Hillman Hunter (1966-1979)

Overview

The Hillman Hunter (1966–79) was a landmark model for the Hillman brand—strategically, commercially, and symbolically. It represented the Rootes Group’s final clean-sheet saloon before Chrysler’s full takeover, and it became the backbone of the Arrow platform, which underpinned a dozen badge-engineered variants across multiple marques.

🧭 Strategic Significance

• Platform Consolidation
  The Hunter led the Arrow range, designed to replace the aging Minx and Super Minx with a modular, scalable architecture. This allowed Rootes to streamline production and reduce costs across Hillman, Singer, Sunbeam, and Humber.

• Export Viability
  The Hunter’s conventional engineering and conservative styling made it ideal for export. Its greatest success came in Iran, where it was rebadged as the Paykan and produced until 2005, becoming a national icon.

• Motorsport Credibility
  Andrew Cowan’s victory in the 1968 London–Sydney Marathon in a Hunter gave the model—and Hillman—international rally prestige, boosting showroom appeal and brand image.

📈 Commercial Impact

• Production Volume: Over 440,000 units built in the UK

• Global Reach: Assembled in Ireland, Iran, New Zealand, Australia, and more

• Badge Engineering: Spawned variants like the Singer Vogue, Sunbeam Rapier, and Humber Sceptre, each targeting different market segments

🏁 Symbolic Importance

• Last Rootes-Era Design
  Conceived before Chrysler’s influence, the Hunter was the final expression of Rootes’ engineering ethos—pragmatic, durable, and export-friendly.

• Bridge to Chrysler Europe
  After Chrysler’s acquisition in 1967, the Hunter became a transitional model, eventually rebadged as the Chrysler Hunter in 1977 before production ceased in 1979.

• Legacy Vehicle
  Its longevity—especially as the Paykan—cemented its place in automotive history. Few British cars have had such an extended global production run.

In short, the Hunter was Hillman’s backbone during a decade of upheaval, and its success helped sustain the brand through the Rootes–Chrysler transition.

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Manufacturing Details

• First Manufactured: 1966

• Production Run: 1966-1979

• Manufacturing Locations: The Hillman Hunter (1966–79) was manufactured at several locations across the globe, reflecting its role as the backbone of the Rootes Group’s Arrow platform and its export-oriented strategy.

🏭 Primary Manufacturing Sites

Location/ Country/ Notes   

Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry/ England/ Main UK production site; Rootes Group headquarters 

Linwood, Renfrewshire/ Scotland/ Also produced Imps; used for Hunter assembly during Chrysler era 

Port Melbourne, Victoria/ Australia/ Assembled CKD kits; localised variants with unique rear styling 

Pretoria/ South AfricaProduced export models; some used Peugeot engines 

Tehran (Iran Khodro)/ IranProduced as the 

Paykan from 1967 to 2005; Iran’s national car 

New Zealand (Todd Motors)/ New ZealandAssembled CKD kits; popular family saloon 

Ireland (Dublin)/ IrelandCKD assembly for local market

🔧 CKD Assembly Strategy

• Rootes exported Complete Knock Down (CKD) kits to countries with import restrictions or local assembly incentives.

• This allowed the Hunter to be tailored to regional tastes and regulations, often under different brand names (e.g. Paykan, Arrow, Vogue).

Would you like a breakdown of how each region adapted the Hunter’s styling or specs? I can chart export variants next.

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Generations and Trim Levels

The Hillman Hunter (1966–79) was offered as a single generation built on the Rootes Arrow platform, but it evolved through multiple facelifts and trim levels to suit different market segments and export needs.

🧬 Generational Overview

• Single Generation (1966–79)Introduced in October 1966 as a clean-sheet design
  Underwent facelifts in 1970, 1972, and 1975
  Rebadged as Chrysler Hunter from 1977 to 1979
  Platform shared with Singer, Humber, Sunbeam, and Paykan derivatives
  

🚗 UK Trim Levels & Variants

Trim LevelYears OfferedKey Features   Hunter DeLuxe (DL)1966–79Base model; 1496cc or 1725cc engine Hunter GT1969–70Twin Strombergs, Ro-Style wheels, rectangular headlamps Hunter GLS1972–77Holbay-tuned 1725cc, twin Webers, quad headlamps Hunter Estate1967–795-door wagon; shared rear lamps with Rapier Hunter Special1970sFleet-focused; simplified trim and interior Chrysler Hunter Super1977–79Final facelift; vinyl roof, Rostyle wheels Chrysler Hunter GL1977–79Higher-spec Chrysler-era variant

🛠 Export & Badge-Engineered Variants

• Singer Vogue / Gazelle

• Humber Sceptre

• Sunbeam Rapier / Alpine / Arrow

• Paykan (Iran) – produced until 2005

• Dodge Husky (South Africa) – pickup variant

• Hillman Minx (1966–70) – budget version with 1496cc engine

The Hunter’s trim strategy allowed Rootes and Chrysler to target everything from fleet buyers to rally enthusiasts.

