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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
[[Image:Humber zurich 2005.jpg|thumb|right|The original Humber Sceptre, appearing in 1963, was an upmarket version of the [[Hillman Super Minx]]. This picture is the Mk2 (1965-67) with the updated front end shape]]
{{Use British English|date=July 2017}}
[[Image:1975.humber.sceptre.arp.jpg|thumb|right|The Humber Sceptre announced in 1967 was based on the [[Rootes Arrow|Hillman Hunter]].]]
{{More citations needed|date=February 2019}}{{Infobox automobile
|name = Humber Sceptre
|manufacturer = [[Humber Limited|Humber]] ([[Rootes Group]], later [[Chrysler Europe|Chrysler (UK) Ltd]])
|image = File:1964 Humber Sceptre.jpg
|caption = 1964 Humber Sceptre MK I
|layout = [[FR layout]]
|production = 1963–1976 <ref name=humber.org.uk>[http://www.humber.org.uk/Chassis_Nos.htm ''Chassis Numbers'', www.humber.org.uk] Retrieved on 22 August 2014</ref>
|assembly = United Kingdom
|class =
|body_style = 4-door [[saloon car|saloon]] <br> 4-door [[estate car]]
|successor =
|aka = Sunbeam Sceptre <ref>[http://www.allpar.com/cars/adopted/hillman/hunter.html ''The Hillman Hunter, Hillman Arrow, and Chrysler Hunter (Sunbeam Rapier, Humber Sceptre MK III, Singer Arrow and Vogue)'', www.allpar.com] Retrieved on 22 August 2014</ref>
}}
The '''Humber Sceptre''' is an [[automobile]] which was produced in the United Kingdom from 1963 to 1976 by [[Humber Limited|Humber]].
{{TOC_left}}
{{Clear}}


==MK I (1963 to 1965)==
The '''Humber Sceptre''' name was applied to three generations of [[automobile|motor cars]] from the former [[United Kingdom|British]] manufacturer the [[Rootes Group]], between 1963 and 1976.
[[File:Humber Sceptre (3504596386).jpg|thumb|Humber Sceptre MK I]]
The Humber Sceptre MK I, introduced in 1963,<ref name=humber.org.uk/> was a luxury car based on the [[Hillman Super Minx]]. It featured a unique roof, glass and upper/rear bodywork not shared with the Super Minx or the related [[Singer Vogue]].{{Clarify|date=September 2014}} The Sceptre was originally intended as a four-door replacement for the [[Sunbeam Rapier]], but was launched as a Humber, while the Rapier continued in production with little modification until 1967. This resulted in the Sceptre's more sporty character compared to traditional Humbers. The Sceptre was positioned at the top of the mid-range [[Rootes Group]] cars, above the Hillman Super Minx and [[Singer Vogue]]. It featured similar twin headlight styling to the Vogue and a more powerful {{convert|80|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} version of the {{convert|1592|cc|abbr=on}} Minx engine. The high level of equipment included [[Disc brakes|disc]] front brakes, overdrive, screen washers, reversing lamp, rev counter and a full range of instruments. [[Automatic transmission]] was made available later. A MK IA was introduced in 1964.<ref name=humber.org.uk/> Whilst the Super Minx and Vogue received revised six light styling in 1964, the Sceptre body continued unchanged until 1965 when it was replaced by the MK II. Production of the MK I and IA models totalled 17,011 units.<ref name=Sedgwick>{{cite book|last1=Sedgwick|first1=Michael|last2=Gillies|first2=Mark|title=A-Z of Cars 1945-1970 (Revised paperback edition)|publisher=Haymarket Publishing Limited|date=1993|page=228}}</ref>
{{Clear}}


==MK II (1965 to 1967)==
The first generation, 1963 to 1965 was a luxurious car based on the [[Hillman Super Minx]]. Though ostensibly [[badge engineered]] it actually featured unique roof, glass and upper/rear bodywork, not shared with the Super Minx or Singer Vogue. It was originally intended as a four-door replacement for the [[Sunbeam Rapier]], but was launched as a Humber, while the Sunbeam Rapier soldiered on with little modification until 1967. This made the Sceptre a more sporty car than traditional Humbers. Introduced in 1963, it was positioned at the top of the mid-range Rootes cars, above the Hillman Super Minx and [[Singer Vogue]]. It featured similar twin headlight styling to the Vogue and a more powerful 80 bhp version of the 1600 Minx engine. The high level of equipment included disc front brakes, overdrive, screen washers, reversing lamp, rev counter and full range of instruments. Automatic transmission was available later.
[[File:Humber Sceptre 1724cc sic DVLA first reg February 1966.JPG|thumb|Humber Sceptre MK II]]
The Sceptre MK II, introduced in 1965,<ref name=humber.org.uk/> featured revised front end styling and a twin carburettor version of the {{convert|1725|cc|abbr=on}} engine. It was produced until 1967. Production of the MK II totalled 11,983 units.<ref name=Sedgwick/>


