The Humber Hawk is a Forgotten British Luxury Saloon

[@TwinCam]

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[@peterdangerfield8892]

HI

[@tonymccaul7159]

Apologies, hit dislike in error, I corrected that. The Uncle had the same model, which I rode in as a child. Used to sit in the front seat on the arm rest, lol. Incidentally, remember storing bottles of white lemonade in the storage bin in the front door. Thanks 👍 so much for the memories, brilliant video on this Humber 🥲

[@bogusmogus9551]

How the hell didn't Chevrolet take legal action for totally copying the front of a 1955 Chevy?. Buick did when Chevrolet made the 1957 with the three slits on the front wing, claiming they took the idea from their trademark 'portholes'

[@gerrys123]

I worked part time at a petrol station as a teenager. A Humber pulled in and the guy told me to fill it up while he used the loo. I pulled the reflector to one side and thought, "He's missing a petrol cap, I'll sell him a plastic one."The owner came out of the loo and started screaming at me to stop. Who knew the tail lights were interchangeable left to right. That's when the petrol started dribbling out of the boot. I got the sack, go figure.

[@oldcynic6964]

The reflector that was the petrol cap had a little chain on it, but I can see the opportunity for confusion if you didn't know the car.

[@Treviscoe]

I think you were wronged there. The owner should have told you the score and how to fill it up. No one in their right mind would expect a teenager to have that sort of information about a car they've probably rarely even seen before.

[@MisterHampshire]

I'm 58 Twin Cam and I love your videos. The best part? You have none of that absolutely unnecessary and jarring background music which seems to be such an obsession with other video makers. Keep up the brilliant work.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate ☺️

[@honestchris7472]

My Dad had the Humber Super Snipe Estate, it was the most comfortable car I have ever driven. Although it was a two ton car, it was very fast and the exhaust sound was absolutely terrific. It was a car that I always drove quite slowly, it felt like I was sitting on a couch , I loved it.

[@ajadrew]

My Grandfather had one in 66 - I was 6 & can still smell those leather seats!

[@babboon5764]

My Nan had a Super Snipe. I loved that car. She traded it in for a Vanden Plas which she thought had a Rolls Royce engine but I reckon now it was possibly a 3 ltr Packard?

[@rogerhudson2814]

I took and failed my driving test 3 times in Humber Hawk, the 3-point turn becoming a 7-point turn with bursting biceps, I passed in an Austin A40.

[@waysidetavern]

"All the murderers drove Jag's." That's a classic line all on it's own - never mind this beautiful car! Yet another excellent, informative video on British cars Ed. You are fast becoming a credit to Our Nation.

[@TwinCam]

Haha thanks mate That’s far too kind though 🥺

[@oldcynic6964]

No,no -- bank robbers drove Jags

[@roberttaylor6295]

As a former regional newspaper road tester, erstwhile international rally driver and committed petrolhead, I am impressed by the research and slick presentation delivered with youthful enthusiasm using basic equipment. So from this 76 year-old I hope your degree goes/went well, and that you continue to progress your ambitions in the car industry in which you deserved success. Tony

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Tony, that’s very kind of you to say ☺️

[@hugebartlett1884]

I wholeheartedly agree,he is brilliant,without the egotistical mannerisms and arrogance of the Top Gear presenters. Straightforward descriptions lucidly presented and plainly well documented.

[@melciveng]

For a young whippersnapper you’re doing an outstanding job dude. Well researched and entertaining without being over the top and fake like some other channels. Keep it up 👍

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate

[@flyingarts6765]

"Murderers drove Jags"... Best line said with a straight face, loved it.

[@johnstephens67]

Mainly bank robbers/security van raiders tbf

[@solentbum]

@@johnstephens67 We always reckoned that only two types of people drove Jags, those with money, and those with none!

[@johnstephens67]

@@solentbum Nicely put!

[@tonycatman]

@@johnstephens67 I have to agree with you about the Jag. I'd have thought a Zephyr would have been far more suitable for the murderers of the time.

[@johnstephens67]

@@tonycatman I always found the Zephyr a bit of a scary car as a child!

[@Stephenb033]

Two tone paint jobs need a revival. You seem so comfortable in front of camera here. This video seems like a step up from others. Really enjoyed it.

