Humber Sceptre donated to Kids Under Cover

The Humber was donated by Leighton Passant for auction through Manheim at a future time. All proceeds from the sale will go to Kids Under Cover's (KUC) work in preventing youth homelessness.

Passant is a keen classic car enthusiast, who provided KUC with some interesting details ion the car's history, including its time in service with the Australian High Commission in London.

In line with all other vehicles in the fleet at the time, the MkII Sceptre was fitted with the latest Borg-Warner type 35 automatic transmission.

Following two years' service with the AHC, the car was purchased by the Diplomat to the High Commission at the completion of his posting and imported to Canberra, when Leighton later purchased it, having been in love with the make and model for years.

Within the broad Rootes Group stable of marques and models, the MkII Sceptre has its origins in 1962, planned as a replacement for the Sunbeam Rapier sport saloon. However, at the last minute, the design was transferred to the Humber marque and the Rapier continued in production.

Standard features of the MkII Sceptre include Solex dual-throat carburettor, Dunlop S41 low profile tyres, 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive, telescopic adjustable steering column, full sports instruments (including Tachometer), power assisted front disc brakes and an alternator.

Luxury features included contoured, fully reclining front bucket seats; proof coating and extensive sound deadening material under the fully-carpeted floor (including the boot), deep, double curve front windscreen and courtesy lights on all doors. The Mark II version of the Sceptre was released in 1965 with many additional features, including a more powerful 1725cc. engine, with an aluminium head, 5 bearing crankshaft and high performance camshaft.

For details on how to donate yor car to Kids Under Cover, click here