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Designer and Dimensions

The Hillman Hunter (1966–79) was designed by Rex Fleming, with additional styling input from William Towns and Roy Axe—the latter responsible for the estate and coupé variants. It was the lead model in the Rootes Group’s Arrow platform, conceived as a clean-sheet replacement for the Minx and Super Minx.

🧠 Design Origins

• Rex Fleming: Lead designer for the saloon; aimed for a modern, conservative look to rival the Ford Cortina Mk2.

• William Towns: Contributed to the overall styling language; later known for work at Aston Martin.

• Roy Axe: Styled the estate and fastback coupé versions; later became Design Director at Chrysler and Austin-Rover.

The Hunter’s styling was deliberately restrained—angular, upright, and practical—reflecting Rootes’ desire to appeal to traditional buyers while modernising its lineup.

📏 Dimensions (Saloon Variant)/ Specification/ Measurement/

Length - 4,343 mm (171 in)

Width - 1,600 mm (63 in)

Height - 1,422 mm (56 in)

Wheelbase - 2,489 mm (98 in)

Curb Weight - 953 kg (2,100 lbs)

Ground Clearance - 152 mm (6 in)

Turning Circle - 10.4 m

These dimensions placed the Hunter squarely in the mid-size family saloon category, competing with the Cortina, Victor, and Morris Oxford.

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Most Favoured Colour

While Hillman didn’t publish official colour popularity rankings for the Hunter (1966–79), period sales data, surviving examples, and enthusiast preferences suggest a few shades stood out as favourites—especially in the UK market.

🎨 Most Favoured Colours (UK Market)

Colour Name/ Popularity Level/ Notes   

Alpine White⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Widely used across DeLuxe and Estate trims; clean, timeless look 

Midnight Blue⭐⭐⭐⭐☆Popular on GLS and GT variants; elegant and understated 

Coffee Brown Metallic⭐⭐⭐⭐☆Favoured in late 1970s Chrysler Hunter models; period-correct luxury tone 

Teal Green⭐⭐⭐⭐☆Common on mid-1970s facelifted Hunters; suited vinyl roof trims 

Antique Ivory⭐⭐⭐☆☆Seen on export and fleet models; less common today 

Pippin Red⭐⭐⭐☆☆Sporty appeal; often paired with black vinyl roof on GT trims

🧭 Survivorship Clues

• Alpine White appears frequently in surviving UK-registered Hunters, especially in DeLuxe and Estate variants.

• Midnight Blue and Coffee Brown Metallic are prized among collectors restoring GLS and late Chrysler-badged Hunters.

• Colour choice often varied by trim level and year—e.g. GTs favoured darker tones, while fleet-focused Specials leaned toward neutrals.

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Total Production: 440,000 

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Price New: In 1966, the Hillman Hunter was priced at approximately **£900** in the UK. This made it a competitive option in the mid-sized family car market at the time.

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Main Rivals (Price): In 1966, the Hillman Hunter faced competition from several other cars in the UK market. Here are some of its main rivals and their approximate new prices at that time:

1. **Ford Cortina**: Around £659

2. **Vauxhall Victor**: Around £700

3. **Austin A60 Cambridge**: Around £750

4. **Morris Oxford**: Around £800

5. **Triumph 2000**: Around £1,050

These prices are approximate and can vary based on the specific model and options chosen. The Hillman Hunter itself was priced at around £900 in 1966.

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Engine/Performance Specifications

The Hillman Hunter (1966–79) offered a range of inline-four petrol engines, all based on Rootes’ proven OHV architecture. While the platform remained consistent, tuning and carburation varied across trims—from economy-focused Minx derivatives to rally-ready GLS and GT models.

