Humber

My father acquired our 1949 Humber Limousine around 1966. We had the car a couple of years and when my father discovered the vehicle had an interesting past. While sanding the car, my father noticed a what appeared to be the queens crest on the door. After writing to Humber, they informed us that a few units had been sent to Thrupp / Landaulet Coachworks in early 1949. So we contacted them and later we received a letter back from Buckingham Palace (which unfortunately was lost). It turned out the car was purchased by the British Government and assigned to duty in Hamilton Bermuda in 1949. I understand that it was one of six or seven landaulet-bodied Humber Pullmans built for a tour of the Commonwealth by King George VI, but the tour was cancelled because of the King’s failing health

It was used by the Bermuda Government until 1959. So visiting dignitaries during those years would likely have ridden in the car. For example Churchill and Governor Hood during the 3 powers conference in 1953. Prince Phillip in April, 1959, Macmillan and St. Laurent, 1957, Princess Margret 1955, and many others.. The History of the car (as I know it).

1949 – 6 or 7 Units commissioned for the King of England.
1949 – Our Humber was sent to Hamilton Bermuda
1964 – Purchased by sealed bid by Mr. Terseera.
1964/5 – Sailed on Queen of New York.
1965/6 – Stuck in New York waiting Customs clearance into Canada
1966 – Purchased from estate of Mr. Jack Kern (friend and fellow car collector of my father)
1966 – Purchased by My Father James Betts – Hamilton Ontario
1993 – Passed to James Betts Junior. I believe the King of Tonga owns a sister car to the one I own now. I don’t know what happened the rest.