[@TwinCam]

They do 100%!! Two tone is brilliant. Thanks Stephen, that’s very kind ☺️

[@paulqueripel3493]

But not the way Peugeot are doing it, front different to the back.

[@bryanpalmer9660]

I live in New Zealand my father owned a 1959 hawk from 67-71 and we reg did road trips with caravan from Auckland to Wellington, Rotorua ,erc during my childhood.

[@bondbug73]

Superb condition. I can virtually smell the wood and leather. You should be on TV with your standout research and natural presenting skills. It's great to discover that there is a club for a large number young people who are into classic cars.

[@TwinCam]

Aww thank you mate, that’s very kind ☺️

[@ralphaberin9384]

Keep doing what you do mate! Even though I’m from the US and have never seen (or heard of) a Humber, You’ve presented it so well with so much personality

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Ralph, that means a lot ☺️

[@ultraviewz1]

@@TwinCam Ralph i was there but now in the US. This guy presented so well - i hear you both !

[@ultraviewz1]

Ah the 1960's in the UK. Going downhill on the M6 at 80mph + in our family Hillman Minx for a hospital emergency visit. THEN our english tyre blew off i kid you not. Driver auntie Dot saved the day & mums surgery was a success. Memories brought back by Ed - thanks keep the good work up mate.

[@John-ob7dh]

Ralph.Humbers also made a military looking vehicle nicknamed the PIG used a lot in Northern ireland in thec70s when the IRA were in force. Looks like something outta WW2.

[@karlhrdylicka]

@@John-ob7dh During WW2 Humber made what was known as a staff car . looked more like a small lorry or truck . I had Humber Hawk in the early 70s . great towing vehicle and family car if you could keep up with the fuel consumption close to single figures MPG towing trailer or caravan,

[@jehadeid3264]

What an excellent video, you brought me back to nostalgic memory lane. I was born and bred in a West African country that was under British rule hence Humbers where a pretty common sight among dignitaries, bankers and CEOs. My Grandfather had a few over time and I remember that opulent feel and smell of the leather seats and wood. The comfort, the luxury and space levels in Humbers were something and as kids looked spacious enough for us to play inside as well. It does sadden a lot not to see anymore these marvelous pieces of British engineering, but at least you did revive a moment of unforgettable glory, thank you ever so much Ed.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you mate, that’s lovely to hear ☺️

[@chrisbraid2907]

I think that you can still find a few in NZ and Australia …

[@johndean958]

Excellent. Brilliant and natural. A rare combination. Thanks, John (Australia)

[@TwinCam]

Thanks John :)

[@andy40456]

Great video thanks , The first time I borrowed my brother's Humber I was stuck at the petrol station for about 15mins until someone came along and showed me where the filler cap was.

[@TwinCam]

Hahaha I can imagine a number of people encountering this issue! Thanks Andy ☺️

[@peterfinucane8122]

Probably never gets petrol siphoned out by thieves either.

[@donaldellis3609]

@@TwinCam had a hillman avenger took a while to find the filler cap on that😊

[@DiscoFang]

You should have just txted him... oh wait...

[@dukenukem5768]

@@peterfinucane8122 These days thieves would take the reflector as a trophy.

[@TDCflyer]

"Humbers were generally respected cars...all the murderers drove Jags." Yes indeed.

[@leonardmills5003]

So no stereotyping there then...

[@daveberry9922]

i killed two people i drove both, i preferred running lolly pop ladies over in the humber. the jag was great for a stiff in the boot,

[@graemedurie9094]

@@daveberry9922 Yes, you'd never be even a remote suspect in the Humber.

[@rogersponge6153]

Jags made great get-away cars.

[@TwinCam]

I do believe though, that a Humber was driven by the smart criminal. It would never attract that much attention and still had presence.

[@peterlindop4491]

Well presented.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Peter

[@MrPennypiece]

I owned the Humber ImperialSuper Snipe with bodywork by Thrupp and Maberly. Hydro steer power assistance was an addition not available on the models mentioned in your report. Bench type front seats added.which were fully reclining.

