owned by Kurt Hoppe

Kurt bought the Humber in 1995.  He was in England for the 100-year Wolseley rally with his Wolseley 1500 and caravan, and spotted the 9/20 Humber it was on display and Kurt’s wife loved the car instantly. Still, having several other projects underway, Kurt considered it for a while. Back in Switzerland, a week later, Kurt sent a fax to the dealer, “Sir we would like to buy the car”

About three weeks later, Kurt hooked a trailer onto his everyday car and set off back to England. The one-way trip was 980 kilometers and involved an English Channel crossing.

Once home, the restoration began. The body was in very good condition,  but the mechanics were in awful condition.  Kurt restored the engine, gearbox, steering box, front and rear axles. The wiring, hood and the petrol tank were renewed.  Some parts were located in New Zealand after Kurt came across an advert.  Kurt says he had some good luck with screws, nuts and bolts as they were all metric. The Humber register in England also proved helpful in some parts.

The brass lamps had many dents, and Kurt found a trumpet maker who made them like new. There are always countless little problems that pop up when restoring a car, but two years later, it was finished.

Kurt says he is very happy with the car, but as a Wolseley fan and having unsuccessfully looked for a Wolseley of similar vintage for a long time, it’s a nice compromise.

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**The Humber Fifteen: A Journey Through Quirkiness**

Once upon a time in the land of brass and bowler hats, there lived an automobile called the Humber Fifteen. Now, don’t be misled by its name; it didn’t boast 15 horsepower like a sturdy stallion galloping through the English countryside. Instead, it was more like a polite tip-toeing tortoise who never rushed to get anywhere.

The brainiacs behind the Humber decided that more horsepower was overrated. They thought, “Why not create a refined ride that whispers elegance rather than shouting for attention?” So, they crafted this charming contraption with a purring engine that, at best, could handle a brisk walk. This design choice made it so appealing at tax time that accountants were practically throwing little victory parades. “Hurray, less power means fewer taxes!” they cheered, while the Humber Fifteen elegantly glided past them, sipping tea and enjoying the view without breaking a sweat.

The Humber Fifteen was also a hit among the most dapper professionals of the time – you know, the kind who wore waistcoats and top hats and enjoyed getting into intellectual debates about the best types of crumpets. These gents appreciated the Humber not just for its enjoyable driving experience but for the status it bestowed upon them. “Yes, my good fellow,” they would say, adjusting their monocles, “I drive a Humber Fifteen! The epitome of style AND small tax bills!”

Produced from 1919 to 1924 and then again until 1927, the Humber Fifteen made its grand debut at the post-World War I Motor Show in Olympia. Attendees gasped in awe as they saw its striking blue paint job, complemented by a shiny black roof. “What splendid craftsmanship!” they exclaimed. Little did they know, the real magic lay in its ability to generate more chatter than speed.

However, there came a time when the trusty Humber Fifteen had to step aside for the new cool kids on the block: the 14/40, who was smaller and sportier, and the robust six-cylinder 20/55, capable of showing off a 10% increase in capacity. Talk about a midlife crisis! Picture it now: the Humber Fifteen sitting in the garage with a cup of tea, musing over fond memories of leisurely drives while the others raced around making all the noise.

But Humber Fifteen didn’t complain. Oh no! While the faster models zoomed by, it sat gracefully in the driveway, reminding everyone that sometimes, life is about enjoying the ride, no matter how slow that ride may be. A cavalcade of charm, elegance, and just the right amount of quirkiness, the Humber Fifteen taught everyone the joy of taking it easy and savoring the moment—preferably with a scone in hand.

And so, the legendary Humber Fifteen remains a beloved figure in automotive history—proof that it’s not the horsepower that wins the race, but the style and dignity with which you drive… preferably at a leisurely pace.

 

The Humber Fifteen was a medium-to-large automobile with a 15-horsepower engine that was less potent than many of its contemporaries.

This design choice made it more appealing in terms of annual tax benefits and allowed for a smoother and more dignified driving experience. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship, especially in the tourer models, the Humber Fifteen was particularly popular among professionals who appreciated its combination of style and status.

Produced between 1919 to 1924 and then again from 1924 to 1927, the Humber Fifteen remains a notable vehicle in automotive history. In 1927 and 1928, it was succeeded in the Humber lineup by the smaller 14/40 model and later by the more powerful six-cylinder 20/55, which offered a ten percent increase in capacity.

The Humber Fifteen was first introduced at the post-World War I Motor Show in Olympia in November 1919. Its design garnered praise for its practicality and meticulous attention to detail. The striking blue saloon, accentuated by a polished black roof and fittings, particularly caught the eye of attendees and critics alike.