The Mk II series of the Humber Sceptre was a capable car with performance figures recorded by Motor magazine, published in the edition dated 16 April 1966, Maximum 94.8&nbsp;mph (mean), 0-60&nbsp;mph 12.5secs, with a standing quarter-mile of 19.5secs.
Whilst the Super Minx and Vogue received modernised six light styling in 1964 the Sceptre continued unchanged until 1965 when the Mk2 gained a new front end shape and grille (based on the Super Minx metalwork) along with a twin carburettor version of the 1725cc engine.
{{-}}


==MK III (1967 to 1976)==
The third generation Humber Sceptre (Mk3) of 1967 to 1976 was the best-appointed version of the [[Rootes Arrow]] range. The Sceptre traded on Humber's tradition of building luxury cars and featured wood-veneer facia, complete instrumentation, adjustable steering column, vinyl roof and extra brightwork on the wheel arches and rear panel. It had a more powerful version of the 1725 engine with twin carburettors giving 87bhp.
[[File:1975.humber.sceptre.arp.jpg|thumb|Humber Sceptre MK III Saloon]]
[[File:Humber Sceptre estate registered August 1975 1725cc.JPG|thumb|Humber Sceptre MK III Estate]]
The Sceptre MK III, introduced in 1967,<ref name=humber.org.uk/> was a derivative of the [[Rootes Arrow]] design and was the best-appointed version of this model offered by Rootes. It continued Humber's tradition of building luxury cars and featured wood-veneer fascia, complete instrumentation, adjustable steering column, vinyl roof and extra brightwork on the wheel arches and rear panel. The MK III had a more powerful version of the {{convert|1725|cc|abbr=on}} engine with twin carburettors giving {{convert|87|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. The [[Manual transmission|manual]]-gearbox model featured either the D-type or the later J-type Laycock De Normanville overdrive, with the J-type fitted from chassis numbers L3 onwards starting in July 1972. As with all models in the Arrow range, an automatic gearbox was an option. A closer ratio G-type gearbox was fitted to later Sceptres, using the J-type overdrive. An [[estate car]] variant of the Sceptre was introduced at the [[London Motor Show]] in October 1974. It featured a built-in roof rack and a carpeted loading floor protected by metal strips and illuminated by an additional interior light. Washer and wiper were provided for the rear window, a rare feature on UK-market estate cars of the time.


The Sceptre was discontinued in September 1976, along with the Humber and Hillman [[marque]] names. From that time, all models in the Chrysler UK range were branded as Chryslers. Production of the MK III totaled 43,951 units.<ref name=Sedgwick/>
It was sold as the Sunbeam Sceptre in some markets.


{{Clear}}
The manual-gearbox model featured either the D-type or the later J-type Laycock De Normanville overdrive, with the J-type fitted from chassis numbers L3 onwards starting in July 1972.[10] As with all Arrows, an automatic gearbox was an option. A closer ratio G-type gearbox was fitted to later Sceptres, using the J-type overdrive.


==Use of the Sceptre name by Peugeot==
An estate version of the Humber Sceptre was introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1974.[11] It featured a built-in roof rack and a carpeted loading floor protected by metal strips and illuminated by an additional interior light. Washer and wiper were provided for the rear window, a rare feature on UK-market estate cars of the time.
The name "Sceptre" reappeared in 1990 for some SRi versions of the [[Peugeot 205]], [[Peugeot 405|405]] and [[Peugeot 605|605]]. [[Peugeot]] had bought Chrysler's [[Chrysler Europe|European operations]] (which also included French carmaker [[Simca]]) in 1978 and rebranded the whole European Chrysler range under the [[Talbot (automobile)#Chrysler/Peugeot era (1979–1985)|Talbot]] marque.


==References==
The name was retained, together with the other Humbers, after the [[Chrysler]] takeover of Rootes in 1965. It was discontinued - with the Humber and Hillman marques - in September 1976, when the whole British range was rebranded as Chrysler.
{{reflist}}

The name "Sceptre" reappeared in 1990 for some SRi versions of the [[Peugeot 205]], [[Peugeot 405|405]] and [[Peugeot 605|605]]. [[Peugeot]] had bought Chrysler's [[Chrysler Europe|European operations]] (which also included [[France|French]] carmaker [[Simca]]) in 1978 and rebranded the whole European Chrysler range under the [[Talbot#The Peugeot era|reborn Talbot]] marque.


