Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership – 2nd place goes to Brian Kent and his 1965 Humber Super Snipe Estate!

“I’ve had so many offers for the Humber Snipe, you wouldn’t believe it, but I’ll never sell, we’re going to enjoy it. That’s what I did it for!”

Brian Kent couldn’t be prouder of his 1965 Humber Super Snipe Estate, though he says himself, he’s been blown away by the reaction to his immaculate restoration.

“I’ve had people contact me from all over the world, even from Australia, all asking about the car, and it’s so lovely to hear and read peoples comments. It’s genuinely unbelievable.”

Brian originally bought the car for £5000, as his dad had driven one when he worked for John Menzies. It was a trip down memory lane and a tribute to his father who Brian says would have been so proud.

“I remember vividly the times as a child, we would drive up to Scotland, when my dad was working. The company gave him a Humber Snipe and we’d sit in the back and eat a picnic, waving to other drivers on the M1. I managed to find a Humber Snipe and it’s been a labour of love restoring it.”

It was at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC last November, that Brian suddenly realised his car was causing more than a passing interest.

“Funnily enough, the Humber Car Club asked me to bring it to the show, and their stand just happened to be opposite the Pride of Ownership display. One of the Lancaster Insurance staff wandered over and asked me if I’d ever thought of entering the competition, so I filled out the forms, and the rest is history!”

It’s a truly remarkable achievement for Brian as he’s registered as disabled following a horrific car crash in the 90s which left him in a wheelchair. It was only ground-breaking surgery, pioneered in Orlando, which has allowed him to become more mobile.

“I have a spinal cord stimulator that essentially controls my legs which has allowed me more movement, even though I’m in constant pain, with arthritis and I have good days and bad days.

“When I go into the garage and can just see the Humber and smell the leather, it gives me such a thrill every day and the feeling is indescribable. I’m so proud. Someone put it on YouTube and if you type in 1965 Humber Super Snipe Estate, my car comes up. It’s just amazing and I’ve had so many comments and hits for the video, it’s just brilliant!”

Brian’s taking the Humber on tour with his wife Susan, in the coming months beginning with the Moffat car show in June, followed by the Humber Club International Rally in July. They also plan to visit the Extravaganza 2022, Ryde Isle of Wight festival in September.

“The reaction from people when they see it makes all the work so worthwhile and the Humber Club have been amazing in helping me with panels and sourcing parts for the restoration. The car is insured at £27,500, but it’s never been about the money. It’s the memories and the chance to go out and drive it to enjoy it.”