[@TwinCam]

Robert, the Super Snipe and Imperial, as I mentioned, were effectively higher trim levels of the Hawk in the same way the Arrow Minx was a lower spec Hunter. PAS was available on those higher specs. The individual seats were an option on all models.

[@seanhumfrey]

Ed, another brilliantly researched episode. A fine piece of writing and engaging delivery. I can't wait to see which car you select next.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Sean, that means a lot ☺️

[@davidpeters6536]

I got a ride home from the college I attended by a young lady lecturer in a Super Snipe back in 1972. I'm still not sure which one I fell for the most...

[@donaldvincent]

What a beautiful car. Thanks for posting it. I live in the U.S.A. and worked for years in auto parts stores. My father owned the first store so I grew up around cars yet never heard of this one. Now I want one. It's just my style.

[@Rassilon72]

In The New Avengers episode 'Cat Among The Pigeons', the protagonist can control birds and sends them on a killing spree. The car that he drives...is a Humber Hawk! A subtle and nice detail that is easily missed if you're not looking for it.

[@robedwrds3879]

Oh ill have to see if i can find that one.

[@barrywest8944]

My Dad had a 2 tone blue Hawk 1962, I can still remember the reg number 737 WPD the Hawk was the only car my dad ever looked after properly, he had it for about 8 yrs before being written off. And then he had a Rover 2000, it never got the same attention as the Hawk though.

[@johnstephens67]

Another great 'story' on a rather less well known brand/model. I'd forgotten how grand the Humbers were - and more frequently I saw them in their rather more formal plain black. The two tone showed here looks so good.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks John ☺️ The two tone isn’t actually original for the Hawk, it’s a feature of the Super Snipe, but this one looks wonderful just the way it is. Interestingly, the red is Jaguar Flamenco Red.

[@johnstephens67]

@@TwinCam I thought I'd never seen one in such a glorious colour scheme and the paintwork does look particularly impressive!

[@dukenukem5768]

The black ones were probably funeral limos. Undertakers had always tended to use Humbers, hearse versions too.

[@vapsa56]

I throughly enjoy your presentation on this automobile. I am from the US, and I have never heard of this type before. Thank you for bringing the history to the rest of us. I learned a lot. I wish you great success with this channel.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate ☺️

[@aqueenslander]

Great nostalgia trip for late 1960s! When the family grew to 3, I traded a Mini 850 in for a Humber Hawk. Both were British Racing Green which might have suited the nippy Mini but was a bit of a stretch for the Humber! It was a manual with overdrive and separate front seats so no sliding. We would travel from the midlands to Cornwall. somewhat sedately. and overnight half way and sleep in the car, usually around Bodmin Moor. Youngest on the back parcel shelf, middle one on back seat and eldest son across the rear floor. Had to stuff either side of the transmission tunnel to level things up. Wife and I reclined in front seats. Back in the day before motorways it took around 12 hours in holiday times but was in armchair comfort! Only divested when given company car. Thanks for the memories. Queensland, Australia

[@Surfguitarist59]

Very, very interesting my friend. As a Yank, I noticed the Chevrolet 150 rear door design even before you mentioned it. Also, the front grill is Chevrolet inspired. What I'm really intrigued by are the recessed taillights. Excellent presentation.

[@mattc2094]

Another “proper good” video Ed 👏🏼 your presentation style just keeps getting better and better... love how clearly and effortlessly you present, how well researched the videos are, as well as the humorous quips (that seem more frequent these days 😜 ) keep up the good work - I find your channel very inspiring

[@TwinCam]

Haha thank you so much Matt, that means a lot ☺️ Once the weather gets better I will spend a bit more time on each car, as I’ll be less afraid of standing out in freezing temperatures! The other thing is the video quality. Hopefully within the next year I’ll have upgraded to a better camera and some proper editing software, so everything will be a bit slicker.

[@mattc2094]

@@TwinCam most welcome Ed 👍🏼 ...what phone/camera are you using atm? The video quality seems decent... with that said, camera tech can easily be upgraded, but the presentation skills of the KZbinr (well, not as easily upgradable) but that’s definitely an area you excel in! Would you consider doing another rolls or Bentley presentation?

