Humber Hawk#Humber Hawk Series I to IVA

{{Infobox automobile

| name = Humber Hawk Mk I & II

| image = Humber Mark-I 1946 1.1.jpg

| caption = Humber Hawk Mark 1

| production = 1945–1949

| predecessor =

| body_style = 4-door saloon

| engine = 1944 cc Straight-4 side-valve

| transmission = 4-speed manual

| length = {{convert|178|in|mm}}{{cite book|last=Culshaw |author2=Horrobin |title=Complete Catalogue of British Cars |year=1974 |publisher=Macmillan |location=London |isbn=0-333-16689-2}}

| width = {{convert|69|in|mm}}

| height =

| weight =

| wheelbase = {{convert|114|in|mm}}

}}

The Hawk, a re-badged Hillman 14 (1938–1940) was the first Humber car to be launched after World War II. Slightly longer because of the new bootlid superimposed on its fastback tail and narrower having shed its running boards it also managed to be {{convert|112|lb|kg|0}} lighter than the prewar car.

The engine, from the Hillman 14 but uprated almost ten per cent to an output of 56 bhp, was shared with Sunbeam Talbot's 90s. It drove the Hawk's live rear axle through a four-speed gearbox with centrally located floor change.

As with the Hillman the four-door body was mounted on a separate chassis and was of the six-light design (three windows on each side) with a sunshine roof as standard. Suspension was independent at the front using a transverse leaf spring, and at the rear the axle had half-elliptic springs.

The Mark II version of September 1947 was not even a facelift, the main difference being a column gear change with a control ring fitted to the gearbox making it impossible to crash the synchromesh gears. The engine was given a new water jacket, the petrol tank received a breather to prevent air-locks and provision was made for a car-radio and retracting aerial. There was no change to the car's external appearance.{{cite news | title=Improved Humber Hawk | newspaper=The Times | date=24 September 1947 | page=2 | issue=50874}}

Top speed was around {{convert|65|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.

File:Humber Hawk first reg Essex Nov 1946 1701cc rear three quarters view.JPG

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = Humber Hawk Mark III-V

| image = Humber Hawk V registered February 1954 2267cc.JPG

| caption = Humber Hawk Mark V

| production = 1948–1954
production 10,040 (III)
6,492 (IV)
14,300 (V)

| body_style = 4-door saloon
Limousine (Mk V only)

| engine = 1944 cc Straight-4 side-valve (Mk III)
2267 cc Straight-4 side-valve (Mk IV & V)

| transmission = 4-speed manual

| length = {{convert|174|in|mm}}

| width = {{convert|70|in|mm}}

| height = {{convert|64.75|in|mm|abbr=on}}

| weight =

| wheelbase = {{convert|105.5|in|mm}}

}}

;Mark III

The Mark III Hawk was a completely new car and was first shown at the London Motor Show in October 1948, but it still retained the earlier engine (side-valves, 1944 cc, 56 bhp at 3800 rpm) and transmission albeit with new rubber mountings. The new body was styled by the Loewy Studio{{cite book |last=Robson |first=G. |title=A-Z of British Cars 1945-80 |year=2006 |publisher=Herridge |location=Devon, UK |isbn=0-9541063-9-3 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/azbritishcars1940000robs }} and the separate headlights of the old model were gone, along with the separate front wings. The chassis was new, with coil-sprung independent front suspension replacing the previous transverse leaf spring. The body was now an integral component of the car's structure. The rear axle was also a new design with hypoid gearing. The body could be finished in a wide range of colours, both as two-tone and metallic. The metallic finishes would be offered on all the Hawks until the model's demise in late 1967/early 1968.

When compared with the prewar style body with vestigial running boards the car's weight was reduced by 3 cwt or {{convert|336|lb|kg|abbr=on}} and the new flush-sided body gave room for the front bench seat to be {{convert|3|in|mm|spell=in}} wider. The rear seat was a full {{convert|5|in|mm|spell=in}} wider. Overall the car was {{convert|6|in|mm|spell=in}} shorter and {{convert|1+1/2|in|mm|spell=in}} lower. Despite the lower height the new hypoid back axle allowed more head room in the rear seat.{{cite news| title=Redesigned Humber Hawk | newspaper=The Times | date=13 October 1948 | page=3 | issue=51201}}

;Mark IV

In the early spring of 1951An Improved Humber Hawk. The Times, Tuesday, 17 Apr 1951; pg. 3; Issue 51977. the Mark IV version arrived with a larger, 2267 cc engine incorporating, as before, an aluminium cylinder head{{cite journal|journal =Practical Motorist |volume = 7 (nbr 76) |title =Our Experts Advise: Humber Hawk Cylinder Head | pages = 417| date = December 1960}} and with a 58 instead of 56 bhp output. However, at mid range speeds around 15 per cent more power was generated. The Mark IV also used larger, 15-inch wheels. The steering was now more highly geared and was commended by commentators for its lightness when manoeuvering the car in a confined space despite 53% of the car's {{convert|2996|lb|kg}} being carried by the front wheels.{{cite journal|title =Humber Hawk Saloon (road test)| journal =Autocar| date = 22 September 1950}}

