06 June 2011
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July issue: White Metal - Lansdowne's Humber Super Snipe Drophead Coupe
One of the latest white metal models as featured in the July issue - the Humber Super Snipe Drophead Coupe from Lansdowne. ...
*ONE OF THE LATEST WHITE METAL MODEL RELEASES FEATURED THIS MONTH
Lansdowne – Humber Super Snipe Drophead Coupe
Humber’s Super Snipe first appeared in 1938, when it broadened its range and installed the 4 litre 6-cylinder engine of its Snipe Imperial model into the smaller Snipe, to make a comfortable sporting saloon to rival, among others, Ford’s V-8.
The Super Snipe was reintroduced after WWII, extensively restyled with a new front end especially, and updated in September 1948. It was further developed into the Mk III version in August 1950, with rear wheel spats, new sidelights, repositioned fog and spot lamps, and other minor changes. It was available as a saloon or as a coachbuilt drophead coupé.
The 4086cc engine now gave 100bhp, sufficient for a 0-60 time of 22.7 seconds, and 80mph top speed. It was a large, comfortable car of quiet, effortless performance.
The popular saloon version was replaced with the squarer-styled Mk IV in October 1952. However, the drophead was not replaced and was the last Humber drophead.
The new model is a welcome addition to the Lansdowne range, and has been deservedly popular in the weeks since its release. The casting is excellent with all the panel lines and body detail there. The model catches the heavy stance of the original very well indeed. Detail even extends to plated covers for the semaphore trafficators just aft of the doors; a very neat touch.
There is also the usual complement of plated parts: the grilles, bumpers, lights, wheel trims, bonnet mascot and trim, the small ‘Humber’ front badge, door handles, windscreen surround and wipers, sill strip, boot trim and handle, and the trim on the rear wheel spats.
The colour is light metallic green and the finish is top-class as usual. The interior is predominantly in light beige with correct-pattern seats and inner door panels. The 2-spoke steering wheel is in darker beige and incorporates the column-mounted gear lever. The sun visors are in the same darker shade and the dashboard is in wood-effect.
Underneath, there is the usual rendition of the chassis main members: the engine and drivetrain, the suspension, axles, petrol tanks and exhaust system, with a separate plated tailpipe.
A fine model of a large early 1950s convertible, it is excellent value at around £71 and available through the wide network of stockists.