
Hillman Avenger Tiger (1972-73)
The Hillman Avenger Tiger (1972–73) was conceived as a bold, motorsport-inspired halo model designed to inject excitement into the Avenger range and reposition Hillman as a performance-capable brand under Chrysler Europe’s stewardship.
🎯 Concept Behind the Avenger Tiger
Publicity Exercise
Initially developed as a showroom drawcard, the Tiger was meant to grab attention with vivid styling and rally-ready specs. Chrysler paraded the first ~100 cars to dealerships purely to boost interest in the standard Avenger saloon.Motorsport Homologation
Created by Des O'Dell’s Chrysler Competitions Centre, the Tiger allowed Chrysler to homologate the Avenger for Group 1 rallying, legitimising its motorsport ambitions.Performance Revival
The “Tiger” name was revived from the Sunbeam Tiger V8, linking the Avenger to a legacy of British-American performance and rekindling Hillman’s sporting image.Dealer Excitement
With bold colours (Sundance Yellow, Wardance Red), stripes, and spoilers, the Tiger was designed to stand out in showrooms, drawing younger buyers and enthusiasts.
🏁 Ultimate Goals
Rebrand Hillman’s Image
Hillman was seen as conservative; the Tiger aimed to recast the marque as dynamic and motorsport-savvy, rivalling Ford’s Escort Mexico and Triumph’s Dolomite Sprint.Boost Avenger Sales
By showcasing the Avenger’s performance potential, Chrysler hoped to lift sales across the entire Avenger range, especially among fleet and export buyers.Support Motorsport Strategy
The Tiger’s upgrades—twin Weber carbs, uprated suspension, and rally styling—were designed to support club-level racing and rallying, laying groundwork for later models like the Sunbeam Ti and Talbot Lotus.Create a Collector’s Icon
Though not the original intent, the Tiger’s rarity (~600 built, ~40 surviving) and motorsport pedigree have made it one of the most collectible Rootes-era performance cars.
In essence, the Avenger Tiger was Hillman’s last great performance statement—a rally-bred saloon that briefly reignited the brand’s spirit before Chrysler’s full takeover.
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Global Popularity
The Hillman Avenger Tiger (1972–73) was not globally popular in the conventional sense—it was a niche, UK-centric performance variant with limited export reach and production numbers.
🌍 Global Popularity Snapshot
RegionPopularity LevelNotes United Kingdom⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (High Enthusiast Appeal)~600 built; ~40 known survivors; strong collector interest North America⭐☆☆☆☆ (Minimal)Sold as Plymouth Cricket; Tiger variant not offered South America⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Moderate)Avenger platform sold as Dodge 1500/Polara, but no Tiger equivalent New Zealand⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Modest)Standard Avengers popular; Tigers extremely rare Europe (Continental)⭐☆☆☆☆ (Low)Marketed as Sunbeam Avenger in some regions; Tiger not widely exported Iran & Colombia⭐☆☆☆☆ (Minimal)Local assembly of standard Avengers only
🏁 Motorsport Legacy vs Market Reach
The Tiger was developed for Group 1 rally homologation, not mass-market export.
Its motorsport success (e.g. 1971 Press-on-Regardless Rally, British Group 1 Rally Championship) gave it credibility, but not widespread global recognition.
Export markets like Argentina and Brazil embraced the Avenger platform, but not the Tiger variant.
📊 Summary
The Avenger Tiger was a UK performance halo model, designed to boost showroom appeal and motorsport credentials. Its limited production (~600 units) and lack of export variants meant it never achieved global popularity—but among enthusiasts and collectors, it’s now considered a rare gem.
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Overview
The Hillman Avenger Tiger (1972–73) was a pivotal moment for the Hillman brand—both symbolically and strategically. It wasn’t just a performance saloon; it was a statement of intent during a time when Hillman’s image was fading and Chrysler’s influence was growing.
