1952 Humber Pullman Mark III 4.1-Litre Warwick Shooting Brake
Coachwork by Castle Bodies
Registration no. Not UK Registered
Chassis no. A9000861HXO

In mid-1952, coachbuilders Castle Bodies of Coventry offered a new 'woody' estate version of the Humber Pullman, then the largest car in the Rootes Group range. Retailing at £1,460 plus £834 purchase tax, Castle's design boasted 16 square feet of luggage space or 28 with the rear seat folded down.

Regrettably there is no documentation on file for this car save for an old V5C document, however an old advert on file from Duncan Hamilton and Co details the following history.

Sold new to Teeside shipping magnates, Constantine & Co, the example we offer is believed to be the only known survivor of a mere four built and is The Autocar's test car. Constantines kept the Humber until 1969, and it then passed through the hands of various owners and by the late 1970s had arrived at the White Horse distillery in Scotland. It is believed White Horse used the car for guest transport. The Humber later became the property of a London publican.

In 1985 the car was rescued after many years of outside storage. The then owners immediately set about returning the car to the road, which involved basic refurbishment and sourcing a replacement gearbox through the Humber Club. Frustratingly, they had only just begun to use the car when a fire broke out in the building in which it was garaged. Though no major damage was caused, a second refurbishment was required, which included a partial repaint; stripping the engine and repairing a crack in the block; re-trimming the interior; and refinishing all the woodwork in cellulose. The Humber was roadworthy again by the mid-1990s.

Since then, the Pullman featured in an article in Classic Cars magazine (October 1995 edition), been exhibited at the Louis Vuitton Classic at the Hurlingham Club (2000), and saw regular club use. On its post-restoration debut the car was awarded 'Members' Choice' and 'Best Restoration' prizes. The car was acquired by Duncan Hamilton and Co. in November 2012, from where it passed to a Mr Moodie of Sussex in early 2013. The car was put up for sale in 2016 and very quickly purchased by the current owner who exported it. The Humber has been on static display since 2016 and will require recommissioning prior to road use

Its restoration mellowed somewhat, this rare and attractive Humber Pullman estate car possesses considerable charm and on the road is certain to draw appreciative looks from all it passes by. Ideal for high days and holidays, it would also make a most stylish racing tender and support vehicle for the annual Goodwood Members' and Revival Meetings..

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £250 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.