Model history
The Hillman Minx/Hunter was designed and put into production by Rootes in 1966. The following year they were acquired by Chrysler. In retrospect, we know that Chrysler did not succeed very well with its acquisitions in Europe. By the time the Hillman Minx/Hunter went out of production in 1979, it had received several facelifts. The latest in 1977. In the meantime, the competitor Cortina had come out with two completely new models – the mk3 in 1970 and the mk4 in 1976. But the Minx/Hunter was not a bad car. It was in every way a worthy descendant of the Hillman Minx and Super Minx. The durable 1725 engine was also carried over to the Hunter, - and in terms of performance the Hillman was as good as the Cortina mk2.
Variants
Rootes became known for running so-called "badge engineering" where the same model was sold under several car brands. After Chrysler took over in 1967, they followed the same line. On cars in Norway, I remember that it either said Hilllman Minx. or Hillman Hunter. Cars with 1725 ccm were called Hunter, while cars with a 1496 ccm engine were called Minx.. Eventually I think Chrysler's logo and name came into use. Much had been carried over from the Hillman Minx "Audax" and Super Minx, and Rootes/Chrysler would carry on the Minx name. But in England, and elsewhere in the world, the same model was also sold as the Chrysler Hunter, Rootes Arrow, Humber Sceptre, Singer Vogue, Sunbeam Arrow, Sunbeam Sceptre, and more. In addition to the 4-door sedan, the Hillman Minx/Hunter could be delivered as a station wagon and as a "fastback" coupe. At the same time as the car was produced in Europe, boxes of parts were sent to Iran where the cars were assembled as "Paykan" (the arrow). After production ceased in Europe, the production equipment was sent to Iran where Paykan aka. The Hillman Hunter was produced until 2005 as a passenger car and until 2015 as a pickup truck.
About the pictures
The burgundy-red car is a Hillman Minx of model year 1970. It was photographed at Hadeland Glassverk on the occasion that members of Rootes Car Club Norway displayed their cars there. According to the vehicle register, the car has Norwegian history and is equipped with a 1500 ccm engine. The red car with white painted rims was photographed at Sjøflyhavna near Fornebu. It is a Hillman Hunter with a 1725 ccm engine - also a Series 1 car with a shiny grill.
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See
The hillman that became the national car in Iran
The Hillman Hunter was not a bad car. but was not very highly valued here at home. In Iran, however, the cars became a national symbol. See more