[@PurpleHazeT150V]

Thanks for this video. My dad had a Humber Super Snipe estate JBY 575D in the early 1970s and we loved it. It towed our caravan all over Europe during the summer holidays with us four children either bouncing around on the back seat or with the back seat down, lying asleep in our sleeping bags. Early one morning on an Italian motorway with my mum driving we got into a weave while overtaking a double trailer lorry. With the caravan swinging wildly from side to side we ended up stopped across the road. A white Opel Record ploughed into the side of us and that was the end of that lovely old car. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt. It was by far the favourite of my dad's many cars.

[@plym1969]

Brilliant car, brilliant location, brilliant information, brilliant videography,brilliant presentation. Brilliant! 👍🙂👍

[@keithjones6023]

Brilliant comment 👏

[@TwinCam]

Hahaha thanks Phillip 😁

[@Chopperdriver]

I remember when my dad worked for Rootes we had a Humber super snipe. Amazing car.

[@davidhynd4435]

Rootes cars were well made, dependable motor vehicles. Humbers sold in reasonable numbers here in Australia, a popular model with wealthy farmers and bank managers. The six cylinder Super Snipe was more suited to our vast distances than the four cylinder Hawk, however. The American influence was via the Raymond Loewy design studios with whom Rootes consulted during the 1950s and, I believe, into the early 1960s. Thanks for a fine review of what must be, in 2021, quite a rare machine.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks David

[@karlalton3170]

Out of all the car's Ive ever seen you talk about young man this is the holy grail as i had one many years ago . Proper British car built like a tank comfortable as a RR top motor 😁😁🤘🤘

[@AdamMacleod83]

"Sheer girth" is my personal highlight from this script!! another top class video Ed.

[@TwinCam]

Haha thanks Adam ☺️

[@DiscoFang]

Funny that it's width of 6 foot is exactly the same as a small-medium car of today like the BMW 3 series. And that's not even including the mirrors!

[@1994CivicGLi]

It’s very nice to see the original radio in old cars like these.

[@TwinCam]

It isn’t actually original, it’s a retro styled modern unit!

[@1994CivicGLi]

@@TwinCam aw yippity gosh darn it

[@andrewcole6367]

Fantastic and interesting. A clear demonstration of why video sharing formats are so important; you are able to go into depth on the subject and really pace it nicely. You're streets ahead of the rushed and shouty TV presenters.

[@TwinCam]

Aww thank you Andrew, that’s very kind ☺️

[@fionacarstairs7326]

I have had Hawkes and Imperials for years , they are practicly bulletproof and all parts readily available with everything serviceable . Ideal for gas conversion and wonderful to drive and be driven . and I wish I had one now .

[@captainzoll3303]

my great grandfather apparently owned a humber super snipe, though I think it was a mk2 or mk3. turns out the British idea of an American car was a succesful formula for australian car buyers back then.

[@TwinCam]

Aussie buyers liked their British cars in the 60s, though that was the last decade of this popularity. The Commonwealth was the UK’s most successful export market.

[@Parawingdelta2]

I use to work for a 'Rootes' dealers as a parts salesman in Norwich in 1969. I can certainly remember the weight of the various panels as I lugged them down from the upper storage floor. I recall one day, I was instructed to stack up a whole pile of parts for a Hawk or Super Minx that had been badly damaged in an accident. After several days of accumulating a veritable mountain of parts, I was told the vehicle had been written off and I could put them all back in stock. Fortunately, that was the day before I left the company prior to emigrating to Australia.

[@joshuabell6476]

I continue to be extremely impressed with how well you present your videos. I have nothing but compliments for you. Bloody well done, not just for this video mind, but for all of them.

[@TwinCam]

Aww thanks Joshua, that really means a lot ☺️

[@joshuabell6476]

@@TwinCam you're more than welcome. I do have a bit of a suggestion. Perhaps you could do a couple of videos not only going over the car and the history behind the model, but also perhaps go into the specific car you are filming and it's history, it's owner's "relationship", if you will, with the car and generally the more emotional side of owning and getting attached to a a classic car. I know it's the sort of thing I would watch, being a budding 17 year old fan of assorted classic British tat. Just an idea

[@paulamcclurry6665]

!968 dad got a Hawk estate, we used to go to 'Cowboy City' now 'Flamingoland' on the east coast, pulling a Sprite Major Caravan, the entire set up was enormous & we travelled thousands of miles in it, including the dreaded 'Sutton Bank' Dad told us years later that it was a Cut & Shut, built from what remained of the undamaged parts of a front end Right Off & a Rear End Right Off.