🏁 Motorsport Credibility & Brand Revival
Factory Performance Halo
Developed by Des O'Dell’s Chrysler Competitions Centre, the Tiger gave Hillman a rally-bred flagship—a direct rival to the Escort Mexico and Dolomite Sprint.Publicity Catalyst
The Tiger was launched as a publicity exercise to inject excitement into the Avenger range. Its bold styling, twin Webers, and motorsport pedigree helped reposition Hillman as more than just a maker of staid family saloons.Sunbeam Heritage Link
The “Tiger” name evoked the Sunbeam Tiger V8, tying Hillman to a legacy of performance and motorsport—even if the Avenger Tiger was a very different beast.
🚗 Strategic Significance for Hillman & Chrysler Europe
Homologation Tool
With only ~600 built, the Tiger allowed Chrysler to homologate the Avenger for Group 1 rallying, boosting its motorsport credentials and showroom appeal.Dealer Drawcard
Tigers were placed in showrooms to draw attention to the standard Avenger range, helping lift sales across the board.Export Potential
Though not widely exported, the Tiger added cachet to the Avenger’s global image—especially in markets like New Zealand and South America where performance saloons had enthusiast followings.
📉 Legacy & Impact
Short-Lived but Influential
Production ended in 1973, but the Tiger left a lasting impression. It helped pave the way for later Chrysler Europe performance models like the Sunbeam Ti and Talbot Lotus.Collector’s Icon
With fewer than 40 known survivors, the Tiger is now one of the most sought-after Rootes performance cars, commanding values up to £26,000 and serving as a symbol of what Hillman could have been.
In essence, the Avenger Tiger was Hillman’s last roar—a bold, rally-inspired swansong that briefly reignited the brand’s spirit before it was absorbed into Chrysler and later Talbot. If you’d like, I can chart how its legacy compares to the Imp Sport or explore its influence on the Sunbeam Ti.
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Manufacturing Details
First Manufactured: 1972
Production Run: 1972-1973
Manufacturing Locations: Various factories in the UK
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Generations and Trim Levels
The Hillman Avenger Tiger did not have multiple generations but was available in two distinct trim levels during its production run:
Tiger Mk I (1972): Featured a 1498cc engine, twin Weber carburettors, and distinctive black stripes on the body.
Tiger Mk II (1973): Upgraded to a 1598cc engine, improved suspension, and additional styling enhancements.
🎨 Styling & Identity
Mk I (1972): Sundance Yellow, bonnet bulge, rear spoiler, black stripes
Mk II (1973): Wardance Red or Sundance Yellow, quad headlamps, matt black bonnet, revised interior
Only around 600–700 Tigers were built, and fewer than 40 are known to survive today, making it one of the rarest and most desirable Rootes performance models
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Designer and Dimensions
The Hillman Avenger Tiger was designed by the Chrysler Competitions Centre, led by Des O'Dell, as a high-performance derivative of the standard Avenger saloon. While the base Avenger’s styling was overseen by Roy Axe and Tim Fry, the Tiger’s transformation was a motorsport-led initiative—essentially a factory-tuned rally special built to boost showroom appeal and homologate performance parts for Group 1 racing.
🧠 Design Origins
Base Model: Hillman Avenger, styled by Roy Axe (Design Director at Rootes) with Detroit-inspired cues like the Coke-bottle waistline
Tiger Conversion:
Developed by Chrysler Competitions Centre
Engine, suspension, and styling upgrades tailored for rallying
Mk I featured bold graphics, bonnet bulge, and magnesium wheels
Mk II adopted quad headlamps and a more refined finish
📏 Dimensions of the Hillman Avenger Tiger
Specification Measurement
Length - 4,100 mm (161.4 in)
Width - 1,588 mm (62.5 in)
Height - 1,422 mm (56 in)
Wheelbase - 2,489 mm (98 in)
Curb Weight - 904 kg (1,993 lbs)
Ground Clearance - 140 mm (5.5 in)
Turning Circle - 9.68 m
These dimensions were shared with the Avenger GL bodyshell, which the Tiger Mk II was based on. The Tiger’s lowered suspension and wider tyres gave it a more aggressive stance, but the core shell remained unchanged.
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Production Total: 200 Mk 2 Production Total: 400
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Price New: In 1972, the Hillman Avenger Tiger was priced at approximately **£1,300** in the UK – Price Tracker | CCFS UK](https://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/blog/market-trends/hillman-avenger-tiger-price-tracker). This performance-oriented version of the Avenger was known for its distinctive yellow paint, sporty features, and enhanced engine performance.
