1962 Motor Show, the Series IV incorporated subtle refinements including a redesigned rear window that improved the roofline’s aesthetics. Engine power rose to 132.5 bhp while the rear axle received a taller gear ratio. Manual transmission variants benefited from a Borg and Beck diaphragm clutch, and fuel tank capacity increased from 12.5 to 16 gallons. Notable features included less wrap-around styling of the rear window, a Snipe bird emblem on the grille, opening quarter-light windows on rear doors, and updated interior trim.
Series V and Va
The concluding Series V, introduced in October 1964, adopted an upper body redesign shared with the Hawk Saloon and smaller Rootes models such as the Hillman Super Minx. It presented a flat roofline paired with a new rear window design, six-light side windows, and a larger, taller windshield; Estate versions retained their prior styling. Engine output climbed to 137.5 bhp thanks to twin Zenith Stromberg 175CD carburettors combined with a Harry Weslake-tuned cylinder head. Synchromesh was extended across all gearbox ratios—previously available only on higher gears. Both front and rear suspensions underwent significant modifications aimed at lowering maintenance requirements while soundproofing enhancements were also implemented.
Available options included Hydrosteer power steering, Borg Warner Type 35 automatic transmission (offered on Series Va), and metallic paint finishes.
Humber Imperial
Launched toward the end of 1964, the Humber Imperial was created to rival BMC’s Vanden Plas Princess 4-litre R, which featured a Rolls-Royce engine. While it maintained the same specifications and performance as the Super Snipe, it incorporated upscale elements including a vinyl roof, fully reclining front seats, standard automatic transmission, and hydrosteer power-assisted steering; a manual 3-speed gearbox option was also offered. Enhanced comfort features comprised electrically adjustable rear shock absorbers, a dedicated heater for rear passengers with separate controls, optional West-of-England cloth upholstery for the seats, and individual reading lights.
Manufacture of the Series Va ceased in July 1967 after Chrysler had taken control of the Rootes Group. The last large Humber models were produced by Chrysler in Melbourne, Australia. Although there were intentions to introduce a V8 engine and to sell the Chrysler 180/2L under the Humber badge in the UK, these plans were ultimately shelved. Nevertheless, a limited number of prototypes equipped with Chrysler LA 318ci engines were developed.
Export markets and foreign assembly
The Rootes Group pursued international markets vigorously for the Super Snipe beyond its home territory. Assembly operations began in Australia in 1953 with the Mark IV model; automatic transmission options were available there starting in 1956 until production ended soon after. In New Zealand, importer Todd Motors—later known as Mitsubishi New Zealand—handled assembly of Super Snipes, thereby strengthening the brand’s footprint in significant overseas markets.
External links
Rootes Humbers
- Humber range 1931 sales brochure
- Humber range 1934-35 sales brochure
- Humber range 1935 sales brochure
- Humber range 1939 sales brochure
- Humber Super Snipe series I sales brochure
- Post Vintage Humber Car Club
- Humber Super Snipe Series I-III 1957-1962 at Phil Seed's Virtual Car Museum
- Humber Super Snipe Series III, 1961, Restoration by Kev Warburton
- Motorbase entry on the Humber marque