Humber Super Snipe (1962). Jelle's rescue operation.

There are a number of car clubs that employ “demolition workers” to search for classic cars and parts to save them from the scrap press, so that the good ones can continue to drive. Rust is a sneaky enemy that causes many injuries to the sheet metal of classic and vintage cars, often with fatal consequences. To prevent this, the demolition workers go into battle, hoping to find cars that can still be saved.

A quality car with high performance

This rescue operation shows that there are still people who are willing to invest time and energy in classic cars that have been stored in old sheds for years. They decide not to hand over old vehicles to the scrapyard and invest money and effort in their rescue. In its heyday, the Humber was a “really fine car” in the upper middle class. Miraculously enough, a brochure was found – eaten by mice – from which we would like to quote: “A very comfortable car of a special standing, an English brand of class with its illustrious history. Available as a saloon, limousine or estate car in various versions with fully automatic transmission (or models with normal shifting).”

The history of the Humber Super Snipe

The Humber Super Snipe was a prominent car from the British Rootes Group, produced from 1938 to 1967. The model was developed as a luxury version of the Humber Snipe and was noted for its comfort and performance. The car was mainly supplied with a six-cylinder engine and was available as a saloon, estate and limousine. During World War II, these cars were also used for military purposes, where they served as transport for senior officers. After the war, the Super Snipe became popular with businessmen and senior officials, thanks to its elegant design and high-quality finish.

This particular 1962 model is part of the Series IV, which was introduced in 1960 and was noted for its improved engine and more modern styling, including twin headlights that gave the model a distinctive look. The Humber Super Snipe was often praised for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and the luxury it offered compared to other cars in its class.

From hobby car to forgotten treasure

This chic British descendant of the Rootes Group was used as a hobby car and then stood still for almost 20 years. The reason? A busy job, a growing family, and therefore little time, with the result that the car was garaged... and that was it. When the idea arose to sell the car - possibly as a parts supplier - the veteran came into the picture.

Reputation as an “art detective”

Jelle de Veteraan is a man with a trading instinct and that manifests itself in a desire to trade, buy and sell, not primarily to make money, but for the game itself and, perhaps most importantly: as an addition to his museum. It is a creative and constructive instinct; he feels comfortable in his small museum with engines, parts and vintage cars.

The collection

Jelle: “The most important thing about the collection are the motorcycles. It is not a permanent exhibition of the 'oldies', because there is regular renewal to keep it attractive for the visitors who are always welcome (free of charge) when the 'management' is present. My new acquisition, the Humber, is therefore the eye-catcher that will be placed in front of the museum.”

The passion for rescuing and preserving classic vehicles like the Humber Super Snipe reminds us of the value of historic heritage on wheels, and the importance of the efforts of car enthusiasts and scrapyard rescuers to preserve these icons for future generations.