Why Does Nobody Care About Pre War Cars? (1934 Humber 12 Drive)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- WIN a Sealey tool kit with Lancaster Insurance: bit.ly/3p8ylzi
All classic, rare and interesting cars are soaring in value lately, with the exception of pre-war cars, which remain almost unbelievably cheap. So why are they so unloved, why don't people care about pre-war cars? Phil and Joe took a drive in a delightful 1930s Humber to find out!
Thanks to Kim Cairns Classic Cars for loan of this car: www.kimcairnsc...
Proudly supported by Lancaster Insurance - get a quote on YOUR classic car insurance here: www.lancasteri...
- Music -
• Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum - Everything Where it Needs to Be: • Video
Classics World is a family of brands that includes ten classic publications plus many souvenir bookazines. Check out great offers on these and more on shop.kelsey.co...
More classic car news and reviews online. Stay up to date with our weekly newsletter - register today at classicsworld....
• Facebook: / classicsworlduk
• Instagram: @classicsworlduk
• Twitter: @ClassicsWorldUK
All content on this channel is - unless otherwise stated - the opinion of the given party and any offence caused is severely apologised for. Any and all third-party content is credited and referenced to the best of our ability and all externally-created content is entirely the legal property of its original and rightful owner/s. All rights respected.
WIN a Sealey tool kit with Lancaster Insurance: bit.ly/3p8ylzi
Great video I love the prewar cars
To old for childhood memories and zero parts...No one wants an expensive banger blocking their driveway. Post War cars have far better parts availability.
@@brokeandtired I was born in the 80s
Well I'm not sure about Britain but if I had to guess I would say a lot of collectors fear that the parts would be harder to come by for pre-war cars and even if you did get a couple of connections for parts the parts may actually cost you who knows four times more then maintaining a 60s or 70s car I know here in the states it would probably be cheaper to restore a 60s or 70s Cadillac then it would to restore and maintain a 32 Ford coupe unless of course you're in the right area and you have the correct connections for parts you have to figure that some collectors are not mechanically inclined they just have money they buy these things for showpieces and they leave the maintenance to somebody else so it could be that they calculated that their maintenance bill is going to be much much higher than if they purchase the 60s or 70s car furthermore they have to understand that we're also reaching a zenith with a generation and let's just say the younger the baby boomers may not be as crazy about pre-work cars as they're older siblings of say somebody approaching their 80s so it's a matter of taste changing and the economics behind it is what my guess would be!
Its simple nostalgic logic actually. You see no one is left alive who was alive during that time. The people of that time period's children are in their 60s to 90s. People like stuff that they have a feeling and relationship to according to the time they were born to at most 10 to 20 years before their time but that past nostalgic time of before they were alive means less to them than when they are alive. Seeing as how cars from the 1960s to 1980s were what people's parents drove to grand parents drove and anything really after grand parent age drops in value and nostalgic wanting of. You see the pre war cars are stuck in that time of not being a war collectable and being from a time that no one is alive from and the people who knew of people who lived during that time are also dying out in mass numbers so the feeling of wanting of that time is gone because none now live who remember it. No one wants them because no one know anyone who was alive during that time. There is no emotions of love and respect for the items because everyone who bought the brand new or made them has been dead for over 50 years. Over 80% of the worlds population is under 40 years old. Over 80% of the worlds population was born over 10 years after 90% of the generations that owned those cars died. The reason the 1960s and 1970s cars are going for so much right now is because the people who bought them and made them are the grand parents of the modern mass population generation. To put it bluntly the people that want the 1960s to 1980s cars are the people who made them and were the first to buy them or the children to grandchildren of the people who bought them and made them and people love to understand and do stuff like their parents and grandparents. The grandchildren of those pre war cars are grand parents themselves now to even great grandparents. There is just no respect for them because the people that passed on the love of those cars died over half a century ago. I am sorry to admit this sad fact but its the truth and I do not apologize unless I really mean it because this does hurt my soul. As much as we want things to stay the same and as much as we want people and those emotions to exist the truth is time moves on long after we are gone and much gets forgotten in time such as the love that people had for people and things long ago. The people who loved those cars because it was their first car is dead and has been dead for over half a century. Their time passed as the people who loved them as their children to grandchildren are now dying in mass numbers themselves now and their children will be passing on after them.
Always wanted to own a car like this. You’ve got to remember that no ‘civilian’ cars were produced during the war, so many 1930s vehicles were still on the road in the 1960s.
Where I come from in the Arizona desert, cars don't rust and many were still in regular use in the 1970s and early 80s until the city grew so big and there were more careless drivers is when people started putting them away except for the weekends.
we had a 42 Pontiac in the family for a while. It existed, but the interesting bit is that it didn't have any chrome.
I mean now it would be like saying there's a lot of 90's car on the road which there is, even without a global war people do drive 30 year old car on a daily basis, but they're much less noticeable than a 30's car in the 60's or 70's
@@drwatson32bit IIRC all 1942 model year cars sold in the US were sold without cosmetic chrome. Even the bumpers were painted. They called them "blackout specials" as it seemed to be designed for not causing glare in air raids. Civilian chrome also took resources away from war production, which was ramping up even before Pearl Harbor.
Not true
Nostalgia. People want a car they remember from their past. Pre war cars were experienced by people now mostly dead.
Totally agree, it why 80s cars are climbing in price
I was born in the late 50's & i love 50's & 60's cars because i remember them when i was young
Spot on. I agree.
Not always. I don't remember the 1960s at all but I've owned three cars from then and still own (and love!) a Singer from 1964. For me and many others it's about a love of styling, design and mechanics.
Well I remember as a youngster in the early fifties travelling in a Humber 12 like this that my mum drove. We had a number of cars during the 'used car boom' that were bought 'restored' at my Dads garage and quickly sold on. This one and a Morris 8 tourer stuck around as she rather liked them.
I use my pre-war car as a daily driver, they can be very usable (with a few little tweaks for modern traffic conditions), the biggest problem is that many of the owners are typically older men and they just don't use their cars, either because they are too old and struggle or the car is seen as too "precious". Not using the car means that they are not seen on the roads, and are therefore not being desired. My view is to use the cars as much as possible, while we still can, it is not going to be easier to drive an older car (or any car for that matter with ICE), there are only going to be more restrictions, these cars can't all go into museums, so use & enjoy and hopefully, interest in younger people will be sparked as a result!
