For decades, Hillman was a mainstay of the British car industry, rivalling well-known Ford, British Leyland and Vauxhall. But despite a string of hardworking, practical cars, the company remains an oft-forgotten marque.
Founded in 1907 by William Hillman, who turned to cars after making his fortune in bicycles, the company was snapped up a little more than 20 years later by the Rootes Group, which oversaw the launch of such popular models as the Husky, Hunter, Minx, Imp and Avenger.
The Hillman name was last used in 1976, by which time the company had been sold to US-based Chrysler after enduring severe financial woes. Fifty years on, we’re celebrating this powerhouse marque in family motoring.
Minx (1931-70)
Produced in a bewildering number of generations since the 1930s, this sturdy family car prioritised longevity over speed and became the company’s bestselling model.
Buckinghamshire-based Lourdes Brackenridge, 69, and her husband, Glenn, 72, own two 1962 Super Minx convertibles. “We bought our first Super Minx more than 40 years ago to replace my Triumph Spitfire convertible,” says Lourdes. “Initially, I found it heavy and difficult to drive but grew to love it.
“Glenn also used it for work, although it was 20 years old and his company’s policy stated cars had to be under three years old. He got away with it because customers loved it.
“Glenn handles most repairs but our newest Minx, which cost £3,000, is still prone to occasional breakdowns. We always carry tools and a spare carburettor because we never know when its jets will block and stall the engine. We carry petrol, too, because the gauge never reads empty.
“Despite that, I love its classic, stylish appearance and nothing beats driving with the roof down.”
Husky (1954-70)
The Husky was marketed as a dual-purpose vehicle, a “smart, comfortable saloon for personal use, sturdy load-carrier for business”. Although sales were modest, it carved a niche for itself thanks to its spaciousness and budget-friendly pricing.
Norfolk-based Kate and Tony Willock, both 66, own a 1962 Series 2 Husky. “We love Rootes cars and also own a Sunbeam Alpine. We’ve even installed the far more powerful Alpine engine in the Husky to help pull our caravan,” explains Kate, who met Tony at an Alpine Owners’ Club event.
“We spotted it on eBay. It had been stuck in a barn for years with only 13,000 miles on the clock, but needed restoration. I don’t think the owner ever changed the oil because it was grey and solid,” says Tony.
“The Husky’s roominess is a real plus point,” says Kate. “The only disadvantage is the lights not being very powerful, so we don’t take it out at night.
“Many people have happy memories of the Husky. One chap told us that, as a boy, his parents put the back seat down and installed a mattress so he and his two young sisters could sleep while their parents drove to their holiday resort.”
Hunter (1966-79)
Despite living in the shadow of the Ford Cortina, the tough yet stylish Hunter proved its credentials by winning 1968’s punishing London-Sydney Marathon. It survived the company’s tribulations long enough that the last models wore Chrysler badges.
Sue Hickford, 75, from Suffolk, owns a limited-edition 1976 Hillman Hunter Topaz.
“My late husband’s uncle bought it new and when he stopped driving, aged 92, he wanted us to have it. Sadly, we didn’t have room so it was sold. Two years later, we noticed Uncle Bill’s Hunter for sale in a car magazine, so we bought it.
“After collecting it, we called to see Bill and experienced a very emotional reunion. He was a stickler for record-keeping and I have log books detailing every trip and the reason for it.
“There is so much I like about the Hunter, including its ability to keep up with modern traffic. The car has helped me make friends via car clubs and shows. In fact, I’ve only recently come off the Hillman Owners’ Club committee after 14 years.”
Avenger (1970-81)
This long-running family saloon was the last model to carry the Hillman badge. Adam Crowton, 62, from Staffordshire, owns an Avenger Tiger Mk2.
“Hillman’s designers were tasked with making a high-performance version to compete with the Ford Escort Mexico, resulting in the Tiger, which is faster than its competitor,” says Adam, who first owned this example in 1985. “Only 600 were built and it’s estimated only 24 remain on the road.
“After a few years, I sold it to the original owner. Fast-forward to 2020 and after investigating whether it still existed, I discovered he had owned it for 31 years. We stayed in touch until he died last year, when his executors asked for my help in selling it. I didn’t need to find anyone because I jumped at the chance of buying it back.
“I’m now busy returning it to the way it looked in 1985. The engine has been rebuilt and underneath is solid, but the top has suffered from the car being stored under a damp sheet, so the bodywork needs some love.
“The standard Avenger sold well but the Tiger wasn’t a big success, mainly because Hillman opted to use a four-door Avenger shell rather than the two-door version. Back then, boy racers wanted two-doors like the Escort Mexico.”
Imp (1963-76)
Launched to compete with the Mini, the Imp’s advanced, 875cc aluminium engine mounted in the rear provided exceptional handling and lively performance. But this well-engineered car was troubled by hurried development and poor quality control, leading to early reliability issues.
Retired deputy headteacher Warren Brand, 63, owns a 1966 Imp Super which has been in his family for 60 years. “My mother bought the ex-showroom demonstrator when I was three and used it regularly. When I was old enough to drive, she gave it to me.
“I’ve found it easy to maintain, spacious, comfy and fun to drive. And, unlike some Imps, it has been reliable.
“A memorable occasion was my first driving experience – illegal, maybe – aged 10. Dad stalled the engine in the middle of a double roundabout, blocking the traffic. He told me to steer while he pushed the car to safety. It was great fun.
“I still use the Imp regularly, having driven to Cornwall recently for an Imp Club event as well as a 450-mile round-trip to Chesterfield, on both the Imp ran faultlessly.”
More information at the Hillman Owners’ Club and the Imp Club. Hillman Super Minx by Glenn Brackenridge (Amberley Publishing) is on sale from September 15.