
Hillman Avenger (1970-79)
Production Total: 638, 631 / Avenger Tiger=400
Recorded in UK 2024
June 2024
Tiger= Licensed=19 SORN=9
GT Licensed=6 SORN=7
1600 GT=Licensed=0 SORN=4
1300 GT=Licensed=0 SORN=1

The **Hillman Avenger** had a few common issues:
1. **Head Gasket:** While not common, head gasket failure can occur. Check for signs of oil in the coolant and vice versa. Also, look for evidence of previous overheating issues.
2. **Choke Cables (Twin-Carb Models):** Choke cables on twin-carb Avengers are prone to failure.
3. **Automatic Transmission:** The Avenger was available with a three-speed automatic transmission as an extra-cost option, but surviving examples are now rare.
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Generations
The **Hillman Avenger** had **three different identities** during its production:
1. **Hillman Avenger (1970–1976):** The original version.
2. **Chrysler Avenger (1976–1979):** Rebadged as Chrysler.
3. **Talbot Avenger (1979–1981):** Manufactured by PSA Peugeot Citroën.
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Body Style/Variants
The **Hillman Avenger** had several variants during its production:
1. **DL, Super, and GL Saloons:** Available with either the 1250 cc or 1500 cc engines.
2. **Chrysler Avenger (1976–1979):** Rebadged version.
3. **Talbot Avenger (1979–1981):** Manufactured by PSA Peugeot Citroën.
Additionally, in North America, it was marketed as the **Plymouth Cricket**.
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Trim Levels
The Hillman Avenger, produced between 1970 and 1979, was offered in several trim levels:
1. **DL**: This was the base model, available with either a 1250 cc or 1500 cc engine.
2. **Super**: A step up from the DL, also available with the 1250 cc or 1500 cc engine.
3. **GL**: This trim was more luxurious and only available with the 1500 cc engine.
Later on, additional trims were introduced:
4. **LS**: Another base model variant.
5. **GLS**: The top-of-the-line model, available with a high-compression 1.6 L engine.
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Engines
The **Hillman Avenger** in the UK was fitted with the following engine sizes:
1. **1,248 cc I4 (1970–1973)**
2. **1,295 cc I4 (1973–1981)**
3. **1,498 cc I4**
4. **1,598 cc I4 (1973–1981)**
These engines powered various Avenger models, offering a range of performance options.
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Spares
Certainly! If you're looking for **Hillman Avenger** spares in the United Kingdom and Ireland, here are some options:
1. **[Partservice Ltd](https://www.partservice.co.uk/):**
- **Location:** 116 Temple Street, Sidmouth EX10 9BJ, United Kingdom.
- **Specialty:** They carry a wide range of car and commercial vehicle parts and accessories in stock.
- **Contact:** You can reach them at **01395 513356**².
2. **[MEV Spares](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Hillman-Avenger-and-Hunter-Car-Parts/):**
- **Specialty:** Quality spare parts for Hillman Avenger and Hunter Rootes Group cars.
- They offer parts related to clutch, brakes, hydraulics, engine, gearbox, driveline, ignition, electrics, lights, switches, and fuel systems³.
Remember to check their availability and specific offerings.
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Specialists
Here are a few places in Northern Ireland where you might find mechanical specialists for the Hillman Avenger:
1. **O'Kanes at Castledawson**: Known for dealing with classic cars.
2. **RMS Motoring Forum**: A community where you can find recommendations and possibly connect with specialists.
You might also want to check out local classic car clubs or forums for more specific recommendations.
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Racing
The Hillman Avenger did compete in racing, particularly in rallying. One notable example is the Hillman Avenger 1600GT, which was successfully rallied by Maconochies after being displayed at the 1974 Paris Motor Show³. The Avenger was known for its durability and performance in various rally events, making it a popular choice among rally enthusiasts of the time.
The Hillman Avenger had a notable presence in rallying, particularly in the 1970s. Here are some of its key achievements:
1. **British Rally Championship**: The Avenger 1600GT, driven by Ian Gemmell, had significant success. In the 1975 Circuit of Ireland, it finished eighth overall, first in the 1600 Group 1 class, and second overall in Group 1¹. Gemmell also won the Tour of Mull and the first-ever Knockhill rallycross¹.
2. **Publicity and Recognition**: The Avenger received an award for generating the most publicity for Chrysler worldwide¹. This recognition highlighted its impact and popularity in the rallying community.
3. **British Touring Car Championships**: The Avenger also competed successfully in the British Touring Car Championships, winning in 1974, 1976, and 1977 with Bernard Unett behind the wheel².
These achievements helped cement the Hillman Avenger's reputation as a durable and competitive rally car.
The Hillman Avenger 1600GT was a sportier version of the standard Avenger, designed to offer enhanced performance and appeal to driving enthusiasts. Here are some key features:
- **Engine**: It was equipped with a 1.6-liter engine, which provided a good balance of power and efficiency for its time.
- **Performance**: The 1600GT was known for its improved handling and acceleration compared to the base models, making it a popular choice for rallying and motorsport events.
- **Design**: It featured sportier styling cues, including distinctive badging, sportier wheels, and often a more aggressive stance.
- **Interior**: The interior was typically more refined, with sportier seats and additional instrumentation to appeal to performance-minded drivers.
The 1600GT's success in rallying helped cement its reputation as a capable and durable car, making it a beloved classic among enthusiasts today.