[@gregorcameron8638]

Great review - love the historical socio economic context

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate ☺️

[@williamhumberhawk8187]

Very nice. I have a 1961 Humber Hawk Series II. Been in the family since very near new and I inherited it nine years ago. It is a project now. I like the earlier wrap around screens too. A lovely car and a very reliable engine. Could pull loads too including large caravans

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate

[@dangerotterisrea]

A rare beast, that estate is glorious!

[@kh23797]

An enjoyable, comprehensive summing up of the stately but staid Hawk. Your take on the era's car scene rang true (I became 15 yo in '66 and was car mad) and got the history spot on. My friend's dad _did_ fill his Hawk with schoolboys as, in those pre-seatbelt days, it was the only car in our circle spacious enough. Like a Rover P4, a Hawk catered to someone who wanted to swish by enclosed by an unflustered, quiet, red-leather environment and who felt the ambiance more important than vulgar performance.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate ☺️

[@Richard-Bullock]

That was a very slick, professional made review. I really, really enjoyed that video. Kind of takes me back to my childhood in the 1980's. My uncle had a 1965 Humber Sceptre. Brilliant car.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Richard, that’s very kind ☺️

[@dukenukem5768]

The Humber Sceptre was basically a Hillman with better trim, nothing like the old Humbers.

[@raywest3834]

Always a pleasure to hear your thoughtful commentary. Another interesting Rootes Group product would be a '60 Sunbeam Rapier.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Ray ☺️ Hmm. Interesting you mention the Rapier... 👀

[@jstevenson7121]

Rootes

[@unbalancedcrank]

Your production and presentation skills are increasing with every video. This is a great online record of the lovely Humber.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate, that’s very kind ☺️

[@Riso-Musik]

In the 70's I used to thumb a lift to work in Leicester and an old bloke used to stop if he saw me. He had a Humber Hawk as it was capable of carrying his anvil in the boot; he was a farrier. Fantastic car, all leather, auto, and so smooth. I hope someone saved it.

[@johnboulton1109]

Superb! Very well researched and presented. Well done Ed on presenting a really interesting and balanced video about a forgotten British car brand. I remember my dad owning a Humber Sceptre and even though not a “proper” Humber it still had a somewhat stately feel to it! Keep them coming Ed, your videos are getting really good!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks John, that means a lot ☺️

[@pauljamison3340]

Don’t forget the “ Super Snipe”. Best horse trailer towing vehicle ever!!!! Especially on one journeys!!! We had one in the 70’s it was over 30 years old. Like sitting on the sofa going along the road!!!!

[@TheHorsebox2]

Another treat. You never let us down, whether it's brochures or actual cars. Keep 'em coming.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Sean ☺️

[@TheMiniDiaries]

I don't know why but I find your videos addictive... Once I click play there is no escaping until the episode is over... and then i want more!

[@jim2003sound]

Excellent comprehensive and informative review of my first car, the level of detail delivered in this video can't be commended enough, thanks.

[@TwinCam]

Thank you Jim, that’s very kind ☺️

[@davidhicks2198]

Very nostalgic for me. I owned a 1964 Series 3 in the same shade of metallic grey. Four speed manual with overdrive and a lovely cruiser which could not be hurried. If you were feeling wound up and in a hurry and drove it 'ham fistedly' it was awful - so I quickly learned to relax on that couch of a bench seat and just go with the flow then the world seemed a better place. Lack of power steering meant sitting in a traditional up right position close to the steering wheel and using your shoulders to turn especially when parking. Any thought of sitting back and using your wrists resulted in fatigue and elbow pain! Hand brake on the right by the sill - typical Rootes. We enjoyed some great touring holidays with children bouncing about in the back - especially to France where the long open A Roads really suited the Humber's dynamics. A car I do not regret owning.

[@jackroutledge352]

Wow! That was really professionally made. You've got a career here in presenting if you want one.