That's fantastic Gary, god speed!
Agree entirely, I try and get out in something old whenever I can
i reckon historical vehicles will get exempt just like they are from tax, mot and ulez
I drive my 1926 Model T Ford everywhere as a normal car. And I drive it at night and in the rain, just like they did in 1926. I’ve even taken it places you’d need a modern 4WD. Definitely not ‘precious’, but a reliable car for the masses that could go anywhere, and that’s exactly how I use it.
So true. I would never pay such 5 figure sums for a car just to leave one sit in the garage all the time. I mostly avoid USA interstates even in my modern car as they've gotten too dangerous and all are overflowing with truck traffic.
Cars from the 80s and 70s can still do pretty much everything a modern car can do and even be daily driven, thats probably a factor for alot of people.
You can even add EFI to them and make them start like a modern car too which is a plus.
I can tell you've never owned a car from the 80s or 70s have you.
@@TheWestIsDead
I have driven cars of the 'Teens and 'Twenties in daily service for forty years now. My current regular driver of a '24 Chrysler, my work truck is a Ford A, and the Better Half runs a Dodge Brothers Victory Six Brougham. All run well and reliably. none are suitable for the Interstate, of course, but for surface streets they travel along comfortably enough at fifty or fifty-five.
@@TheWestIsDead I daily drive a '75. The only difference in lifestyle is warming up the engine for 30 seconds before driving.
@@TheWestIsDead Why? He is right. I own 4 cars from the 80s and they drive more or less like a modern car minus the useless electronic stuff.
You answered your own question chaps, the people who remember these cars are no longer with us, the interest has died with them. Still, they are part of automotive history, personally I would love to have a go driving one, so different from the experience of the modern motor.
That pretty much sums it up i suppose. The people who ARE into these cars now are likely to have grown up with a father who was into them.. so will have full appreciation.
The impact of hydraulic brakes and vacuum servos on sheer effort multiplication can't be denied.
Also, with a cable or rod operated system it's not the drum brakes that are necessarily the problem- The front wheels must steer so movement is lost in the system which can mean quite a 'long' brake pedal....the slightly scary feel of pre-war brakes is to a great extent down to the way the effort is moved to the brake drum.
I believe a lot of people would fall in love with an older car on the second or third drive of their life...as long as the thing stops.
The best thing for them is make hotrods out of them, you can't drive them on motorways to slow, also all the modern cars pull in front of you and slam there power brakes on.
It you leave a braking distance someone pulls into it, the suspension is terrible and you must fit radial tyres, nobody looks for traffic actors I had everybody on there horns at me.
@@thephilpott2194 70's cars don't stop like a modern car either, but after a little while your foot gets stronger and you get used to it.
These cars were still on the road in the 1960s since no ‘civilian’ cars were produced during the war. Many people approaching retirement will still remember them.
@@sirrathersplendid4825 I'm in my late 60's and I remember them well, often driven by some ancient looking people. ;-)
Driving a prewar car is an experience. It teaches you alot about driving and should be done by every driver. You have to concentrate on your driving, re
Re stopping distances courtesy for others and much more.
If you tested a big Humber, like my 37 Snipe or 47 Snipe, youd find it smooth, quiet, torquey, swift and silent. Also simple to maintain and a public reaction that is universally charmed and way moreso than the later classics ive owned. 70s & 80s stuff just look all the same, boxy, plastic and vinyl. The only reason theyre cheap is ignorance, people can only think of what they already recognise.
Don Rico - "70s & 80s stuff just look all the same, boxy, plastic and vinyl". Yup! And let's not mention the early 2000s identical-twin jelly beans! Aarrgghh! Those were times when I couldn't tell a Benz from a Nissan until I saw the badge. One could see that the manufacturers had been in bed with each other: they bore mutant children with no personality.
Don is your Snipe the 4 litre side valve ?
Yes, you’d notice all those things unless you’ve driven a modern car … 😂😂😂
@@bertiewooster3326 that's the one.
My uncle drove a Snipe in the '60s, ex British consulate in L.A. He liked it a lot, but was always "Going through" cars. The first I saw him drive was a '63 Ranchero, then Toyota & Mitsubishi pickups.
This same phenomenon occurred with cars from the 1910 to 1930s. In the 1960s many collectors were buying and restoring early open cars that were almost horseless carriages. The same thing has happened in Art and the collecting of very fine objects and furniture. The younger generation has no understanding or appreciation of them.
Prewar design suddenly became old fashioned looking. If you need more evidence just look at what has happened to Rolls Royce, Bentley and Jaguar. As well as Mercedes. Design-wise they are gone.
Darn pity because I know a fair number of people who want to be somewhat old fashioned. A classic car would suit the look.
Precise.
not on rolls royce. phaetons ghosts etc. those are phenomenally popular from the 1930's...you just don't see them because they are few and far between and in the hands of wealthy owners.
@@JP-vs1ys Yes, but there's a reason that the current VW- owned RR has distanced itself from it design history so greatly. The current models are barely discernible as Rolls Royces. RR doesn't want to be associated with the past and current owners who have paid a half million for a RR don't want to pull up next to a car that looks like theirs but is being driven by a successful junk dealer.
70s and 80s cars are becoming popular now with young people. Some are worth a lot now. People junked a lot of now valuable cars from the 70s during the 90s lol..
Learn to double declutch and go for it. Prewar cars bring lots of pleasure in so many ways. (1936 Austin 7 Ruby, owned for the last 25 years).
Very true. But if there's one thing i would generally mod., it would be the brakes.
When cars were built from left over bicycle parts, bits of timber and brass fittings like letter boxes…..obnoxious heaps of shit!
well i am blowed. first the Humber 12 my first car. now my second the little car Austin ruby 7. sold it to G Flowers scrap yard in Chippenham Wilshire. 1959/61. for £4.00. Old Money.
I own a 1929 Model A & Im 29 years old, going on 30. I always felt like an “old soul” & love history prior to the 1940s. I think interest in antique cars is going up & so is the price but I think it depends on the car itself. I can very easily get parts for my Model A & they still make reproductions cheaply for everything on them like Model Ts, however I imagine owning something like an Packard would be quite different & harder to own because they don’t really make parts for them like they do for Ts & As.
