RootesRooter
Donation Time
At SUNI II in 1994, a fellow named Don Bruce brought a very rare car that he'd just bought: a factory prototype, Chrylser V8-powered 1966 Humber SuperSnipe. It was sort of a medium, slightly metallic blue color. Unrestored, but relatively straight.
The last I heard, the owner then tried to drive it home to California despite overheating problems. The engine blew and he had it towed the rest of the way.
Fast forward to a couple of months ago. Many of you might remember the treasure trove of low-mileage Rootes vehicles that came to light in the California aircraft hanger of a recently deceased movie producer (e.g. Death Race 2000, etc) - whose name was given as Donald Bruce. Could be a coincidence, but probably not.
According to his estate's sale notice, among his Rootes cars were three Humbers that had once been in good condition, but had suffered from sitting outside for a decade at least. One is said to be an Arrow Range body (Sceptre?), but the only photos I've seen were taken in the rain and late dusk, so the other two cars couldn't be made out at all.
The Humbers were said to be there for the taking by anyone interested, but I don't know it anyone's seriously looked at them.
If the prototype is there, it would be a shame to see it go to the crusher simply because no one knew its history.
Does anyone have access to any other photos of the Humbers? If anyone follows up, I'd appreciate hearing the results.
Dick Sanders
Kent, WA
The last I heard, the owner then tried to drive it home to California despite overheating problems. The engine blew and he had it towed the rest of the way.
Fast forward to a couple of months ago. Many of you might remember the treasure trove of low-mileage Rootes vehicles that came to light in the California aircraft hanger of a recently deceased movie producer (e.g. Death Race 2000, etc) - whose name was given as Donald Bruce. Could be a coincidence, but probably not.
According to his estate's sale notice, among his Rootes cars were three Humbers that had once been in good condition, but had suffered from sitting outside for a decade at least. One is said to be an Arrow Range body (Sceptre?), but the only photos I've seen were taken in the rain and late dusk, so the other two cars couldn't be made out at all.
The Humbers were said to be there for the taking by anyone interested, but I don't know it anyone's seriously looked at them.
If the prototype is there, it would be a shame to see it go to the crusher simply because no one knew its history.
Does anyone have access to any other photos of the Humbers? If anyone follows up, I'd appreciate hearing the results.
Dick Sanders
Kent, WA