Hillman was produced by the Rootes Group. The company was established in 1913 by William Rootes who eventually bought up and produced other car brands, such as Humber, Commer, Singer, Talbot and Sunbeam. Rootes became known for "badge engineering" where the same construction was used by several car brands. Although construction and appearance were quite similar, each car brand got its own identity. Rootes chose to give the brands different equipment, decor and engine power so that the different brands could be adapted to their own customer groups. A Sunbeam Rapier crashed in a car race while its half-brother Hillman Minx was shopping with the family. Rootes was taken over by Chrysler and later by Peugeot in 1978 who took the factories into use for the production of their own models. (Source: Anders de Lange)
Previously published on Rootes
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. Read more about Paykan!
Sunbeam Alpine Tiger
With the help of Shelby, the Alpine Tiger was equipped with Ford's 260 V8 engine. Talk about putting a tiger in the engine compartment!
Rootes models in text and images
Hillman Minx and Hunter
Cars with 1725 ccm were called Hunter, while cars with 1496 ccm engine were called Minx. Eventually I think Chrysler's logo and name came into use.
Hillman Imp
Was the Rootes group's brief to poach customers from the British Motor Company's bestseller: The Mini. They had a couple of aces up their sleeve.
Humber Super Snipe
The Super Snipe model name has been around since the war, but the model shown here was built from model years 1959 through 1967.
Sunbeam Rapier
The Sunbeam Rapier is well known from rally races in the 50s and 60s where the Sunbeam Alpine also often competed.
Hillman Minx "Audax"
The Hillman Minx actually competed with its own sister model, the Super Minx. The two models shared a platform and technology, but different bodies.
Hillman Super Minx
Why did Rootes launch Super Minx? Was it supposed to be the sequel to the Minx (Audax) or was it meant to be a more luxurious variant?
Sunbeam Alpine
Simple, English sports cars such as MG and Triumph are still to be seen at car meets. The Sunbeam Alpine belongs to the same category of sports cars, but is not as often seen.