To calculate the equivalent value of £1,300 from 1972 in 2025, we need to account for inflation over the years. Using the Bank of England's inflation calculator, we can estimate this value.
In 2025, £1,300 from 1972 would be approximately **£17,500**.
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Engine Specifications/Performance
The Hillman Avenger Tiger was equipped with high-performance engines:
🔧 Engine Specifications
Specification/Detail
Engine Type - 1498cc inline-4 OHV (Iron block & head)
Compression Ratio - 9.4:1
Carburettors - Twin Weber 40DCOE
Power Output - 92.5 bhp @ 6100 rpm
Torque - 89.6 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Gearbox - 4-speed manual (GT-spec)
Fuel Consumption - 20 mpg
The Tiger’s engine was based on the Avenger GT unit but featured enlarged valves, a revised cylinder head, and twin Webers for improved breathing and throttle response.
Some competition-prepped examples were fitted with 1600cc or even 1800cc blocks, though these were not standard.
🏁 Performance Figures
Metric Value
0–60 mph - 8.9 seconds
Top Speed - 108 mph
Fuel Economy - 20 mpg (urban)
These figures outpaced the Ford Escort Mexico, making the Tiger a serious contender in club-level rallying and saloon car championships.
Suspension and brakes were uprated from the GT, with lowered springs, heavy-duty dampers, and disc brakes up front.
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Common Faults
The Hillman Avenger Tiger (1972–73), while a charismatic and capable performance saloon, wasn’t immune to the quirks and vulnerabilities of its era—especially given its motorsport ambitions and limited production run.
⚠️ Common Faults & Known Issues
🛠 Mechanical & Performance
Choke Cable Failure
Twin Weber 40DCOE setups were notorious for choke cable stretching or snapping, making cold starts temperamental.Head Gasket Weakness
Not endemic, but overheating or poor maintenance could lead to gasket failure—watch for oil in coolant or vice versa.Fuel Pump Limitations
The mechanical pump struggled under spirited driving; many owners upgraded to electric units for reliability.Fan Flexing at High RPM
The standard cooling fan could flex and strike the radiator under load—especially in tuned examples.Clutch Cable Stretch
A stiff clutch pedal often indicated a stretched or fraying cable, requiring replacement.Back Axle Whine
High-mileage Tigers could develop a whining differential, especially if not maintained with correct oil grades.
🔩 Structural & Build Quality
Rust—The Arch Nemesis
Like all Avengers, Tigers suffered from extensive corrosion, particularly in:Front wings (around headlamps and trailing edges)
Rear arches and valances
Sills and jacking points
Strut tops and bulkhead joins
Floorpans, especially in early models with minimal underseal
Screen Pillar Flex
A known issue where A-pillars could crack, allowing water ingress and accelerating rust.Strut Top Weakness
The steel around MacPherson strut mounts was prone to fatigue and corrosion—critical for handling integrity.
🧰 Restoration Challenges
Parts Scarcity
Original magnesium wheels, Tiger-specific trim, and twin-carb setups are difficult to source.Replica Confusion
Many Tigers are recreations from GT shells; verifying originality is key to value and authenticity.
Despite these faults, the Tiger’s robust OHV engine and rally-bred upgrades make it a rewarding classic when properly maintained.