But I think the general public just don’t have much interest in them because its not their taste really, everyone loves post war cars more & are more easily recognizable. Of course, people love seeing pre-war cars but they wouldn’t own one or buy one because everyone seems intimidated by them whereas post war cars from the 50s-70s are fairly modern to drive. Even though they are probably more expensive to maintain than a pre-war car when it comes to parts & repairs.
As for my Model A, she is all stock & my daily driver. She wont get you anywhere in a hurry but shes a joy to drive once you get all the mechanical stuff up to spec & she will get you there in style (and smelling a little like gas). She is my first classic & have had her over a year now. I think the only draw back is driving it in modern traffic, while it can keep up with speed limits & modern traffic… its the idiots on the road that I worry about more, people just drive so stupid these days & have no respect for these old cars that don’t get to 60 mph in 3 seconds. So they will tail gate you & rage at you sometimes but thats not the cars fault & doesn’t stop me from enjoying it.
But overall, people should consider pre-war cars as they are nothing but fun & smiles per gallon.
God bless
yeah. very true. makes it hard to enjoy. for starters...get classic insurance if you don't already have it. it takes some of the fear out of me relative to tailgaters.
@@JP-vs1ys Problem is most classic insurance only allows very specific uses, basically just going to car meets and stuff, and have strict mileage limits. Don't allow any sort of dailying-type use. You can get regular insurance but they don't cover it for even a tiny portion of what it's worth - assume value only goes down. I daily a '70s Beetle and just have liability on it, accept the risk for myself. At least with tailgaters though, if they hit you it's their fault and their insurance has to pay to fix it. But no insurance - yours or theirs - can replace something super unique, or find parts that are not available to fix it.
might be late, damn! almost the same age, really love the classics, tho currently i own a 66 coronet, huge huge boat of a car, easily can block lanes here in the philippines, yes true the only thing that youd watch out are the people driving around you without respect, got my driver door nicked by a tricycle (some form of public transpo here), would love to get a pre war car to be honest, the likes of a packard, something that is well done and turn key.
My grandfather owned a 1936 pierce arrow v12 town car. It was a one off prototype and he got it in perfect original condition for $500 in the 1950s. He later sold it for a corvette and a few years ago it was sold for about $250,000. It’s crazy how there was a time when nobody wanted it. It’s a shame not many people make parts for old cars other that model A’s. If I could drive an old car I would want something like a packard, Cadillac, Chrysler, or pierce-arrow, but there is no parts to go through them.
I should mention that the pierce arrow was not his only old car. He left behind two very rare 1928 Chrysler’s and a rare 1937 Cadillac. He got ‘em when they were cheap, now it would cost way too much to buy them. He was not rich.
I'm 50 (think I'm still 20 though 😆) and I own a 1932 Morris Minor Two-Seater and absolutely love it. Did over 4000 miles in it last year.
I love the look of the pre-war cars, the running boards, the flaired fenders, the big chromed headlights, the spit winged hood and don't forget the classic hood ornament. I would love to have one that has been modernized, powered disc brakes, power steering, modern suspension, AC, modern motor and drive line. But I would NOT want it hotroded.
Just a beautiful pre-war classic car with modern reliability, safety and convince.
Well, that's not a classic anymore, now is it? You might as well buy a kit car or a neo-classic. Save yourself the trouble and keep a perfectly clean, original example still perfectly clean.
I was always envious of the legroom in cars like this. When I was growing up in the 1970s, a Cadillac Fleetwood was about the only car in which you could really stretch your legs, and it would wouldn't fit in many garages. I understand why they moved the rear seats forward after the war; better ride and more room across, not to mention the trunk space, but it came at a cost. I suppose today's minivans and some SUVs are the modern vehicles that come closest to the layout of pre-war sedans.
Buy a Traction Avant and modify that; there's pre and post war models (23 year model run!), and there were about 3/4 million made so modifying one isn't a big deal.
Well done, guys! Thank you for putting the case for prewar cars. I’m of the appropriate age to appreciate the tradition, skill and craftsmanship that went into them. They were not knocked out in one minute; they were lovingly constructed. I have a 1930 Fabric bodied 1930 Morris Oxford Six and a 1935 Riley Kestrel and l love them! That’s not to say l don’t like cars from the 1960’s (l have some of these too!) but that doesn’t eclipse the prewar cars; they’re just different….
Right, watch a film of the model t being knocked out in Trafford park and tell me about care and attention … 😂😂😂
Over the past few years I have developed an increasing respect and liking for pre-war cars. Their 'upright' design makes them easier to enter, sit in and exit than modern cars which often require one to be a midget and cortortionist to enter and exit.
Hmm, kinda, the cars are quite high, but so is the floor. And they are often a little cozier inside then you would think. If you're longer then 6 feet you have some modifying to do to comfortably get in and out and even drive in these cars
I'll contend that your final statement isn't particularly accurate- at 6'2" tall, I have comfortably fit inside and driven a 1st-gen Miata (both convertible and as a hard-top), and daily-drive a C4 Corvette, a car infamous for its so-called 'difficult' entry and exit. I've found that the 'Vette can be tight in narrow parking spaces (the doors swing quite wide) but beyond that it's actually very easy to get into and out of. The real problem has nothing to do with being tiny and a contortionist; it has to do with age and lack of fitness causing people to lose their mobility.
@@DrTheRich "Hmm" - are you a bee?
I just love my 1938 Big Austin Seven, fun to drive!
Fantastic choice, Ian!
Great stuff, don't see too many around
I am 47, and I just bought a 1933 Morris 10/4 Saloon, and I can tell you that the most important thing is how it makes you feel. I absolutely love it. You drive a piece of history
I really like the classic elegance and style of many pre-war cars, but driving them on modern roads is the main issue. I live in rural Australia, and it's bloody hot a lot of the time, and 2 hours on the highway to the nearest major town/city, so not practical or comfortable to pilot many of the smaller engined models from that era. Really, you need something that can comfortably cruise at 60mph, and also support the fitment of aftermarket a/c plus upgraded brakes and seat belts, before you'd consider it. That said, I am toying with the idea of a classic Riley RMB or Citroen Traction Avant, as they are very stylish, fairly capable, and inexpensive enough to be an option for regular people (ideally I'd go for a S Type Bentley or older style immediately post war Jag, for their extra performance, but they are still way to expensive). I personally am happy that these type of cars are relatively affordable, gives those of us whom are interested a fighting chance of affording one (or more, hahaha). Cheers!