🔧 Engine Options & Specifications

Engine Variant/ Displacement/ Power Output (bhp)/ Carburettor(s)/ Compression Ratio/ Notes   

1.5L OHV I4/ 1496 cc/ ~54 bhp/ Single Zenith/ ~8.5:1/ Used in early Minx and DeLuxe models 

1.7L OHV I4 (Standard)/ 1725 cc/ ~74 bhp/ Single Stromberg CDS150/ ~8.7:1/ Most common Hunter engine 

1.7L OHV I4 (GT)/ 1725 cc/ ~88 bhp/ Twin Stromberg CDS150/ ~9.0:1/ Rectangular headlamps; sporty trim 

1.7L OHV I4 (GLS/Holbay)/ 1725 cc/ ~93–107 bhp/ Twin Weber 40DCOE/ ~9.4:1/ Holbay-tuned; shared with Rapier H120

🏁 Performance Highlights

Model Variant/ 0–60 mph (sec)/ Top Speed (mph)/ Fuel Economy (mpg)   

Hunter 1.5L/ - 20.0/ -80/ -31 

Hunter 1.7L/ - 16.0/ - 90/ - 29 

Hunter GT/ - 12.0/ - 102/ - 27 

Hunter GLS/ -10.0/ -105/ -25

⚙️ Transmission Pairings

• 4-speed manual (standard across all models)

• Laycock de Normanville overdrive (optional on 3rd & 4th gears)

• Borg-Warner 35/45 automatic (available on 1.7L models)

These engines were praised for their durability and torque, though not cutting-edge by 1970s standards. The Holbay-tuned GLS remains the most collectible, especially with its twin Webers and quad headlamps. 

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Common Faults

The Hillman Hunter (1966–79), while solidly engineered for its time, had its share of recurring faults—some tied to age and wear, others to design quirks that became evident over years of ownership.

⚠️ Common Mechanical Issues

• Cold Start Challenges
  The Stromberg 150 CDS carburettor often required liberal use of choke or hand-throttle from cold. The alloy-head 8-port engine took time to warm up and could stall easily.

• Head Gasket Failures
  Particularly in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Overheating or warped blocks could lead to coolant-oil mixing and loss of compression.

• Clutch Thrust Bearing Wear
  Early models used graphite thrust bearings, which were prone to disintegration under load.

• Differential Whine
  A common complaint in older Hunters, especially if the rear axle wasn’t maintained with correct oil grades.

• Fuel System Degradation
  Long-term storage or infrequent use could lead to carburettor diaphragm ruptures, fuel tank rust, and blocked lines.

🔩 Electrical & Structural Faults

• Fusebox & Fuse Holder Issues
  Loose fuse holders could cause intermittent electrical failures, even when fuses appeared intact.

• Earthing Problems
  Some owners reported bizarre faults like headlights earthing through the accelerator cable, resolved only by adding proper earth straps.

• Rust Vulnerability
  A major concern, especially in:Front wings and rear arches
  Sills and jacking points
  Strut tops and bulkhead joins
  Fuel tanks and rear valances
  

• Window Mechanism Failures
  Side windows could break or jam due to worn runners or brittle glass.

🧰 Restoration Considerations

• Parts Availability
  While mechanical spares are still obtainable, trim pieces, GLS-specific components, and Holbay engine parts can be scarce.

• Suspension Geometry
  Some variants had non-adjustable camber and incorrect Ackermann angles, affecting high-speed handling and tyre wear.

Despite these faults, the Hunter remains a durable and rewarding classic when properly maintained. 

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Historical Pricing Comparisons

🏁 Auction Highlights (Selected Sales)/ Model & Year/ Sale Price (GBP)/ Auction House/ Date

1974 Hunter GLS/ £18,000/ Car & Classic/ 2024

1971 Hunter Saloon/ £1,100/ Barons/ 2018

1968 Hunter Rally Car/ £28,688/ H&H/ 2006

📈 Market Trends

• Hunter:      Median value in 2025 is £10,771, with top examples reaching £11,250–£28,688

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Recorded in UK 2025: As of 2025, there are **126 Hillman Hunters** still licensed and on the road in the UK. Additionally, there are **116 Hillman Hunters** registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).

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Rarity & Collector’s Appeal

The Hillman Hunter (1966–79) holds modest but growing appeal among collectors, especially those drawn to underappreciated British saloons and badge-engineered curiosities. While not as iconic as the Ford Cortina or Triumph Dolomite, its rarity and motorsport pedigree—particularly in GLS and GT trims—are fuelling renewed interest.

🧭 Rarity Snapshot (UK, 2025)

VariantLicensedSORN’dNotes   Hunter (All Trims)126116Includes DeLuxe, Estate, GT, GLS Hunter GLS (Holbay)~12UnknownFlagship model; quad lamps, twin Webers Hunter GT (1970)Very fewUnknownRectangular lamps; twin Strombergs Hunter Topaz (1975)<10UnknownLimited edition; brushed nylon seats, vinyl roof

• Compared to the Avenger Tiger (~40 survivors), the Hunter is slightly more common overall but far rarer in performance trims.

