1934 Humber Snipe
Peter Reeves New Baby.
New baby arrive today mother and baby doing well Father in a darkened room after succumbing to shock after large amounts of cash was removed without anaesthetic from his wallet.
A 1934 Humber 80 Snipe. The engine is a 3500cc straight six which was rebuilt about 3000 miles ago. The gearbox is very interesting, this is believed to be the only car still on the road fitted with a 4 speed "De Normanville" Safety gearbox.
1934 Humber Snipe 80 Details:
The new Snipe `80' and 16/60 models express the typical thoroughness and mechanical ingenuity of Humber designers and engineers. Here you will find the latest ideas in case of control and driving comfort-and every one proved by Humber to be thoroughly sound and worthy of adoption.
Free-wheel, giving a remarkable "clutchless" gear change; synchromesh gearbox; new type Radius Rods, ensuring absolute steadiness of steering over the roughest roads and eliminating any possibility of brake snatch; self-lubricating springs; thermostatic and automatic radiator shutters; Stevenson jacking system; place the new Snipe '80' amongst the world's finest cars for performance, comfort, and ease of control.
The same features on the popular 16/60 model should ensure the continuance of the steady increase in the sales of this model which has been recorded year after year.
SEATING. Full accommodation for five passengers. Front bucket seats adjustable over a range of 8 inches. Folding foot rests to rear seats. Rear seat with side armrests and centre folding arm-rest. Folding foot-boards and tables at rear of front seats on most models. A special drop glass partition behind the driver can be fitted to 4-light and 6-light saloon models at an extra charge.
UPHOLSTERY. Finest grade pleated furniture hide, in colours to harmonize with exterior schemes. Specially designed spring cushions and squabs. Pile carpet with felt underlay in front: wool mat in rear.
EQUIPMENT. Chromium plated interior and exterior fittings : Triplex glass throughout (Toughened for Export) : windows including rear quarter lights controlled by hand winders : adjustable one-piece wind-screen with dual electric wipers-concealed, at bottom (at top on Tourer) : Mahogany or walnut interior fillets : concealed automatic direction indicators on Saloons, with automatic control which prevents car being driven on after a turn with indicator still in position : independent reversing, stop and rear lights : licence holder : driving mirror: Cigar lighters to front and rear compartments: Ashtrays either side of rear seat : winding quarter lights on coach-built Saloons : Large cubby holes either side of instrument panel : Rear window blinds in Saloon models operated from driver's seat: Luggage grids on all models, except Sports Saloon and Foursome Coupe, which have luggage container. Full complement of tools (wheel tools housed tinder bonnet) : locks and pockets to doors.
CHASSIS The Snipe '80' engine is of higher horse-power than the '16/60', the gear ratios are higher, otherwise the two chassis are almost identical. Both engines have 7-bearing crankshafts : balanced statically and dynamically, fitted with vibration damper and counterweights forged integral with webs. Special Humber engine and transmission suspension (Cushioned Power). Cyclonic induction giving a quick pick up from hot or cold starting, without a warming-up period. The induction system, which proved so efficient on previous models, is still further improved, and a new device is added which automatically closes the radiator shutters immediately the engine stops, thus conserving the engine heat for a longer period, avoiding cold starts, and saving petrol.
FUEL SYSTEM. High efficiency downdraught carburettor with automatic choke control operated by under-bonnet temperature. Set to give rapid acceleration and a smooth flow of power at all speeds.
IGNITION. Coil and distributor, with automatic advance and retard. The automatic (vacuum) control gives correct setting under all conditions. "Startix" optional automatic starting is also fitted.
CONTROLS. Throttle lever and charging and lighting switch each on facia board. A lever controlling headlamp dip and switch; and a lever controlling the direction indicators are fitted to the steering wheel. Central change speed lever and right-hand brake. Anti-thief steering lock and ignition switch on steering column.
CLUTCH. Single dry plate, totally enclosed.
GEARBOX. Four speeds, with silent 2nd and 3rd and Synchro-mesh engagement for 3rd and top gears, in unit construction with the engine. Free-wheel affording "clutchless" gear change, with dashboard control.
TRANSMISSION. Hardy Spicer dynamically balanced propeller shaft.
SPRINGS. Semi-elliptic and self-lubricating, by semi-automatic system. Damped against pitching by "Luvax" thermostatically controlled hydraulic shock absorbers (driver control by lever under steering wheel on Pullman). Front shock absorbers transversely mounted, giving improved suspension and stability. Torque members on front axle for smoother braking and easier steering over the roughest roads.
BRAKES. Duo-Servo self-energising 4-wheel brakes of improved design giving far smoother, more powerful braking, with light pedal pressure. Long hand brake lever on right-hand side.
STEERING. Worm and nut type, inherently free from backlash, and light and positive in action. Self-centring. Impervious -to road shocks.
FRAME. Deep-sectioned, with diagonal cross-bracing to ensure rigidity and great strength.
WHEELS AND TYRES. Detachable wire wheels with large handsome chromium plated hub-caps. Dunlop tyres-6.00X I8 on '16/60', 6.50X17 on Snipe '80', 7.00X18 on Pullman.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Lucas 12-volt system with automatic dynamo output control, giving improved battery life and freedom from electrical trouble: separate starter. "Startrix" optional automatic con trot. Twin electric horns (on Snipe 80 and Pullman), Dual screen wipers, with silent motor concealed under bonnet. Dip and switch reflector head-lamps. "Stop" light operated by brake pedal and independent reverse light by gear lever when in reverse position.