A 2267 cc Mk IV car tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1951 had a top speed of {{convert|71.4|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and could accelerate from 0–{{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 30.0 seconds. A fuel consumption of {{convert|24.2|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus}} was recorded. The test car cost £850, including taxes.{{cite journal |title = The Humber Hawk| journal =The Motor| date = 21 February 1950}}

;Mark V

The Mark V Hawk announced in September 1952 was given a larger clutch, larger rear shock absorbers, a strengthened body-frame and other minor mechanical changes. A new treatment was given to the car's front. It was also available as a "luxury touring limousine".{{cite news | title=New Rootes Models | newspaper=The Times | date=24 September 1952 | page=2 | issue=52425}} A lowered bonnet line and wrap-around bumpers with over-riders distinguished this model from the Mk IV{{cite journal| title = Second Hand car guide supplement| journal = Practical Motorist| volume = 6 Nbr 68| pages = between pages 768 & 769 |date = April 1960}}

File:Humber - Hawk - 1949 - 20 hp - 4 cyl - WBD 15 - Kolkata 2014-01-19 6360.JPG|Humber Hawk Mark III

File:Humber (887431349).jpg|Humber Hawk Mark IV

File:Humber Hawk V registered February 1954 2267cc rear three quarters.JPG|Humber Hawk Mark V of February 1954

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = Humber Hawk Mark VI-VIA

| image = Humber Hawk reg May 1957 2267 cc.JPG

| caption = Humber Hawk Mark VIA
registered May 1957

| production = 1954–1957
production 18,836 (Mk VI)
9614 (MkVIA)

| body_style = 4-door saloon
estate

| engine = 2267 cc Straight-4 overhead valve

| transmission = 4-speed manual with optional overdrive

| length = {{convert|181|in|mm}} (saloon)

| width = {{convert|72|in|mm}}

| height = {{convert|65|in|0|abbr=on}}

| weight = 27.75 cwt or {{convert|3108|lb|kg|abbr=on}}

| wheelbase = {{convert|105.5|in|0|abbr=on}}

}}

The main change with the Mk VI, which was introduced in June 1954, was the fitting of an overhead-valve cylinder head to the engine. The rear of the body was slightly changed, which made the car longer. In 1955 an estate version with fold-down tailgate appeared.

The April 1956 Mk VIA was a fairly minor upgrade, with changes mainly to the interior. A de-luxe version was added to the range.

A replacement, slightly more powerful and with an entirely new body was announced in May 1957.

File:Humber Hawk (3938145046).jpg

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;Road test

The motoring correspondent of The Times claimed that any previous Hawk owner would be "astonished" by the Mark VI's 20 per cent more powerful engine's ability to effortlessly swing the car along at 70 mph. Cold starting was very good. The engine was not always so willing to start when cold. The tyres were inclined to squeal on not very sharp corners taken at any more than a modest speed. The brake lining area is now 40 per cent more than on the Mark V. The driver's windscreen wiper is badly located.{{cite news | title=Performance Matches Looks In Humber Hawk | newspaper=The Times | date=10 May 1955 | page=7 | issue=53216}}

A Mk VI estate car with overdrive tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1956 had a top speed of {{convert|79.7|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and could accelerate from 0-{{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 25.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of {{convert|22.8|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus}} was recorded. The test car cost £1405, including taxes.{{cite journal |title = The Humber Hawk estate car| journal =The Motor| date = 11 April 1956}}

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{{Infobox automobile

| name = Humber Hawk Series I-IVA

| image = Humber Hawk Series II side.jpg

| caption = Humber Hawk Series II Saloon

| production = 1957–1967
production 15,539 (I)
6813 (IA)
7,230 (II)
6,109 (III)
1,746 (IV)
3,754 (IVA)