• The Topaz and GLS are especially scarce, often outnumbered by Jaguar E-Type Series III examples on UK roads.

🏁 Collector’s Appeal

✅ What Makes It Desirable

• Holbay GLS Engine: Twin Weber 40DCOEs, ~100 bhp, rally pedigree

• Motorsport Legacy: Winner of the 1968 London–Sydney Marathon; rally-prepped variants still surface at auction

• Badge Engineering Intrigue: Shared platform with Singer Vogue, Humber Sceptre, Sunbeam Rapier

• Export Legacy: Became the Paykan in Iran—produced until 2005

⚠️ Challenges

• Rust: Vulnerable in sills, strut tops, valances, and bulkhead joins

• Parts Scarcity: GLS-specific trim, Holbay components, and Topaz interior bits are hard to source

• Understated Styling: Less visual drama than rivals; appeal lies in subtlety and provenance

💷 Market Snapshot

Year/ Median Value (UK)/ Top Auction Price/ Notes   

2005 - £1,500—Low awareness 

2020 - £10,771 -  £28,688 - Rally-prepped example 

2025 - £10,771 - £11,250–£28,688 GLS and rally variants dominate top tier

• Sell-through rate: 100% for Hunters listed at auction since 2020

• GLS and GT trims are the most collectible, especially with documentation and originality

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Value in the UK in 2025

In 2025, a Hillman Hunter GT in the UK commands a value of approximately £14,750, based on the most recent auction data and valuation guides. This figure reflects a fully restored example with provenance, such as the 1969 GT sold at Mathewsons in March 2025.

💷 Valuation Breakdown

Condition/ Estimated Value (GBP)/ Notes   

Concours/Showroom

£14,750+Restored with documentation; museum display provenance 

Good/Usable - £9,000–£12,000 Mechanically sound; may need cosmetic work 

Project/Unrestored - £3,500–£6,000 Rare but incomplete; originality affects value

• The GT is extremely rare, with very few known survivors.

• Values are rising due to collector interest in Rootes performance trims and the GT’s transitional role between the Minx and Hunter GLS.

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Investment Assessment

I’d rate the Hillman Hunter (1966–79) a 3 out of 5 as a financial investment—respectable potential, especially in rare trims, but not a guaranteed high-yield asset.

💼 Investment Rating: 3/5

✅ Strengths

• Solid Production Numbers: Over 440,000 built, with a decent survival rate—126 licensed and 116 SORN’d in the UK as of 2025.

• Motorsport Pedigree: Winner of the 1968 London–Sydney Marathon, giving it historic rally credibility.

• Export Legacy: Became the Paykan in Iran, produced until 2005—adds global interest and parts availability.

• Badge Engineering Intrigue: Shared platform with Singer, Humber, and Sunbeam variants; collectors appreciate the Arrow range’s diversity.

⚠️ Limitations

• Modest Appreciation: Median UK value in 2025 is £10,771, with top examples reaching £11,250–£28,688 (rally-prepped or GLS).

• Rust & Parts Scarcity: Vulnerable to corrosion; GLS and GT-specific components are hard to source.

• Understated Styling: Less visual drama than rivals like the Dolomite Sprint or Cortina 1600E, which can affect desirability.

📈 Best Investment Picks

• Hunter GLS (Holbay): Twin Webers, quad lamps, ~12 known survivors—most collectible.

• Hunter GT (1969–70): Rare transitional model with twin Strombergs and rectangular headlamps.

• Topaz Edition (1975): Brushed nylon seats, vinyl roof—<10 known examples.

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Maintenance and Running Costs

The Hillman Hunter'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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Parts Bin Engineering

The Hillman Hunter (1966–79) is a textbook example of parts-bin engineering done right—especially within the Rootes Group’s badge-engineering strategy. While it wasn’t revolutionary, it was cleverly designed to share components across multiple marques and trims, reducing costs and simplifying production.

🧰 Parts-Bin Engineering Highlights

🔄 Shared Platform: The Arrow Range

• The Hunter was the lead model in the Rootes Arrow platform, which underpinned:Singer Vogue & Gazelle
  Humber Sceptre
  Sunbeam Rapier, Alpine, Arrow
  Chrysler Hunter (post-1976)
  

• This allowed Rootes to reuse body shells, suspension layouts, and drivetrains across brands with minimal retooling.

