|
Hillman Arrow and Hunter
|
1966 - 1979 |
Country: |
|
Engine: |
4 cyl. |
Capacity: |
1725/1496 cc |
Power: |
n/a |
Transmission: |
4 speed manual |
Top Speed: |
83 - 96 mph |
Number Built: |
n/a |
Collectability: |
|
|
The Hillman Hunter started life in October 1966,
born into an era of car manufacturer rationalisation
where many manufacturers were being amalgamated, renamed
or even closed down.
The Rootes group was made up of Hillman, Humber, Sunbeam
and Singer. Rootes had acquired an interest in the Hillman
Car Company around 1930 but the Rootes company had hit
trouble by the 1960's and the Chrysler Corporation, during
their first foray into Europe, took over in 1967.
First introduced into Australia as the "Arrow",
the Hunter was a conventional design, square four-door
sedan (and later estate) with a live rear axle and ohv
engine (initially 1725cc with a 1496cc in 1970).
The engine had already been previously used in other
Rootes cars. The body design was little changed during
its production run and its shape again was shared with
other Rootes products such as the Hillman Minx, Humber
Sceptre, Singer Gazelle, Singer Vogue and the Sunbeam
Vogue.
There were a number of models introduced and small changes
made:- the Mark II in September 1967; a GT version in
1969; a De Luxe (DL Saloon & Estate) version with 1496cc
motor in 1970; basic Hunter designated the Super 1970;
GL introduced 1970; Topaz limited edition 1975.
Chrysler UK began to rationalize the Rootes range in
the early 1970s and Hillman was the last name of the
old crowd to disappear when the Hillman Hunter and Avenger
became the Chrysler Hunter & Avenger in 1976.
The Hunter was produced until 1979 and then was sold
off in its entirety to Iran where it is still produced
today under the Peykan name.
|