[idahowinks]

I have a 1935 Humber (british Limo) that I'm trying to find out some info on and help with what to do with it. It is a completely stock car, but the motor has a cracked block. I got it on a trade for a 1926 roadster with the intention of making a hot rod out of it. However, I'm not that sure of myself with suspension work so I would need some help updating it, but I hate the thoughts of butchering the car and the cost involved having the suspension designed for this has been quoted very expensive. So, any input on either what this car might be worth and also what are some ideas that I might consider if I should decide to go ahead and make a driver out of this? Also, it is a right hand drive, and I'd like to keep it that way. Rumors from previous owners is that it was used in the "untouchables" TV series, so it has some history. I'm sooo confused!!!

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

If you don't intend to rod it try to sell it , Hemmings or E-bay, those older british cars suck in the suspension, drivetrain and electrical dept. I've done a Triumph 10, a Bug eye Sprite, a Hilman and a couple of early Escorts, to use american power you have to replace everything but the outer body panels and upholstery!!!! the electrics were a nitemare when built and get worse with time.

[Dutchman]

Don't know if there is a chassis equivalent for the body. The car would look great as a rod, you have to weigh the costs and labor. How talented are your skills? You could check with Painless Wire or a company like that and re-wire yourself.
Another place to try and sell it is a British Car Club. Look on the Internet for enthusiasts in your area.
Dutch

[Kevin45]

I sure would not get rid of it. Especially if it was used in a movie / movies. You might look at putting a completely different frame and running gear under it. Check the wheelbase and check the wheelbase of some different trucks. Also look at some mail vehicles as they are setup with RH drive conversions. If worse comes to worse I'll take it off of your hands for nothing!!!! LOL!!! God luck and keep us posted as to what you are going to do and the history of it.

Kevin

[idahowinks]

My skill level is adequate for just about everything on the car, except the suspension. Want to be sure that when I'm headed down the highway at 75mph the thing doesn't try and swap lanes on me. I've done all my own wiring, engine building, body work, interior before on my other cars (40 chev coupe, 29 roadster) but I haven't had to deal with the suspensions on these as I picked them up with this already done. It is a straight axle front end, and it's 48 inches wide backing plate to backing plate, so I think a Model A axle is about the right length. Also, I have a 8 inch ford rearend that is this same width, so I think they will work. It's just the matter of setting them up correctly that I don't have a clue on, so my saga continues to figure out what to do. As for finding any info on the web, Hemmings hasn't been much help, or for that matter, any U.S. publication, as nobody seems to know anything about Humbers, at least this old of one. Anybody got Jay Leno's e-mail address, as he seems to be into these odd vehicles.
Thanks for the responses, and keep them coming.

[akm]

i got a little board and curious so i did a bit of a search and this is a good site to start with.
www.humberonia.freeserve.co.uk/page2.html

[idahowinks]

Thanks for taking some time to look up some info on the Humber. I've visited this link before, but they don't have a lot of information as to the rarity of this car in the U.S. Humbers are basically the "Checker" of England, in that for the most part, in the early days these cars were taxi's. However, I don't know how/why this car is in the U.S., and therefore it might a rarity here, but does that mean anything? So, to hot rod or to not, that is the question, and if not what's it worth? I guess I might have to fish the waters on Ebay and see what someone is willing to pay for something like this, or save up for a costly customize suspension to put under it. Keep those messages coming.
Ron

[pzatchok]

From your pic and the link here it looks like your is a 1934 humbler twelve saloon. Going by the doors, roof line at the front window and the fenders.
I don't beleive it was a lino version since i think most of those had either a partiton of some type between the driver and passengers or the driver was in the open top front seat.(Like in the old horse carages) It could have been a taxi but with what looks to be a two tone paint job I would guess it was privatly owned. More than likely a choffer driven car for a rich man but not a REALLY rich man.( they would probobly have the partition.)
That still leaves the possibility of it being used in the movie business.
From what I've read before of english cars of before that time they used a lot of Ford parts and just made modifications to them. Your's may have a few Ford parts on it for all I know. Take a good look at it and see if you can recognize anything.
If it were me i would restore it. Its in GREAT shape now. It couldn't take much. Well not as much as some cars I've seen.

I'll take it off your hands if you don't want it. Then all I would have to find is a choffer.