[@TwinCam]

Aww thanks Jack, that’s very kind ☺️

[@erwinschrodinkle7228]

My dear old Gramps had one of these. I remember my Grandma telling me she went mad - he said he was going out to get a newspaper and came back with one of these (beautiful) beasts

[@koll789]

Those pockets in the doors would have been for Ordnance Survey maps, in the days when people got from A to B by reading maps and road signs.

[@TwinCam]

I’m not sure. They seem far too deep for that. A map pocket would be just right, but unless you had a good 10 OS maps, they’d flap about!

[@koll789]

@@TwinCam Well in those day people did. My Dad had many maps in the car. Esso maps, Shell maps, OS maps, different scales, all sorts, not to mention the yellow duster and a rubber torch. Maps were a way of life then.

[@milosit]

Just remember when Top Gear calls, I'm your agent. Great video. A fantastic car but so well presented. I like the transitions, motion shots, smooth presentation and especially the writing.

[@TwinCam]

Hahaha thanks mate, you’re far too kind ☺️

[@MattysCars]

Wow I want want want the estate, and I hadn’t even heard of Humber until this morning, thanks for the history lesson Ed. Good to see you back

[@TwinCam]

Cheers Matty 😁

[@anthonymcandrew529]

I can only join the chorus of praise & say that this video is excellent in every respect. Humber did have one famous upper class customer: Winston Churchill. He used government Humber Pullmans during WWII & bought one for himself when he left office in 1945. He continued buying Humbers in the '50's. Historian Richard Langworth has written several articles about Churchill's cars, if you are interested. Keep up the good work!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Anthony ☺️

[@TwinCam]

Never knew that about Churchill, I might find those articles pretty interesting!

[@YellowPinkie]

As an ex-Super Snipe owner, this is brilliantly researched and presented.

[@TwinCam]

Aww thank you Stephen, that’s very kind ☺️

[@volt8684]

My dad was a garage owner in the 50s/60s and he used to bring home customers cars. The Humber hawk and interceptor were pure luxury as I remember. E types, sunbeam alpine tigers, tr4, and 5.vitesse convertibles I was u dear 10 yrs old never forgot though.

[@neilpaterson9341]

Really like your style, and presentation. You show a good understanding of context, ie, the era the car came from, and you also provide very good information about the development of the car, and other similar market segment models available at this time. Well done !! Very good work.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Neil, that’s very kind ☺️

[@tomknight1821]

Started my working life at a Rootes Group garage in Oldham Lancashire in 1967 ... driving all the range of cars 👍

[@richardbean1203]

Ed - Great to see you back behind the wheel of a classic. What a beauty! As always, great facts and figures condensed into a really informative and engaging style. Well done 😊

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Richard, that’s very kind ☺️

[@farnthboy]

Greeting from Aussie. Back in the 60's one of my mates in state school's father had a Humber Super Snipe. I remember travelling in it a few times when we went to the footy (AFL) & the thing that still sticks in my brain even to this day was the sheer opulence of the inside of the vehicle - especially compared to the Holden, Falcons & Valiant's we kids grew up with at the time. By the way, if I recall his father smoked a pipe so it was only fitting he drove a Humber.

[@darrenmartin4014]

I'd have never guessed the filler cap being there. Super vid as ever Ed💯👍

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Darren ☺️

[@sanatandharma4435]

Interesting comments, thank you! My father had a black 1966 hawk. Reg. WTC 619D. Why do I remember this? A lasting memory is of our family, and a friend travelling to Cornwall on holiday, there was 8 of us on this car whilst pulling a caravan! We all had to get out on a long hill whilst dad drove the remaining distance. When we got to the camp ground I slept on the front bench seat with my brother on the rear seat at bed time. To this day it is a favourite car of mine, next to my own P6 rover!

[@Ricketik65]

Wat a beautiful car, especially the interior. Never seen one before, very nice to learn something new, although it is almost as old as I am 😉.