I agree with you on most of your points. especially the one about brakes. even into the 50's a lot of cars had brakes in word only. my first car, a Morris Minor of around 1958 vintage was woefully underpowered, but with the brakes that you needed legs like Arnies to make any sort of dent in your speed, even after a complete rebuild from master cylinder through to all wheels, having a pitiful top speed of around 90 Km/hr was a blessing in reality. and as for the distances we have to travel here in Australia as you mentioned, you do need a car with long legs to make it a reasonably comfortable experience.
Watch out if you get an import Phillip. There have been one or two horror stories about Aussie customs ripping out anything that 'might' have asbestos in it.....and they're none too careful about doing it. Pre-selector gearboxes have been ruined, brake and clutch linings ripped out.
I often drive my Model T for a couple of hours in 40 degree heat, at 75km/h down the freeway. Grew up without air con, still don’t need it. Worst thing to do is to expect a vintage car to be like a modern so it can be driven the same way. They’re totally different things.
I think another thing to factor in is the scarcity and cost of pre-war cars in Australia. A lot of the members of Facebook groups I'm in constantly complain about the lack of interest in older cars from young people, but can't seem to grasp the fact that most 25 year olds simply can't afford to drop $35,000 on a restored Austin 7 or $10,000 on an incomplete mess of a '41 Ford ute.
@@atomicmillenial9728 thats true. especially with the way prices are going crazy at the moment. 11 years ago my brother and his wife bought a V8 GTS HK Monaro. they paid just under $12k for it. they sold it 6 months ago at auction for $120k. go figure.
I think that we’ve all become used to cars we just hop in and drive, I barely remember my first car had a choke but no PAS, ABS or any other three letter acronym. We can only hope that dedicated people keep these going for our descendants to enjoy.
Nice video. I have a 1933 Daimler LQ 2/20 limousine (definitely a memorable name). A large car with a very different driving experience, although not much faster. Has hydraulic brakes, so easy stopping and a semi automatic gearbox, so no double declutching here. OK, so there is no heater and the steering is heavy, but each trip is an event, even if it is only to Aldi, which we do regularly. They need using, as being stationery can cause all manner of issues. You also need to be a bit handy, as finding mechanics who are able to fix a car with a spanner rather than a computer can prove tricky and expensive. I started with 30s cars back in the 1980s ….the Austin 7 we had at the time doubled in price in 2 years as those in their 40s and 50s bought them up, just like you described the hot 1980s market. The majority of 20s and 30s cars will continue to be affordable for the foreseeable. Nice.
.
That sounds fantastic Steve, kudos for using it for the Aldi shop!
'CO' registration. Originally registered in Plymouth!😀 Can't beat these classic cars! When cars had more character back then! Now a days they all look the same. Great video!
This vid was recommended to me by the youtube algo, and it was WONDERFUL.
I'm an older fellow, though not old enough to really appreciate a Humber, but it was GREAT to see you admiring the car for what it is. And, I'd LOVE to take it for a ride, looked very fun.
Thanks for watching, Joseph! Glad you enjoyed the video :)
I’ve been amazed at stuff popping up on fb market place. Proper chassised cars from the early fifties and even before that for really very little money, running ,tatty in places but absolutely not wrecks. Fortunately I don’t have the space. My 61 Landy can sit outside with little grief. I couldn’t do that to a Morris 10.
It’s the same in the vintage motorcycle world. Mad prices for 60’s British and 70’s Japanese bikes. And there are loads of them stashed in garages. But once we are gone, prices will crash.
Always liked the Humber ww ll staff car ,looked very purposeful.
"Would I own a pre-war car?" Oh yes. Definitely, and something like this too.
What a lovely old car. I have a 70's classic and would love one of these if I had the room, a driving experience that is totally different.
UK badge pre-war car owner/driver in the US here, and I couldn't agree more with the thought that someone, somewhere has the spares and bits needed in a shed someplace. A kindly gentleman in Australia has helped me keep my '37 Vauxhall DX roadworthy!
Love my '35 Morris. Only really gets used for popping into town and occasional coffee run. That's mainly because where I live in New Zealand (Wellington) are AWFUL roads for a vintage car. I'm moving back to UK end of year so it will be coming back with me. Ideal vehicle for the old pub run. People are happy to stop and chat when they see it, always get a wave and a smile when we're out which makes the whole thing worthwhile. The thing is an absolute hoot to drive, who'd have thought wavy steering at 35mph could be so entertaining. As for the constant possibility of understeer and front wheel tuck on the twisty bits when hoofing it, what a blast 😄.
I live in Wellington too (well, Kapiti now) and yes, not so great for old cars. I was trying to work out how far you could get out of Wellington without using a main, busy road. Not far. With Transmission Gully done I am now waiting for Peka Peka to Otaki to be done making the roads around me back roads.
David I strongly recommend you stay in NZ the UK is rammed with people,foreigners horrendous roads overcrowding etc etc stay where you are Seriously stay where you are.
I do own a pre-war car, a 1941 Chevrolet Master Deluxe coupe, built 7 months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I love it, you are an active participant in driving, not just along for the ride. Cup holders? Nah, you are much too busy actually driving. It’s easy to work on and there is a certain thrill to searching out the correct period parts and keeping it as original as possible. Some people do put modern engines, seats etc. in their pre-war cars, something I’ve never understood because a huge part of the thrill is seeing how people used to drive before WWII when this world was a very different place. It’s a genuine time machine!
What a stunning car, full of character. Problem is people want the car from their youth, what they drove or their dad drove. Me, just to be different, I'd go for the Humber.
Greetings from the USA, the TH-cam algorithm brought me here. All the things you fellas talk about hold water. I'm 52 and when I was a kid in the 1970's and 80's Ford Model T's and A's were VERY popular and there were large clubs devoted to them. My grandfather, born 1914, was a big Model A lover and my grandmothers brother had a restord A roadster. 40 years later and for the most part the Greatest Generation is past on and in the US a "nice" Model A "Tudor" that is ready to run down the road can be had for five thousand US$ where I live in Iowa. Model T's are struggleing in price now because they are limited to 35-45 MPH depending on how old they are and if they have luxuries like electric start they command a little more. At my age I was used to driving "old" cars from the 50's and 60's growing up and things like non-powered drum brakes, bias ply tires, 6 volt electrics, etc. don't bother me, and I still have a 46 GMC pickup I bought in high school. But people of my daughters generation look at me like I'm driving a Stagecoach when I talk about it.
