The Humber Scout Car was designed to complement, rather than replace, the popular Daimler Scout Car (Dingo) due to the limited production capacity of Daimler and Humber's extensive experience in having already produced a successful light reconnaissance vehicle and armored car. The Humber was less mechanically sophisticated as the Dingo, with a more conventional suspension, and also had lighter armor including an un-armored floor. Otherwise, it was very similar to the Dingo in terms of layout, featuring a crew of two with emergency provision for a third, which typically acted as a forward observation officer to direct artillery fire. Performance and handling was generally seen as being inferior to the Dingo, although a more powerful engine gave it greater speed. Defensive armament consisted of one or two roof-mounted Bren guns on a special mount that allowed them to be fired from inside the vehicle. Following its introduction in 1942, the Humber Scout Car saw extensive service with British and Commonwealth forces, mostly with armored units in Northwest Europe. It remained in service until the late 1950s by which time it was being replaced with the Ferret.

The Humber Scout Car Mk. I was the initial production version and was followed by the Mk. II which featured various mechanical improvements as well as a bulge in the hood armor.