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Humber Sceptre}}
*[http://www.humber.org.uk/BuyersGuidesSceptres.htm Humber Sceptre] at Post Vintage Humber Car Club, U.K.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130715004702/http://www.humber.org.uk/BuyersGuidesSceptres.htm ''Humber Sceptre buyers guide'' at www.humber.org.uk via web.archive.org]
*[http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/lost_marques_rootes.htm Lost Marques: Rootes] at Unique Cars and Parts website
*[http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/lost_marques_rootes.htm ''Lost Marques: Rootes'' at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au]
*[http://www.sceptremk1.com/ British Humber Sceptre Mk1 Site]{{dead link|date=October 2012}}
[[File:Diesel Humber Sceptre.jpg|thumb|left|A rare 1964 Diesel Humber Sceptre]]
{{commons category|Rootes vehicles}}


[[Category:Humber vehicles|Sceptre]]
[[Category:Humber vehicles|Sceptre]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1963]]
[[Category:1970s cars]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]

Latest revision as of 16:40, 16 March 2024

Humber Sceptre
1964 Humber Sceptre MK I
Overview
ManufacturerHumber (Rootes Group, later Chrysler (UK) Ltd)
Also calledSunbeam Sceptre [1]
Production1963–1976 [2]
AssemblyUnited Kingdom
Body and chassis
Body style4-door saloon
4-door estate car
LayoutFR layout

The Humber Sceptre is an automobile which was produced in the United Kingdom from 1963 to 1976 by Humber.

MK I (1963 to 1965)

[edit]
Humber Sceptre MK I

The Humber Sceptre MK I, introduced in 1963,[2] was a luxury car based on the Hillman Super Minx. It featured a unique roof, glass and upper/rear bodywork not shared with the Super Minx or the related Singer Vogue.[clarification needed] The Sceptre was originally intended as a four-door replacement for the Sunbeam Rapier, but was launched as a Humber, while the Rapier continued in production with little modification until 1967. This resulted in the Sceptre's more sporty character compared to traditional Humbers. The Sceptre was positioned at the top of the mid-range Rootes Group cars, above the Hillman Super Minx and Singer Vogue. It featured similar twin headlight styling to the Vogue and a more powerful 80 bhp (60 kW; 81 PS) version of the 1,592 cc (97.1 cu in) Minx engine. The high level of equipment included disc front brakes, overdrive, screen washers, reversing lamp, rev counter and a full range of instruments. Automatic transmission was made available later. A MK IA was introduced in 1964.[2] Whilst the Super Minx and Vogue received revised six light styling in 1964, the Sceptre body continued unchanged until 1965 when it was replaced by the MK II. Production of the MK I and IA models totalled 17,011 units.[3]

MK II (1965 to 1967)

[edit]
Humber Sceptre MK II

The Sceptre MK II, introduced in 1965,[2] featured revised front end styling and a twin carburettor version of the 1,725 cc (105.3 cu in) engine. It was produced until 1967. Production of the MK II totalled 11,983 units.[3]

The Mk II series of the Humber Sceptre was a capable car with performance figures recorded by Motor magazine, published in the edition dated 16 April 1966, Maximum 94.8 mph (mean), 0-60 mph 12.5secs, with a standing quarter-mile of 19.5secs.

MK III (1967 to 1976)

[edit]
Humber Sceptre MK III Saloon
Humber Sceptre MK III Estate

The Sceptre MK III, introduced in 1967,[2] was a derivative of the Rootes Arrow design and was the best-appointed version of this model offered by Rootes. It continued Humber's tradition of building luxury cars and featured wood-veneer fascia, complete instrumentation, adjustable steering column, vinyl roof and extra brightwork on the wheel arches and rear panel. The MK III had a more powerful version of the 1,725 cc (105.3 cu in) engine with twin carburettors giving 87 bhp (65 kW; 88 PS). The manual-gearbox model featured either the D-type or the later J-type Laycock De Normanville overdrive, with the J-type fitted from chassis numbers L3 onwards starting in July 1972. As with all models in the Arrow range, an automatic gearbox was an option. A closer ratio G-type gearbox was fitted to later Sceptres, using the J-type overdrive. An estate car variant of the Sceptre was introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1974. It featured a built-in roof rack and a carpeted loading floor protected by metal strips and illuminated by an additional interior light. Washer and wiper were provided for the rear window, a rare feature on UK-market estate cars of the time.

The Sceptre was discontinued in September 1976, along with the Humber and Hillman marque names. From that time, all models in the Chrysler UK range were branded as Chryslers. Production of the MK III totaled 43,951 units.[3]

Use of the Sceptre name by Peugeot

[edit]

The name "Sceptre" reappeared in 1990 for some SRi versions of the Peugeot 205, 405 and 605. Peugeot had bought Chrysler's European operations (which also included French carmaker Simca) in 1978 and rebranded the whole European Chrysler range under the Talbot marque.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ The Hillman Hunter, Hillman Arrow, and Chrysler Hunter (Sunbeam Rapier, Humber Sceptre MK III, Singer Arrow and Vogue), www.allpar.com Retrieved on 22 August 2014
  2. ^ a b c d e Chassis Numbers, www.humber.org.uk Retrieved on 22 August 2014
  3. ^ a b c Sedgwick, Michael; Gillies, Mark (1993). A-Z of Cars 1945-1970 (Revised paperback edition). Haymarket Publishing Limited. p. 228.
[edit]