⚙️ Engine & Drivetrain Commonality

• Most variants used the 1496cc or 1725cc OHV inline-four, shared with:Minx
  Super Minx
  Sunbeam Rapier H120
  

• The Holbay-tuned 1725cc in the GLS was also used in the Rapier H120, with twin Weber 40DCOEs and uprated internals.

🛞 Suspension & Braking

• MacPherson struts (a Rootes first) were used across the Arrow range.

• Rear suspension: live axle with trailing arms and coil springs, shared with Rapier and Sceptre.

• Braking systems—calipers, drums, and master cylinders—were interchangeable across Hunter, Avenger, and Minx derivatives.

🧩 Interior & Trim

• Dashboards, switchgear, and seats were often lifted from other Rootes models:GLS used Sceptre-style instrumentation
  Estate variants shared rear lamp clusters with the Rapier
  GT and Topaz trims borrowed vinyl roof treatments and brushed nylon upholstery from Humber and Chrysler parts bins
  

🧭 Strategic Benefits

• Cost Efficiency: Rootes could offer multiple models with distinct branding but shared underpinnings.

• Export Flexibility: CKD kits allowed easy adaptation for markets like Iran (Paykan), New Zealand, and South Africa.

• Simplified Maintenance: Mechanics could service multiple Rootes cars with overlapping parts—still helpful today for restorers sourcing spares.

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Spares

If you're sourcing Hillman Hunter spares in the UK or Ireland, you're in luck—there’s a small but dedicated network of suppliers and enthusiast-run outlets that cater to restoration projects and rare trims like the GT and GLS.

🛠 Recommended Parts Suppliers

🇬🇧 Hillman Hunter GLS Holbay Parts

• Specialist in New Old Stock (NOS) and used parts for all Hunter variants

• Offers everything from gaskets to gear knobs

• Enthusiast-run with a focus on GLS and Holbay-specific components

• Visit their website

🇬🇧 MEV Spares

• Stocks a wide range of Rootes Group parts, including:Clutch, brakes, hydraulics
  Engine, gearbox, ignition, fuel systems
  

• Known for accurate listings and fast dispatch

• Explore their Hunter section

🇬🇧 Online Automotive

• Offers next-day delivery on a broad selection of Hunter parts

• Includes mechanical, electrical, and crash repair components

• Good for routine service items like filters, belts, and brake parts

• Browse their catalogue

🇬🇧 Forest Custom & Classics

• Hosts dedicated sub-sites for HillmanSpares.co.uk

• Covers Hunter, Husky, Minx, and Imp models

• Accepts photo-based enquiries for hard-to-find parts

• Submit a spares request

🇬🇧 Masterparts

• Stocks parts for Hunter and Super Minx

• Focuses on mechanical components, not body panels or trim

• Check availability

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Racing

The Hillman Hunter (1966–79) did compete in motorsport—most notably in long-distance rallying, where it earned a reputation for durability and unexpected competitiveness.

🏁 Key Motorsport Highlights

🥇 1968 London–Sydney Marathon

• Driven by Andrew Cowan, the Hunter won this grueling 10,000-mile rally, beating factory teams from Porsche, Citroën, and BMC.

• The victory was a major publicity coup for Hillman and Rootes, showcasing the Hunter’s reliability and ruggedness.

🌍 1970 World Cup Rally (London–Mexico)

• Hunters were entered again, though they didn’t replicate the 1968 success.

• The event reinforced the model’s suitability for endurance events.

🇳🇿 New Zealand Rally Scene

• Hunters competed in club-level rallying, often modified with Holbay-tuned engines and uprated suspension.

• Their robust rear-wheel-drive layout made them popular among privateers.

🧰 Homologation & FIA Recognition

• The Hunter was homologated for Group 1 competition by the FIA in January 1967, under form number 5134.

• This allowed it to compete in production-based saloon car racing, including rally and circuit events.

🏆 Legacy

• While not a mainstream racing icon like the Escort or Dolomite Sprint, the Hunter’s London–Sydney win remains one of the most impressive underdog victories in rally history.

• It helped cement Hillman’s motorsport credentials and boosted the Hunter’s appeal among enthusiasts.

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Owners Clubs in Northern Ireland

There are several owners clubs in Northern Ireland dedicated to the Hillman Hunter, providing a community for enthusiasts to share their passion and knowledge.

This comprehensive overview should give you a detailed understanding of the Hillman Hunter (1966-79).

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