Starting out in the cycle industry in 1868, like many pioneering motor vehicle manufacturers, Humber ventured into the world of automobiles at the turn of the 20th Century. Demand soon outstripped production capacity. As a result, new factories were set up across the Midlands—notably in Beeston, Nottinghamshire. By 1913, Humber was the second-largest car manufacturer in the United Kingdom.

First advertised in the summer of 1904, the 10/12 HP differed from preceding models on account of its larger wheelbase—growing from 6ft 4in to 7ft 6in—while various adjustments were made to the ignition, throttle, and carburettor levers to ensure greater convenience for the driver. Meanwhile, the tried and tested tubular chassis construction was retained. As the name suggests, the Humber was also capable of between 10 and 12 brake horsepower at 1,000 rpm. Contemporary journalists at Autocar magazine remarked: “the speed, comfort at speed, and hill-climbing power of this car quite astonished us.”

Dated by the Veteran Car Club in April 1954, chassis number 3047 is recognised as having been built at Beeston in 1904. Accordingly, it is one of the earliest 10/12 HPs completed. Significantly, this example is one few to classify as a Veteran car, since the majority arrived post-1905. The Humber is, therefore, eligible for entry into the famed London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Indeed, photographs in the history file show this 10/12 HP competing in the event sometime during the 1980s. The accompanying Certificate of Dating further notes the twin-cylinder engine and current Two-Seater configuration. This indicates that the car has been rebodied, as 10/12 HP models were only sold new in four-seater guise.

It is thought that the car was first registered in Oxfordshire in December 1904, but the rest of its prewar history is unknown. In the postwar years, the Humber was retained by Mr Alan Osborne of Swindon, who submitted the Humber for VCC dating. The car was then co-owned by Roger J T Osborne and Sonia Gillian Clark of Banbury. During their custodianship, the car was campaigned in numerous events, including Vintage Sports-Car Club Driving Tests. At the start of 1984, the Humber then passed to the consigning family, who have remarkably retained the car for more than four decades and have continued to compete in the London to Brighton Run.

Described in period as “a grand car for all-round work”, this charming Humber would make a wonderful companion on weekend drives and is a worthy entrant into many Veteran events.