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Historical Pricing Comparisons
The Hillman Avenger Tiger (1972–73) has seen a remarkable rise in value over the past two decades, reflecting its rarity, motorsport pedigree, and growing collector interest. Here's a breakdown of its historical pricing trajectory and current market standing in the UK:
💷 Historical Price Evolution (UK Market)
Year/Condition 2 Value (Good/Usable)/Notes
2005 - £3,500 - Early signs of niche interest
2010 - £5,000 - Rising awareness among enthusiasts
2015 - £8,000 - Motorsport heritage gaining traction
2020 - £15,000 - Auction results reflect rarity
2025 - £17,500 (anticipated) - Strong demand, limited supply
Top-tier examples (concours or press cars) have fetched £23,000–£26,000 at auction
Mk I Tigers in original condition are especially prized, with provenance adding significant value
🏁 Auction Highlights
Model & Year/ Sale Price (GBP)/ Auction House/ Date
1973 Avenger Tiger Mk II/ £16,650/ CCA/ Mar 2019
1972 Avenger Tiger Mk I/ £14,850/ SWVA/ Apr 2024
1972 Press Car (Mk I)/ £23,000–£26,000/ Car & Classic/ Ongoing listing
📊 Summary
Rarity: Fewer than 40 Tigers are known to survive in the UK
Performance pedigree: Twin Webers, 92.5 bhp, and rally success boost desirability
Styling impact: Bold colours, bonnet bulge, and magnesium wheels set it apart
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Market Rivals: New Price and Performance
🏁 Performance & Pricing Comparison (UK, 1972–73)
In 1972, the Hillman Avenger Tiger faced competition from several high-performance cars in the UK. Here are some of its main rivals and their performance details:
1. **Ford Escort Mexico**:
- **Engine**: 1.6L OHV inline-four
- **Power Output**: 86 horsepower
- **Top Speed**: 99 mph (159 km/h)
- **Acceleration**: 0-60 mph in about 10.7 seconds
2. **Mini Cooper S**:
- **Engine**: 1.3L OHV inline-four
- **Power Output**: 76 horsepower
- **Top Speed**: 95 mph (153 km/h)
- **Acceleration**: 0-60 mph in about 10.5 seconds
3. **Vauxhall Firenza 2300**:
- **Engine**: 2.3L OHV inline-four
- **Power Output**: 122 horsepower
- **Top Speed**: 108 mph (174 km/h)
- **Acceleration**: 0-60 mph in about 8.5 seconds
4. **Triumph Dolomite Sprint**:
- **Engine**: 2.0L SOHC inline-four
- **Power Output**: 127 horsepower
- **Top Speed**: 119 mph (192 km/h)
- **Acceleration**: 0-60 mph in about 8.4 seconds
These cars offered a range of performance levels, with the Hillman Avenger Tiger fitting well within the competitive landscape of the time.
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🔍 Observations
The Avenger Tiger offered strong performance for its price, undercutting the Dolomite Sprint and Firenza while matching or exceeding the Escort Mexico in speed and acceleration.
The Firenza 2300 and Dolomite Sprint were more powerful but also significantly more expensive.
The Mini Cooper S, while iconic, lagged behind in outright performance and top speed.
The Tiger’s combination of twin Weber carbs, bold styling, and rally pedigree made it a compelling alternative to Ford’s Mexico and Triumph’s Sprint—especially for buyers seeking performance on a budget.
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Recorded in UK 2025: As of 2025, there are **21 Hillman Avenger Tigers** still licensed and on the road in the UK. Additionally, there are **10 Hillman Avenger Tigers** registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
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Rarity & Collector’s Appeal
The Hillman Avenger Tiger (1972–73) is one of the rarest and most charismatic British performance saloons of the 1970s, with a collector’s appeal that has surged dramatically in recent years.
🧭 Rarity Snapshot (UK, 2025)
Variant/ Survivors (Licensed + SORN’d)/ Notes
Tiger Mk I (1972)/ ~25/ Sundance Yellow only; earliest and most sought-after
Tiger Mk II (1973)/ ~15/ Wardance Red or Sundance Yellow; quad headlamps
Total Known/ ~40
Includes press cars and restored examples
Only 200 Mk I and ~400 Mk II were built by Chrysler Competitions Centre.
Survivors are often privately traded or auctioned, with provenance playing a major role in value.
🏁 Collector’s Appeal
✅ What Makes It Desirable
Motorsport Pedigree: Developed by Des O'Dell’s Chrysler Competitions Centre for Group 1 rallying.
Performance Credentials: 92.5 bhp from twin Weber 40DCOEs; 0–60 mph in 8.9 seconds.
Styling Impact: Bonnet bulge, magnesium wheels, bold stripes, and vivid colours like Sundance Yellow.
Press Car Provenance: Early examples used in motoring magazines and shows command premium prices.
⚠️ Challenges
Parts Scarcity: Original magnesium wheels, Tiger-specific trim, and twin-carb setups are hard to source.