I own a prewar car, a 1942 Chevrolet and in some ways it is superior to a comparable modern car. This was General Motors low priced offering at the time but it has much more room and comfort inside than any modern economy car. It has a smooth six cylinder engine, independent suspension, and is very pleasant to drive within its limitations. Stick to lightly traveled roads at no more than 50 MPH or 90KM per hour and it feels like it could go on forever.
I love many prewar cars including Austin’s, MG, Morgan and particularly SS Jaguars.
My 1947 Vauxhall was a 1939, model , taken up for production after WW 2. It had synchromesh on 2 and 3.
I drove an Austin 7 at “drive dads car” and it was easily the most joyous driving experience of my life. I would have something from this era in an instant.
A great watch…good fun and nice to see such a lovely old Humber.
My 103e Popular is essentially a pre war car, and I use it as my daily drive. It's slow, and noisy compared to the Berlingo van provided by my employer, but it is so different it's actually relaxing to drive. I always keep a small stock of parts that are likely to be needed at short notice such as points, condenser and some gaskets. Keep an eye on the oil level until you get used to what it consumes, and use the correct grade, old engines often don't like modern oil grades. Mine is a bit shabby round the edges, but that means I don't feel too precious about it, so have no fear of car park knocks. It always gets more attention than any modern, expensive sports car or vile SUV, I get 35-40 mpg, which suits me, and it carries my drum kits with a bit of 'inventive' loading. All in all, less than £5k well spent.
As he said he has loads of room on the back. Been in s few modern cars used as taxis and I adult can hardly get in the back.
The rear seats tend to be low down and when you manage to get in there is no head space. I wouldn't mind of these new cars where classed as small cars but that are not.
It's almost as though passenger comfort has been forgotten these days.
I have a unique love for 1930s cars - my pops was born in 1933 - with many 1937 thru 1939 model in my top 20.
I'm across the pond, so Dodge, Buick, Plymouth, Oldsmobile, Lincoln are among my favorites. But wow, that right-handed is really gorgeous. Thanks.
For me, there are two reasons: styling and usability. Pre-war cars are largely of the separate-wings and running board type and hence all have a similar look. It was only really the start of the 50’s did we get cars that really began to be distinctive from their rivals. I went to a car museum recently and struggled to tell the difference in all the pre-war makes.
I can take my 1960’s car and it’ll do 50 miles without worry. I can take it to the shops and on the motorway, where it will sit at 70. I would struggle to do with same with much from the 30’s
That's down to familiarity; to me pre-war cars have greater variety in looks and detail, whereas post-war cars are all much the same! As for reliability and no-worries motoring, give me a pre-war car every time; just yesterday I did over 120 miles in my 92-year old Austin Seven without any worries, and it's ready to repeat the process without any further attentions. Of course it won't sit on the motorway at 70mph, but nor will most cars of the fifties and sixties - they just weren't built for that sort of motoring.
I've driven my tatty Austin 7 from China to Southend with not one mechanical issue over 8500mls so your talking tosh chum !
@@paulbritcliffe4372 when it was new though !
@@saxon-mt5by many late 1950's early 1960's cars would not cope with motorway either without overheating being flogged along at 60-70 mph with low gearing like 15 mph/1000 rpm or less. A pre war MG would be a nice drive, would love one myself but not a motorway car. having said that I saw a 1927 Bentley 4 1/2 litre tanking up the M40 well in excess of 70 mph a couple of years back.
It's the post-war cars that all look alike, and there isn't much to look at either: no long bonnet, elegant sweeping fenders, or impressive radiators and separate headlamps, just a three box design. All the interesting manufacturers - Hispano-Suiza, Isotta-Fraschini, Bugatti, Duesenberg, Lorraine Dietrich and many others - were gone. The truly interesting body styles - sedanca de ville, dual cowl phaetons, sedanca coupes - were gone, as were the independent coachbuilders that produced them. With the exception of a few Brits and Italian exotics, a sea of mass produced banality is what post-war cars. And even the rarest Ferrari doesn't quite cut the mustard when compared against - say - a Mercedes 540 Spezial Roadster.
That's beautiful. A proper car shape.
My Mum and Dad had a Humber car just like this back in the day. The block cracked so my Dad had it welded but it failed again and eventually he had to scrap it.
Video request... a week living with a pre-war car please 😉
We had an Wolsley when I wer' a kid, replete with 'scroll' bumpers made out of a steel strip, pop up indicators like the Humber in the video and you started the windscreen wipers by twisting the knobs at the top of the windscreen. I think it was a side valve 4 . And it went quite slowly....
I've sort of quite like the running boards and the amazing access to the engine with the gull wing bonnet.
I was particularly impressed with the Bristol Siddeley our lodger had! Well smooth, seemed really fast to a 6 year old me!
Based on the comments, I hope to pick up a nice series 1 E type for under £10k in 20 years from now!
… if you can get batteries for it … 😂😂😂
This car is wonderful but I'd add one thing: a Rover V8. Oh, and a jag diff and brakes. And power steering. And maybe chop and lower the roof a little. Then maybe some nitrous for a cheeky boost. Then voila! A perfect 88 year old car. Superb upload with a great analysis on much older cars- thank you.
The brakes I get, but dear god leave the original motor. Some muscles will help with the steering. Non-powered steering cars were being made into the eighties.
Yep, a perfect 88 year old car ruined :)
She's really a beauty. 💗😉 Greetings from across the pond! ✌🇺🇸
Thanks for watching! 😁
I'm 36 but had a 1939 Austin 10 GRQ a few years ago. Lack of spairs was a worry and other people's lack of understanding when driving made it difficult sometimes. 60's onwards is definitely easier to live with. Having said that if I ever have garage space for 2 classics I will get a prewar car again.
