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Britain
Motor Cars
1960s

Humber Sceptre Mk1

Humber Sceptre Mk1 Technical details and specifications

Production

1963 to 1965 

Body style

4-door saloon

Total built

17,011

Engine

1,592cc Straight-4 

Transmission

4-speed manual

Wheelbase

100.98 in, 2565 mm

Length

165.47 in, 4203 mm

Width

63.27 in, 1607 mm

Height

57.01 in, 1448 mm

weight

2359 1b, 1070 kg.

 

The Humber Sceptre first generation from the 1960s was a 4-door car, that was built from 1963 to 1965.

History

The Humber Sceptre name was applied to three generations of motor cars from the former British manufacturer the Rootes Group, between 1963 and 1976.

The first generation, 1963 to 1965 was a luxurious car based on the Hillman Super Minx. Generally similar to Hillman Super Minx and Singer Vogue but roof line is sleeker.It featured a unique roof, glass and upper/rear bodywork not shared with the Super Minx or Singer Vogue. two Paired, hooded head-lamps small, vertically barred radiator air-intake. With small intakes below headlamps incorporate side/direction lamps and wrap-around front body " corners ' Curved windscreen extends into rounded roof line; wrap-around, well-raked rear window. Flattened fins the line of which encloses large, vertical tail-lamp clusters. The wheel discs have visible radial slots. 

It was originally intended as a four-door replacement for the Sunbeam Rapier, but was launched as a Humber, while the Sunbeam Rapier soldiered on with little modification until 1967. This made the Sceptre more sporty than traditional Humber’s. Introduced in 1963, it was positioned at the top of the mid-range Rootes cars, above the Hillman Super Minx and Singer Vogue with a larger carrying capacity of 882 1b, 400 kg.

It featured similar twin headlight styling to the Vogue and a more powerful 80 bhp version of the 1600 Minx engine.Built with an integral type chassis and rear wheel drive with distribution of weight at 56% to front axle, and 44% to rear axle. The front suspension has independent, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar with telescopic dampers,while the rear suspension is rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf-springs and telescopic dampers.

A later update known as the IA included disc front brakes, screen washers, reversing lamp, rev counter and a full range of instruments. overdrive or automatic transmission options with improved more powerful battery.

PERFORMANCE 1,592cc

  • Engine Capacity 97.14 cu in, 1,592 cu cm
  • Fuel Consumption 31 miles imp gal, 25.8 ml US gal, 9.1 i x 100 km
  • Max Speed 90.6 mph, 145.9 kmh
  • max power (SAE): 84 hp at 5,200 rpm
  • max torque (SAE): 97 1b ft, 13.4 kg m at 3,500 rpm
  • max number of engine rpm: 5,200
  • specific power: 52.8 hp/l
  • power-weight ratio: 28.4 lb/hp, 12.9 kg/hp
  • acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 20.8 sec
Categories
Humber
Title
Humber Sceptre MK I (1963-1965)

Description

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Related items
Humber Sceptre | British Automotive 1960s | Vehicles launched in 1963 | Rootes

Technical

Technical
  • Humber Sceptre mk1 Technical details and specifications  (1963-1965)

    ENGINE 1,592cc
    front, 4 stroke
    cylinders: 4, vertical, in line
    bore and stroke: 3.21 x 3 in, 81.5 x 76.2 mm
    engine capacity: 97.14 cu in, 1,592 cu cm
    compression ratio: 9.1
    cylinder block: cast iron
    cylinder head: light alloy
    crankshaft bearings: 3
    valves: 2 per cylinder, overhead, in line, push-rods and rockers
    camshafts: 1, side
    lubrication: eccentric pump, full flow filter
    lubricating system capacity: 9.50 imp pt, 11.42 US pt, 5.41
    carburation: 1 Solex 32 PAIA downdraught twin barrel carburettor
    fuel feed: mechanical pump
    cooling system: water

    TRANSMISSION
    driving wheels: rear
    clutch: single dry plate, hydraulically controlled
    gearbox: mechanical; gears: 4 + reverse and overdrive
    gearbox ratios: I 3.346, II 2.141, III 1.392, IV 1, overdrive/top 0.803, rev 4.239
    final drive: hypoid bevel
    axle ratio: 4.222.

    CHASSIS
    type integral
    front suspension: independent, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar, telescopic dampers
    rear suspension: rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf-springs, telescopic dampers.

    STEERING
    recirculating ball
    turns of steering wheel lock to lock: 3.25.
    turning circle (between walls): 36 ft, 11 m

    BRAKES
    front disc (diameter 9.75 in, 248 mm), rear drum, servo
    area rubbed by linings: front 199 sq in, 1,283.55 sq cm, rear 99 sq in, 638.55 sq cm, total 298 sq

    ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
    voltage: 12 V
    battery: 38 Ah
    dynamo: 300 W
    ignition distributor: Lucas
    headlamps: 4.

    DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
    wheel base: 101 in, 2,565 mm
    front track: 51.75 in, 1,314 mm
    rear track: 48.50 in, 1,232 mm
    overall length: 167 in, 4,242 mm;
    overall width: 63.25 in, 1,606 mm
    overall height: 57 in, 1,448 mm
    ground clearance: 6.50 in, 165 mm
    dry weight: 2,383 1b, 1,081 kg

    © Motor car History

Service
  • Humber Sceptre MK I maintenance and Service Guide (1963-1965)

    fuel: 95-100 oct petrol
    engine oil: 8 imp pt, 9.51 US pt, 4.5 1, SAE 1OW-30, change every 2,000 miles, 3,200 km
    gearbox oil: 1.75 imp pt, 2.11 US pt, 1 1, SAE 90, change every 6,000 miles, 9,700 km
    cooling system capacity: 13.20 imp pt, 15.85 US Pt, 7.5 1.
    steering box oil: SAE 90
    greasing: none
    tappet clearances: inlet 0.012 in, 0.30 mm, exhaust 0.014 in, 0.36 mm
    valve timing: inlet opens 14° before tdc and closes 52° after bdc, exhaust opens 56° before bdc and closes 10° after tdc
    tyre pressure (medium load): front 27 psi, 1.9 atm, rear 27 psi, 1.9 atm.
    tyres: 6.00 x 13; fuel
    tank capacity: 10.5 imp gal, 12.7 US gal, 48 1.
    carrying capacity: 882 1b, 400 kg

    © Motor car History

Manuals

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