Rust Vulnerability: Like all Avengers, corrosion is a major concern—especially around strut tops, sills, and valances.
Replicas vs Originals: Many Tigers are recreated from GT shells; originality affects value significantly.
📈 Market Outlook
Year/ Condition 2 Value (Usable)/ Top Auction Price/ Notes
2005/ £3,500/ —/ Early niche interest
2020/ £15,000/ £16,650/ Mk II at Iconic Auctioneers
2025/ £17,500 (anticipated)/ £23,000–£26,000/ Mk I press car at Car & Classic
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Value in the UK in 2025
Current Typical Price Range: Specific figures are not specified in the document.
Factors Influencing Value: Condition, provenance, and rarity.
Values are rising steadily, especially for original Mk I examples with documentation.
Compared to the Escort Mexico, Tigers offer similar performance at lower entry cost.
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Investment Assessment
I’d rate the Hillman Avenger Tiger (1972–73) a 4 out of 5 as a financial investment—strong potential driven by rarity, motorsport pedigree, and rising collector demand.
💼 Investment Rating: 4/5
✅ Strengths
Extreme Rarity: Fewer than 40 known survivors in the UK, with only ~600 built originally (200 Mk I, 400 Mk II).
Motorsport Heritage: Developed by Des O'Dell’s Chrysler Competitions Centre for Group 1 rallying; twin Weber carbs and 92.5 bhp gave it serious performance credentials.
Styling & Provenance: Bold colours (Sundance Yellow, Wardance Red), bonnet bulge, magnesium wheels, and press car legacy boost desirability.
Appreciation Trajectory:2005: ~£3,500
2020: ~£15,000
2025 (Condition 2): ~£17,500
Top-tier examples: £23,000–£26,000
⚠️ Limitations
Parts Scarcity: Original Tiger-specific components (magnesium wheels, twin Webers, trim) are hard to source.
Rust Vulnerability: Like all Avengers, corrosion is a major concern—especially around strut tops, sills, and valances.
Replica Confusion: Many Tigers are recreated from GT shells; originality and documentation are critical to value.
📈 Outlook
Values are steadily rising, especially for Mk I examples with provenance.
Compared to rivals like the Escort Mexico, Tigers offer similar performance at a lower entry cost.
Best suited for enthusiasts and investors seeking rarity, period-correct styling, and motorsport pedigree.
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Maintenance and Running Costs
The Hillman Avenger Tiger's maintenance and running costs were influenced by various factors, including the availability of spare parts and the complexity of repairs.
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Racing
It wasn’t just stripes and swagger. The Hillman Avenger Tiger was developed by Des O'Dell’s Chrysler Competitions Centre specifically to homologate the Avenger for Group 1 rallying, and it saw genuine motorsport action.
🏁 Motorsport Participation
✅ Rallying
1971 Press-on-Regardless Rally (USA) Won outright under Plymouth Cricket badging, showcasing the Avenger’s potential before the Tiger’s launch.
British Group 1 Rally Championship (1975–76) Avenger Tigers and GTs competed successfully, especially in Northern Ireland.
Heatway Rally of New Zealand (1976) Claimed victory, further cementing the Avenger’s rally credentials.
✅ Circuit Racing
British Saloon Car Championship Tigers and GTs were entered in various classes, often punching above their weight.
Club-Level Motorsport Popular among privateers for their affordability and tunability.
🧰 Homologation Purpose
The Tiger’s twin Weber carbs, uprated suspension, and braking system were designed to meet Group 1 homologation rules, allowing Chrysler to compete with Ford’s Escort Mexico and Triumph’s Dolomite Sprint.
📸 Legacy
While not a factory-backed racing juggernaut, the Tiger helped establish the Avenger’s motorsport credibility and laid groundwork for later Chrysler Europe performance models like the Sunbeam Ti and Talbot Lotus.
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Owners Clubs in Northern Ireland
There are several owners’ clubs in Northern Ireland dedicated to the Hillman Avenger, providing a community for enthusiasts to share their passion and knowledge.
This comprehensive overview should give you a detailed understanding of the Hillman Avenger Tiger (1972-73).
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