I was looking at prewar cars, something sporty like old MG, Riley's, etc. However I landed a 1953 Morgan, it has all the design elements that I was looking for from the prewar element, but its still a little performer and I can drive her from the north of the country to the south on the motorway if I please. Older cars do have supply issues, however they're are still parts available, and if you can't find a part you can quite easily find a specialist willing to restore your old part. They're dead easy to work on and as long as you have the time you can do nearly anything yourself on these. They really are a gem.
I'd think if I could buy one I'd do the hipster thing and convert it to electric while keeping the old parts sealed in a box for preservation. There is plenty of space for batteries in the front and it would save the hassle of looking for engine parts.
For me pre-war cars are just the best looking ones and actually one you can wear your hat in it.
Fuck electric cars
The sound of the engine is the soul of a pre-war car. It's nothing like modern cars. I've never missed a radio in my 29 Ford a. really if you electrify one you miss out on so much joy. The car feels, sounds, smells alive. Electrifying it would make it dead inside. Not saying this from a purist perspective, but genuinely because you would be ruining the experience.
I had a 36 Morris Eight in the early 2000s when I lived in Suffolk - well suited to the area and I coud drive it through quiet country lanes all day. I now live in Cardiff - in theory there are quite roads out in mid Wales - but getting there would be terrifying as most routes require a journey on the M4 or other busy dual carriageways.
It simply boils down to demographics - the popularity of cars from the 60s to 90s is mainly due to buyers who always wanted a particular car from that era,but never had the funds at the time. Or had a particular car, but needed to sell it to accommodate a growing family. Fast forward to 2022 - the kids have left home, and the mortgage almost paid off, so all of a sudden that Escort/Capri/P6/Golf GTi etc. is finally in reach………
All of the above, plus “my folks had an MG (or a Malibu, or a Fiat, or a …) when I was a kid. I always loved it, but I never got to drive it”
That car is absolutely beautiful to look at.
Finding a older car that you lusted for in your youth but couldn't afford it than but now can....is what makes the car hobby. The older cars than those of your youth do not have the attraction for many BUT here in the US there is a big interest in the "special" older cars such as Duesenberg, Auburn, etc. and they have very high prices as a result. Those cars were real art.
My dream garage would be full of pre and just post war British saloons. Yes please.
My dream garage would be full of tall, slim, young Ukrainian babes at £350 per week … but that’s just me 😂😂😂
Man, you are totally like me.
@@clarivsmedia8697 They are just wonderful motor cars aren't they.
The only British saloons I really care about are those from the Rootes Group. Seemed to always be a cut above their mass-market rivals over at BMC and Ford while also being very interestingly engineered most of the time.
@@jakekaywell5972 I agree. A Hillman Minx, of any mark, would also be welcome in my 'dream garage'.
I would love that Humber 12.....beautiful car.
I'm very lucky to own a lovely 1934 MG ND. Sold as a competition car by the MG Car Company and fitted with a supercharged straight six it actually keeps up with modern traffic quite well. Sounds fabulous and great fun to drive. The main issue (as others have said) are other drivers that see the old car and feel compelled to pull out in front of you; then you find that the 12" cable drum brakes do need a lot of effort to pull up. Good trick with the MG is to use the hand-brake as well as it acts on the same brake shaft at the foot-brake and has good leverage. Broke the foot-brake casting on a 1932 MG D-Type going down a steep hill; so very glad to have the effective hand-brake.
What you said at the end of not being afraid to dive in and recognise the fact that a) It'd be far rarer to see one of these at a classic car show than a Morris and b) it really isn't as bad to maintain as people think, has inspired me quite a bit! I'm currently trying to get some work done on an old KMZ k-750. Soviet bike. Terrified at the moment but come to think of it, it really is no different to say, an old Harley!
That's the spirit!
I want a pre war car now! That Ford A with the gas gennerator going for 8600 pounds looks sweet. Especially with fuel prices these days.
I've owned a 1949 Vauxhall velox for forty years. I was 17 when I got it and had never seen one before. I restored it over ten years and I used it for about ten years when I laid it up to do some work on it. You have to make allowances for the handling and brakes although neither are that bad. You have to drive a car like this and respect the fact that expectations were different seventy years ago. My 1967 Victor is so much more modern and could easily be an everyday driver yet there's barely eighteen years between them.
The price of petrol & the fuel consumption of pre-war cars might have something to do with it 🤔
They are not really that high in consumption. Obviously depending on the car but my Model A gets 25 mpg & fills up on 15-20$.
Thats pretty good compared to cars from the 1950s-80s
@@Thekris0927 you Americans with your cheap gas... It's currently $70 (converted) here to fill up mine
Nice to see a Humber of this style still around. I grew up in the 50s, my dad had a ww2 surplus super snipe.
Map tables on the seat backs and a plaque explaining the gun mount. Really! RPE296 probably went for scrap in the 60s.
Lo
A friend of mine has a humber 16 1938 I think, beautiful car
Comments say that the people who owned/drove these pre war are gone now.
As with the song says, 'it ain't necessarily so&.
I had a 1936 Austin ruby as my daily driver in 1967/8, I'm now 70! and still alive to the best of my knowledge.:)
Even in films of the UK, pre war cars seem to still be relatively common in the 1950s & 60s.
Here in NZ pre war cars, particularly Morris 8s were in abundance on our roads in the 1960s!
But yes, people are drawn to cars by that they experienced in one way or another.
My old cars= Standard 10, reliant 3wheeled super van, Suzuki Front'e ( two stroke 360cc 3 cylinder rear engine),etc.l now own a delightful Nissan cube Z12.
Great video thanks awfully!
My fathers cars were all pre-war, Standard, Lanchester, Ford, Vuaxhall, Morgan and Wolseley. They all sounded smashing.
You hit the nail on the head when you said ‘if I had the room’. These cars need a garage and only taken out on fine days because they are not weatherproof (unless maybe you have one meticulously restored)
young people can’t afford houses with a garage. Often the garage is used for the washing machine, the kids bikes the lawnmower.
I would love one. I like the mechanical noise from the straight cut gears.
I drive mine in rain, snow, wind etc, but yes I do store it in a barn. Not because it's not weather proof, but to preserve it. The sun and the weather are harsh on cars. I hope mine gets to go another 100 years
Nostalgia is a big part of the market, but it is not the only part of the market. Any ancient artefact tells of a bygone era of society and craftsmanship, which the collector in this case can savor by literally transporting themselves back in time.