| body_style = 4-door saloon
Estate car
limousine

| engine = 2267 cc Straight-4 ohv

| transmission = 4-speed manual all-synchromesh
Overdrive and automatic optional

| length = {{convert|185|in|mm|abbr=on}}

| width = {{convert|70|in|mm|abbr=on}}

| height = {{convert|61.5|in|mm|abbr=on}}

| weight =

| wheelbase = {{convert|110|in|mm|abbr=on}}

}}

A new Hawk announced in May 1957Roomier Humber Hawk. The Times, Wednesday, 29 May 1957; pg. 5; Issue 53853. had a completely new body with unitary construction which it would go on to share with the 1958 Humber Super Snipe. The new model was, like its predecessors, a large car. For the first time an estate variant was available from the factory - the Hawk estate had the largest unitary bodyshell of any British-built car up to that point, a status it retained until the Jaguar Mark X was launched in 1961. The 2267 cc engine was carried over, though with modifications to the distributor mounting, and other details; and an automatic transmission, the Borg Warner D.G. model, was now available. The body was styled in Rootes' own studios and featured more glass than previous models, with wrap-around front windscreen, which gave it a considerable resemblance to a base model 1955 Chevrolet 4-door sedan. The missing rear quarter-lights were returned in Series IV. The estate version featured a horizontally split tailgate—the lower half opening downwards (to provide an extra length of luggage-platform if necessary) and the upper half upwards. The fuel-filler cap was concealed behind the offside rear reflector.

There were several revisions during the car's life, each resulting in a new Series number.

The 1959 Series 1A had changed gear ratios and minor trim changes.

The Series II launched in October 1960 had disc front brakes, servo-assisted. The automatic option was no longer available on the home market.

The Series III of September 1962 had a larger fuel tank and bigger rear window. The export model automatic option was also dropped.

More significant changes came with the October 1964 Series IV. The roof was made flatter, the rear window smaller and an extra side window fitted behind the rear doors. Synchromesh was fitted to bottom gear. An anti-roll bar was fitted at the rear.{{cite book |last=Sedgwick |first=M.|author2=Gillies.M|title=A-Z of Cars 1930|year=1989 |publisher=Bay View Books |location=Devon, UK |isbn=1-870979-38-9}}

The final Series IVA of 1965 saw the automatic option re-introduced, this time being the Borg Warner Model 35.

A Series I car without overdrive was tested by the British The Motor magazine in 1957 had a top speed of {{convert|83.9|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and could accelerate from 0-{{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 19.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of {{convert|22.5|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus}} was recorded. The test car cost £1261, including taxes of £421.{{cite journal |title = The Humber Hawk| journal =The Motor| date = 12 June 1957}}

In March 1967 Rootes announced that production of the Humber Hawk, along with that of the Super Snipe and Imperial had ceased.{{cite journal| title = News and Views: No more big Humbers| journal = Autocar | volume = 126 (nbr 3708)| pages = 66|date = 9 March 1967}} The announcement stated that the cars' place in their range would be filled by Chrysler Valiants imported from Australia.

After Hawk production ended, Rootes came to concentrate on sectors offering greater volume, no longer featuring as a UK provider of large family cars. It had, in particular, been unusual for UK manufactured cars of this size to feature a spacious station wagon / estate car version; and, following the demise of the Humber Hawk, the UK market for large estate cars quickly came to be dominated by the Volvo 145, introduced to the UK in March 1968,{{cite journal| title = News and Views: Now available in this country is the Volvo 145 estate car....| journal = Autocar | volume = 128 (nbr 3765)| pages = 29 |date = 11 April 1968}} and its successors.

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File:Humber Hawk Series I front.jpg|Humber Hawk Series I Saloon

File:Humber_Hawk_Series_I_Estate_front.jpg|Humber Hawk Series I Estate

File:Humber_Hawk_Series_I_Estate_rear.jpg|Humber Hawk Series I Estate

File:Humber_Hawk_Series_II_front.jpg|Humber Hawk Series II Saloon

File:Humber_Hawk_Series_III.jpg|Humber Hawk Series III Saloon

File:Humber Hawk Series IV front.jpg|Humber Hawk Series IV Saloon

File:Humber Hawk Series IV rear.jpg|Humber Hawk Series IV Saloon

• Meccano Dinky Toys; No. 165 (production 1959–63), Series 1 Hawk, approximately O scale (1:44).{{cite book|last=Ramsey|first=John|title=The Swapmeet and Toyfair Catalogue of British Diecast Model Toys|publisher=Swapmeet Toys and Models Ltd|page=31|isbn=095093190X}}
• Meccano Dinky Toys; No. 256 (production 1960–64), Series 1 Hawk Police car, approximately O scale (1:44).{{cite book|last=Ramsey|first=John|title=The Swapmeet and Toyfair Catalogue of British Diecast Model Toys|publisher=Swapmeet Toys and Models Ltd|page=47|ISBN=095093190X}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.humber.org.uk Post Vintage Humber Car Club]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060425024418/http://hometown.aol.com/crooksnipe/myhomepage/index.html Humber Enthusiasts Group] of New South Wales, with many scanned brochures.
• [http://www.philseed.com/hb-snipe-s1.html Some more brochures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202225039/http://www.philseed.com/hb-snipe-s1.html |date=2 December 2008 }}.

Hawk

Category:1960s cars

Category:1950s cars

Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:Cars introduced in 1945

Category:Sedans

Category:Cars discontinued in 1967