The Humber Motor Company, originally known for its bicycles, began manufacturing cars in **1896**³⁴. They initially built French Léon Bollée three-wheelers under license. By 1898, they produced their first car, a three-wheeled tricar.
Early Beginnings
1868: Thomas Humber founded the company, initially focusing on bicycles.
1896: Humber ventured into motor vehicles by fitting an E. J. Pennington two-horsepower motor to one of their bicycles, creating the first practical motorcycle in Britain.
Automobile Manufacturing
1898: Humber produced its first car, a three-wheeled tricar.
1901: The company introduced its first conventional four-wheeled car.
1913: Humber became the second-largest car manufacturer in the UK.
Expansion and Challenges
1925: Humber expanded into commercial vehicles by acquiring Commer.
1931: The Rootes brothers acquired a controlling interest in Humber, making it part of the Rootes Group.
World War II and Postwar Era
Decline and Legacy
1967: Chrysler Corporation acquired the Rootes Group, including Humber.
1976: The Humber marque was shelved, and its models were rebranded under Chrysler.
Humber’s legacy lives on through its contributions to the automotive industry and its reputation for quality and luxury.