Got to say I love prewar cars especially 1930s because of the lack of legislation style was a very strong feature and of course the technology evolved into the 40s with a gap for the war and then continue to the early 50s
We own a 1937 Hillman and a 1937 Ford, lovely to drive, always turn heads when we take them out. If we had the space we would buy more prewar cars, for the price they are great.
Although purists may cringe, there are loads a pre-war owner can do to improve the braking, suspension and usability of these great cars without spending a fortune. That's my plan anyway for the next one I own.
Even orginal breaks can be great, you just need to adjust them properly and upkeep them
'When you get to 50 mph, it's an adventure' I'm having flashbacks to driving my old 1.0 beige Metro.
I have been always keen on unique vehicles that aren't often seen in America; sadly, I live in a state where you can get parts but for a very heft price or they won't deliver to my state because they won't offer their services. I currently have a Citroen DS and the foreign parts store here doesn't carry parts anymore and rarely anyone in their 20s-40s know what it is.
Despite various obstacles that many have towards prewar cars, I see it as an appreciation for what we have now and it's only to become more difficult to get a chance to drive such a vintage. I'm currently considering a Model T or A as my next vehicle.
I’m 20 and lucky to have a 1935 standard. The trouble is finding insurance as well. It’s difficult for younger people to own pre wars because of ridiculous premiums or even being refused a policy
I bought a Riley RM because I saw one when I was a kid, loved everything about it and at 35 years old had the opportunity to buy one. That was in 1984 and I still have it! Pre-war cars hold no interest for me as I don't relate to them at all, any more than my Riley does to people half my age.
That's a fantastic story! Great to hear of someone with nostalgia for a pre-war car!
@@ClassicsWorldUK No it was a post war car - 1949 not a pre-war car
I have a rare 1942 Studebaker Champion that was restored.....the prior owner thought that after renovating he would get a prime price. He couldn't get a 1/3 of his investment. I got a great price IMHO. Love the car!!!
I agree with many of the comments talking about the nostalgia factor and how most of the people that would be nostalgic for a car like this are long gone.
I would add that (and keep in mind, as an American I've only heard about this on the telly or in movies) in 1930s Britain, one had to be of a certain class to be able to afford a car like that and they were few and far between.
I think the problem is that their so difficult to drive ?..;people don't want to double the clutch ect at the end of the day you still want to enjoy the driving experience. I can't see them ever making a come back? I appreciate them for their history and the fact that they are still here
Most really aren't that tricky to drive once you've spent a couple of minutes familiarising with the controls.
Love cars from the 90’s back, from most manufacturers too. Would love an 80’s Ford or Vauxhall. But fellas, I’d love that old Humber or anything from the 30’s. Even the smell of the car is different. So cool.
Way back in 1975 I had a chance to buy a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible for the whopping sum of $500CDN. The car came with a current safety inspection, too. I was 14 and Ma said no. One owner car, too. Yes, they are different than new cars, but I learned to drive on a 72 Dodge Dart with no power steering and no power brakes. It did have an automatic gearbox, but that was it for creature comforts. Driving something like the Humber looks like fun.
In our family we have a '35 Humber Pullman and a '66 Humber Super Snipe. The '66 is effectively 'modern', hydraulic disc brakes, it'll do over 100mph and will sort of go round corners. The '35...I would say that it's undrivable in modern conditions; nothing feels connected to anything else, and it's had an immaculate restoration.
The joy of riding in a horse drawn carriage is that it loud an bumpy and elemental too. I thoroughly enjoy your video and your attitudes as well.
The contrast between USican and European cars of the same era is very interesting.
Scuffing the brake surfaces would make them much more effective. If the brakes have "pads" they can be soaked in water a bit to soften them.
My 29 ford is neither loud, nor bumpy. People really have the wrong ideas about these cars
I'll have it, and would gladly drive it daily. But it's just as other viewers have already stated, people seek cars they've owned or admired from their youth. It's the nostalgia that's appealing. Here in the states, you may be able to fit the cost into your budget but be prepared for a shock when you try and purchase insurance. 💰
I absolutely hate the way modern cars are more computer than machine. If I had the money I'd definitely purchase a pre-war car. As you said, simple to work on if not difficult to find certain parts for.
Class and Style of cars of back then were something to behold as great works of motoring art.
I am 39 And have two pre war car’s.
A Peugeot 201 1930 And a Citroën 500kg 1933 And a love it simpel easy to work on, And you learn a lot by making tis en fix things by your self🤓☺️
Just need to get more people into the idea of them actually being drivable. I'm 27 and drive a '37 Morris 8 to work a fair bit, I love it.
Even Lada cars from the 80s are fetching a premium now lol
I love cars from the roaring 20s to just after Post War.
You can do a few little tricks like installing led indicators, disk breaks and tubeless tires without ruining the look and you can install seabelts and make them a good daily driver.
Pre war and slightly post war cars are easy to work on and repair, also an LPG conversion or even a conversion to a modern engine and transition if the original is beyond repair is possible with many.
I love the charm these cars have and how solid they are.
I think everyone should try a prewar citron from the 30s lol
I would LOVE to have a prewar English car to cruise around in. Preferably an Alvis or a Lea-Francis or even a Woolsley!
Nice ideas. Look out for Wolseley 6/80 prewar looks & great driveability 2.2 OHC.
this is the price level I operate in and there's loads of fun to be had
I absolutely love the Pre war cars because they have character, easy to work on, if I had room I would have 2 easy to get parts for them.