[@HarleyRog]

Our second car was a Humber hawk mk5, a 2.3ltr side valve with a manual column gear lever if I remember correctly. It was a medium green colour with beige leather seats. Dad only used it for travelling to work if it was raining because we couldn’t afford to use it at 17mpg. He never used first gear as it was not needed... even when he rescued and towed home a broken down car belonging to a friend. 🙂

[@peterbonnez]

First time viewer here. Good video and knowledge. Young Retro Motor Club - Yea! This old grandpa has subscribed.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate ☺️

[@daweshorizon]

A well balanced assessment of this vehicle and the British car industry of the day.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Peter ☺️

[@mikemidulster]

Ed, You've surpassed yourself in this one. Very entertaining!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Michael ☺️

[@stevehowe8218]

My Grandad, Dad and myself worked at Ryton & Stoke form the war until it's closure (not all at same time!!). Grandad had a Humber Super Snipe. Have many fond memories including my Dad getting the "ton up" (100mph indicated). When you showed the view of the dash the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and it took me right back to 1969. I can smell the leather. Great video - thank you

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Steve ☺️

[@encodersofia]

Thank you, i never even heard of this brand and model until now

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate

[@pjconnolly]

My dad had one of these cars in the late 1960s early 1970s. Very memorable car for me as it seemed massive and quite grand. My dad bought it very cheap i think around 50GBp due to a bad running engine, that turned out to be the HT leads and a distributor cap. It was one of his best cars and one of the few that would make you proud to be in. Oh it was blue over gray as far as i remember.

[@cluricaun78]

oh wow Ed, I agree with Matt C, your presentation style has taken a gigantic leap forward, this is an amazing video, totally enjoyed! Thanks :)

[@TwinCam]

Aww thanks mate, that means a lot ☺️

[@bluegblueg]

My Dad had a Humber Hawk in dark almost black green with dark green leather. He sold it for scrap circa 1975 because the sills rusted. I recall as a young child maybe 6 or 7 sitting on the back seat and sometimes the front bench. It was a bit quicker than you state unless the Speedo was optimistic. I recall great excitement with us kids as mum got it to 99mph on the M1

[@wmhhealth2018]

I see a lot of AMC Rambler and a bit of Studebaker Lark in the profile.

[@-oiiio-3993]

Bingo. I 'googled' Humber and the 'round top' does have more '55 Chevy elements. This one reminds me of a Studebaker Lark in the side view and interior, a shrunken Checker Marathon from front and rear.

[@TwinCam]

I see bits, but I think they’re tenuous links. This (or more, the pre-‘64 Hawk) looks a lot more like the ‘55 Chevy.

[@eamondunphy3513]

My uncle had one of these excellent cars through the sixties and my father took it over for the last years of its life in the early seventies . By this time the linkage from the gearbox to the column gear lever was becoming worn. Dad cut a hole in the carpet. I think there was an inspection plate underneath which he removed. He disconnected the linkage from the top of the box. He then cut a thread on a length of iron bar which he fitted on the top of the gearbox. He put a plastic ball on the other end of the bar and but the carpet back. He now had car with a floor mounted gear lever.

[@philtucker1224]

Fascinating and brilliantly presented, thank you so much and have a good year young man 😊👍

[@TwinCam]

Aww thanks Phil, that’s very kind ☺️

[@trig1900]

My father owned and drove in succession, the Humber Hawk, Snipe and Super Snipe. Great cars.

[@johnf5817]

Lovely car, as a BL and Ford aficionado I learned a lot about the Rootes history here. Also, I love your attention to detail in the continuity of your videos, the time you take editing them is well spent. (That cut between getting out the front and into the back was seamless!)

[@TwinCam]

Thanks John, that’s very kind ☺️

[@henrybyrd5402]

Our wedding car in 1965 was a mark2 ex-service Super Snipe. the most Luxurious car I had ever been in until then.

[@torresalex]

Yes, estate cars are always the best cars

[@robertdavidson3090]

My first trip to England in 1968 to meet my father's family at 12 years old and I remember seeing Humbers, Rovers, Hillmans, Ford Cortinas and the list goes on. Gosh it is just so hard to believe they are all gone. The British cars were distinctive as there were not the cookie cutter designs that come from computerization and wind tunnel data. The interiors with wood grain and the elaborate gauges were something to behold.

[@taketimeout2share]

I remember Humber Hawk as having too small an engine and really really slow. But you got your moneys worth, but slow. But the Super Snipe was a fast car, the early single headlight models the best looking.

[@JohnSmith-xi3sq]

I looked after a fleet 69 to 73 1 Humber remained, an Imperial. Not flash but as stately as the Rover 3.5 s.

[@edwardhannigan6324]

Oh my, this brings me back..! Father-in-law had one ( dark blue ) and I used to drive it from time to time, Late 60's. Also had the super snipe, and my dad an imperial...Used the blue one for my wedding car..! Little mini ran into the back of it once, and had to be 'scrapped'..Not a scratch on the hawk. Built like a Tank..Memories..😊

[@Roverjoe]

The Production Quality is Vastly improving, Great Video Ed, Loved it very informative and entertaining :) you're doing great!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Joe ☺️

[@henrykgoldman7025]

Pimpéĺpoppér

[@hughgrection4205]

Wonderful style and presentation. I would happily listen to you do a review on a wheelbarrow.

[@leonardgoldberg2879]

I almost bought a Humber Hawk over 30 years ago. Sadly it was beyond saving.

[@laurieharper1526]

Thank you very much for this. I always liked Rootes cars. My first ever car was a 1965 Hillman Minx and I used to lust after after the Humber Sceptre variant. Got one a couple of years later and loved it. I would have really liked a Super Snipe next (the Hawk was not exactly lively), but the sports car bug bit, so I got an Alpine. By the time I had scratched that itch, the fuel crisis had hit and the larger Humbers, which did have a terrible thirst, were being was thrown away. A great shame. The scrap yards were full of lovely old cars and you could pick them up for virtually nowt. Looking back, I wish I'd got one and lived with the fuel costs - hindsight is a wonderful thing. I discovered Saabs shortly thereafter and drove them for 30 odd years. As an old boy, I'm so pleased that younger guys like you are enthusiastic about the cars I loved when I was your age. Have subscribed and look forward to more from you.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate, you seem to have an amazing taste in cars 👀 Alpines and Saabs 🥰

[@grahamariss2111]

Roots group pre war base was at Humber Road Coventry, Ryton was a war time Shadow factory run by Roots to build Bristol Pegasus engines amongst other things.

[@TwinCam]

Indeed it was, but for simplicity in what is a very quick overview, it wasn’t worth going into it.

[@grahamariss2111]

@@TwinCam Fair enough.

[@iandavenport413]

My father had one of these when I was a child(late 1960's) and from what my brothers and I remember was it was huge in the back - great for 3 kids to play around.

[@phil8437]

A really beautiful car and a well presented review. Well done that man!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Phil ☺️

[@leonardmacaulay9833]

When I was growing up in eastern Canada in the 60-70s the idea of a British luxury car was one that the lights and heater/wipers worked on the same day !!!

[@wanderinggentile]

Murderers drove Jags. Jeremy Clarkson is punching out a wall in London for that pitch-perfect delivery, after being bested. Terrific writing, great editing, and brilliant presentation are on display here. The Hawk is enormous by world standards, but remarkably petite in North America, where "Full-Size" cars range from 5 to 5.7 meters (198-224") long and up to 2 meters (79") wide. The basic 6 cylinder cars were optimistically rated between 120-150 SAE BHP, and could surpass 300 gross SAE BHP with a big block V8. Of course, cheap petrol... Cheers from Costa Rica!

[@TwinCam]

Aww than you mate ☺️ That’s very kind

[@petersaunders747]

Who is Jeremy Clarkson?

[@dodgydruid]

My late grandfather an executive on the old Greater London Council was entitled to one of these as part of his expenses but he preferred his Vitesse 2 as who wouldn't prefer a 2 litre monster engine in a half weight body and he drove that old Triumph like he stole it always hehe The Humbers main competitors were of course the Jag and the astonishing Rover P5b coupe which was creeping into top tier territory with its opulence inside, its big Buick V8 and incredible exterior shape and design. If I had a choice between an Imperial or a P5b Coupe I would be seriously caught between a rock and a hard place as both are just excellent examples of what made us the car making giant we once were.

[@iceman95590]

I got married in 1969, a black one with red leather interior was my wedding car.