5 HP single-cylinder Humberette car

Humberette car, 1903. This was the first model produced in quantity by Humber at Beeston. It has a light, tubular-framed chassis and is powered by a 5HP, four-stroke, water-cooled, single-cylinder engine. A simple two-speed gear provides a direct drive on the top gear ratio.

This is a unique and early example of the single-cylinder Humberette car, made in 1903. It was the first model produced in quantity by the Humber company.

Humber initially started as a bicycle manufacturer, and evolved into a car manufacturer in 1900. The Humberette car had a light tubular chassis, with a four-stroke water- cooled single- cylinder engine, an overhead inlet valve, and a mechanically operated side exhaust valve. This example is a very early one. The Humberette was later redeveloped and relaunched in 1912 after the earlier model had limited success due to its low power. The Humberette’s name originated from the combination of the brand name Humber with the French word ‘voiturette’ meaning a small sports car.