I grew up in the 1960s; yes, my more well-off friends had muscle cars. I discovered pre-war cars as more of a necessity. To attract young ladies with my anti-hero persona, I reverted to a 1931 Ford Coupe that my father acquired for me so I might learn to handle tools and be more independent. My second car was a 1930 Ford Tudor (" driver-level" examples of these cars can be had for less than $10,000 today). Neither of these can handle the speeds required on our American Freeways (frequently topping 80 to 85 mph despite posted limits of 65 or 70 here in California). My third car is a 1939 Ford. Which I still drive today, has a mostly original drivetrain and suspension with only a few very well-hidden modifications, and handles 85 mph well (except it's archaic safety equipment means one slip is sudden death!). My system for attracting young females worked until they had spent the evening in a pre-war car that was slow, noisy, and felt a little dangerous {"restored" by an adolescent). This actually was to my advantage as my girlfriends tended to be more of the adventurous type. On the other hand, local roads are quite reasonable at 55 to 65 mph, within the range of most slightly modified prewar cars. A few hidden tricks (electronic ignition, overdrive axles, hidden ratio changes, better cam grinds, carefully rebuilt original engines (balanced and carefully done) manage to keep the older cars at least up with traffic. So I agree, it's more of a bargain for pre-war cars. I am well-connected with clubs and have even judged these cars in shows (parts present less of a problem, but mechanics with the knowledge base to help are becoming an endangered species). So now what is the reason for the lackluster performance in the per-war car sector? The first is economics. Having cars (or horses, or boats, or airplanes) is expensive. The wealth gap worldwide (particularly in the United States) is galloping ahead at full speed to widen itself, with ultra-rich business magnates snapping up the more desirable examples of classics to languish in private collections never seen again by the public. As you implied, there is no more desire for nostalgia because these automobiles are not seen in public. Without exposure, people lose interest. Besides, who can go to a car show when you are too busy making ends meet. Second, the demand for cars that run on carbon-based fuels is failing. As much as the international cartels use their power to prop it up, sooner or later, younger people will lose their appetite for gasoline-powered classics. I have seen several Triumph Spitfires converted to electric (I know of one that has been on the road long enough to need replacement batteries - so this is not new). I personally do not ascribe to the fear that all carbon-based fuel systems will be outlawed. I think the level of greenhouse gasses produced by a small number of eccentrics at a car show will not make any difference in the grand scheme of things. Carbon-based fuel systems will become more expensive to run as the planet heats and the supply runs out (the cartels and governments seem hell-bent on keeping this system alive even while it should be dying a natural death). Third, there is a fear factor. Younger people do not have the intimate relationship my generation had with cars. The typical mechanic of today plugs in an app and replaces component after component until the problem is solved. Few, if any, professional mechanics have ever machined a part or figured out how to make a pre-owned part work. (I'm not saying they are incompetent; this is just a different skill set). This effectively locks out the owner and small local shops from making minor repairs by themselves, without a massive network of electronics, suppliers, and dealers). Modern replacement components are fragile and frequently unavailable or much more commonly of dubious quality. Planned obsolescence continues at breakneck speed. Automobile manufacturers are in the business of replacing cars, absolutely not in the business of maintaining them. All that sounds a bit pessimistic. Not so; I love prewar cars. I could give 'rats' if I'm the only one at a car show. In my opinion, I'm the most fashionable one there.
Speaking to somebody in the busy area of California car trades it really depends on a sense of nostalgia and brand loyalty. It’s very weird here in the states there are uncommon and rare cars that even though you won’t see them on auction or whatever and it will still go for a relatively cheap despite the scarcity. A recent example of a low mileage Geo storm that I saw sell for less than $2000 even though I had low mileage and was relatively in good shape body wise (Interior was kind of messed up but still)
On the other hand I’ve seen some AMCs and Nash’s for instance from the 50s sell for less than 10 grand it’s a bit because people don’t know what the names are. You ever so often get a patient that goes for a lot of money but if it’s not a Ford Chevy or Mopar over here people don’t want them.
The exception seem to be for weird cars that stand out I think a lot of small Japanese and European imports definitely have a draw here!
The problem we have today is that everybody wants everything instantly without any effort involved! When I was 20 in 1967 I owned a "Humber Light 16", the model up from the "12" in this clip and it was fabulous! It was cheap as chips to buy and run, other than constantly having to fill the radiator as there was a small crack in the cylinder block! One of the worst decisions of my life was trading it in and getting a post war Standard Vanguard, even though it served me well for a few years! Every time you went out in the Humber it felt like an adventure as there was always the possibility of some sort of breakdown which you had to be ready for! People tended to give way to you due to the stature of the car, and wanting to have a good look at it as you passed! Even now 55 years later I still would take another one if the price was right!
It's really tough trying to get parts for them these days.
Cars like this are the cars of my childhood - in the 1950s. My Dad's first car was a 1935 Ford Model Y. He later upgraded to a 1938 Singer (I think it was a Singer 12) not dissimilar to the Humber in the video. We had been living in rural Norfolk and just about everyone that had a car had something black or dark green or dark blue that was from the mid-late 1930s. So you can imaginer how I felt when I saw one of the very first Jaguar E Types. What was that doing in rural North Norfolk just months after it had been launched? If you were really well off in those late 1950s or very early 1960s you had an Austin Cambridge or more exciting still, a Sunbeam Rapier, two-tone blue or cream with a burgundy flash. We moved to Essex in 1962 and really the Singer was not up to virtually every weekend journeys back up to Norfolk to visit grandparents so by 1963 my Dad bought a 1957 Morris Oxford. So you see, even 60 years ago those pre-war cars were falling from favour.
I'm in my mid 30's and I'd love to have a car like that. I don't have a licence yet tho, for various reasons. I love the aesthetic of the period
I am an Alvis enthusiast, and they are well supported these days. I have been involved with vintage cars for all of my driving life. Do not compare them to current cars. They have their own appeal, usually to someone who is technically competent.
They fall between the steampunk beauty of a Silver Ghost and the "my dad used to have one" of the post Morris minor era. I'd love an old Humber or Jowett.
I think a lot of it also comes down to practicality. 80's cars are starkly different from anything on the road today, look cool, but most importantly still have parts around AND have computers inside.
They are about as far as you can go age wise while still being modern enough. Obviously 60's cars are hugely popular too, but I think once you go to the 50's and below there is a steep drop off in interest.
Computers inside just makes maintainance hassle, better without.
Also Ford Model A parts are still produced today by licenced third parties
@@DrTheRich I disagree. I think there was a very good blend of basic computers and basic functionality in the 80's and 90's. It's after that point that I completely don't understand why cars have to be so complex and expensive/fragile/problematic. Fuel injection is pretty nice!
@@rushnerd meh, my car drives great without a computer, don't see why it would need one.. and I can easily fix everything myself with a wrench and a screwdriver. no need for mechanic reading devices and complex tools etc.
@@DrTheRich What do you roll in? For me it's a 1988 Toyota Supra.
@@rushnerd a 1929 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan