Humber Super Snipe
In the UK there has been a negative view of American styling; that in the past it seemed out of kilter with the UK. What works in Illinois may not work in Irthlingborough or Ilkeston. But that's to forget that British cars of the Fifties and Sixties were heavily indebted to American design. It's just that the canvas for the flares and flourishes was much smaller.
A good example is the Humber Super Snipe. There's some lovely fin action at the rear and a tapering roof, but the lashings of chrome at the front could very well be something dreamed up in Detroit. That said it won't look out of place in the UK either; it's got all the grandeur without the girth.
It's a good compromise on the road too; it may lack V8 iron but twin carbs and a Weslake-tuned cylinder head yielded around 140bhp. It's refined, too – the interior is a fantastic mix of luscious leather and tasteful wood panelling. Power steering and automatic transmission were options, which means it's as lovely to drive as a contemporary Rolls-Royce.
The one we've found may be a manual, but it's got an overdrive that will help on motorway sorties. The saucy red leather interior may be at odds with the car's laid-back nature, but it'll always spark conversation.
If you've ever gazed in admiration at US flair, then the Humber represents a lovely compromise between American styling and UK-friendly proportions. Put it this way, you're less likely to have nightmares about getting it into a car park like you would with a Cadillac. It's also a lot cheaper - this one's less than five grand.
But does the Humber work for you? Let us know below...