Lot Ended
Description
From long term ownership since the 1980s; consigned from a deceased
estate; featured by the BBC in 'The House of Elliott'; rare early Humber
tourer
A remarkably original Edwardian Humber with
long-term ownership, fascinating Irish provenance and BBC television
history
This rare early Humber four-seat Tourer
has been in the same ownership since 1989 and is now offered from a deceased
estate. Dating from 1914, it is powered by Humber's four-cylinder petrol engine
and retains its characterful Edwardian open touring coachwork, complete with
leather button-upholstered seats and period dashboard.
Particularly interesting is the car's history. The supplier's plaque
identifies George Cooney Ltd of Kells, County Meath, as the supplying agent.
George Cooney was an established motor business in Kells in eastern Ireland. The
car's registration AI 1044 is also significant, as the AI series was allocated
to County Meath, and the accompanying old registration documentation records the
Humber on this number from 1923. This provides strong evidence that the car
spent at least part of its early life in Ireland, although the precise
circumstances and date of its arrival there remain unknown.
Its later history is equally interesting. The Humber took part in the
Tail O'The Bank Rally in Scotland in 1993, and documentation on file records its
use by the BBC during filming of the period drama ‘The House of Eliott’ in 1991.
Photographs and paperwork relating to its involvement are included with the
car.
A dating certificate from 1962 records
modifications including the replica radiator and Fellows magneto, while the car
has clearly remained remarkably original in many other respects. The
veteran-style interior, instruments, body and fittings give it considerable
period character.
The Humber has not been running
for some time and is now offered as a recommissioning/restoration project. The
tyres have perished and bidders should satisfy themselves as to the condition of
the mechanical components before bidding. It is, however, an unusually complete
and honest Edwardian motor car with a particularly intriguing
history.
AI 1044 is accompanied by a V5C,
old-style registration document, dating certificate, seven old MOT certificates,
photographs, invoices and other paperwork.
A very
appealing opportunity for the veteran enthusiast, this is a genuine 1914 Humber
with almost 40 years of single ownership, Irish provenance, period
competition/rally history and an appearance on British
television.
Contact - toby.service@brigthwells.com