Humber Hawk Mark III to V
| 1948 to 1954 | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Overview | |
| Production | 1948–1954 production 10,040 (III) 6,492 (IV) 14,300 (V) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon Limousine (Mk V only) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1944 cc Straight-4 side-valve (Mk III) 2267 cc Straight-4 side-valve (Mk IV & V) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 105.5 inches (2678 mm) |
| Length | 174 inches (4420 mm) |
| Width | 70 inches (1778 mm) |
| Height | 64.75 in (1,645 mm) |
The Mk III Hawk was a completely new car and was first shown at the London Motor Show in October 1948, but it still retained the earlier engine and transmission. The new body was styled by the Loewy Studio and the separate headlights of the old model were gone, along with the separate front wings. The chassis was new, with coil-sprung independent front suspension. The rear axle was also a new design with hypoid gearing. The body could be finished in a wide range of colours, both as two-tone and metallic. The metallic finishes would be offered on all the Hawks until the model's demise in late 1967/early 1968.
Humber Hawk chassis from 1951
In 1950 the Mark IV version arrived with a larger, 2267 cc engine incorporating, as before, an aluminium cylinder head. The Mark IV also used larger, 15-inch wheels. The steering was now more highly geared and was commended by commentators for its lightness when manoevering the car in a confined space despite 53% of the car's 2996 (British) pounds (1358 kg) being carried by the front wheels.
A 2267 cc Mk IV car tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1951 had a top speed of 71.4 mph (114.9 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 30.0 seconds. A fuel consumption of 24.2 miles per imperial gallon (11.7 l/100 km; 20.2 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £850, including taxes.
The 1952 Mk V was mechanically unchanged but had a new treatment to the front, and was also available as a "luxury touring limousine". A lowered bonnet line and wrap-around bumpers with over-riders distinguished this model from the Mk IV
1951 Humber Hawk engine bay
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