The Hillman & Chrysler Avenger Forum

Got deep pockets, here's an immaculate Mk2 Tiger for sale in the UK:

http://www.classiccarlife.com/classic-cars-for-sale/hillman-avenger/6724

Oh crap I want that soo bad. how hard would it be to get it over here?

Can anyone tell if it is the real deal?

Damn it. I checked the sellers website and it has already sold. Way to get my hopes up Ross ;D

http://thornfalconclassics.com/SalesDetail.aspx?page=gallery&id=187

Never mind Richard....here's a MK1 Tiger for sale...cheaper than the Mk2!!

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2502190.htm

Now on eBay too....going cheap??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-/220756869443?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3366228143#ht_866wt_932

Damn it that is soo tempting. Hey Dave (Avengertiger) can you tell if that is a legit tiger? and have you looked in to how hard it would be to get a tiger shipped over here?

This is the only Talbot Avenger sedan I've seen for sale...looks immaculate and only $3000 to import!!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C106447/

This unique Avenger for sale is from South Africa....

http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-Motorbikes-Parts-cars-R35K-1976-Dodge-Avenger-W0QQAdIdZ263551190#

Sweet looking wee car, I like the bumper detail. 19500 ZAR = $3800 NZ Peso's

For Auto Avenger Addicts check out this 2500 mile one in the UK....

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C211567/

that sunseeker above has been on the market for the last few years i think it gets moved around from dealer to dealer at one stage it was up around 7k sterling.

Here's another rare model....a Talbot Avenger Wagon with under 30,000 miles on the clock!

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/102821

WOW talk about a lucky buyer...this barn find Avenger Tiger sold for US$1800.....

http://bringatrailer.com/2010/10/12/barn-find-racer-1973-chrysler-tiger-scca-rally-car/

http://bringatrailer.com/2010/11/22/bat-success-story-hillman-avenger-tiger-rally-car/

crap!! sold for 1800 bucks plus a lot of nos spares someone got a good deal,this car raised a lot of eyebrows on the asoc club forum as to how a tiger got to america,it was an ex uk rally car exported and reshelled at some stage into a later series 7 shell.good reading though has had an interesting past.

Here's an Avenger Tiger for only $39.....lol

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TIGER-FUR-SEAT-COVERS-Low-Back-Buckets-/110604687812?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AAvenger&hash=item19c08d99c4#ht_1403wt_978

haha, maybe Kiera could upgrade her sheepskin to Tiger fur.

Yeah would match her dash then!!
We better take it easy on Kiera....being an Aussie and all....lol

FOUND...more than 50 Dodge Polara's for sale in Brazil...a bit pricey though...even with the 0.8 exchange rate to $NZ

http://www.ooyyo.com/used-cars/dodge-polara/brazil

Here's a better value one...an Avenger 1800 wagon in Argentina, just NZ$2500

http://www.ooyyo.com/used-dodge-ram-argentina-buenos+aires--3596935153661034301.html

They seem to have really kept their price well over there. $5,000-12,000 NZD for a good one. They all seem to be 2 doors and they seem to have a ridge going down the middle of the bonnet.

It would be a hoot turning up to some of the MoPar meets in that Dodge Polara. I would get laughed at so hard.

here is one of my mates Dodge Polara, I am pretty sure you couple probably fit an Avenger in the boot :D

(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/Mopars%20in%20Nelson/P1010517.jpg)

(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/Mopars%20in%20Nelson/P1010520.jpg)

(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/Mopars%20in%20Nelson/P1010892.jpg)

oh hell yea we all own AT LEAST half a MOPAR!

ex flattie even had the P- Plate P0LARA on his hemi POLARA

the movie Hurricane comes to mind (diff tail lights to the clinching CSI style fact that saved him)

Here's a cute Sunbeam Avenger for sale in Spain:

http://www.collectioncar.com/detailed.php?ad=572&category_id=1

Check out this Avenger in Thailand fitted with a 1.8 Toyota motor!!

http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/automotives-vehicles/cars/1975-hillman-avenger-1-owner-rare-british-rootes-group-collectible-car-76262.html

At last....I found a Plymouth Cricket!!

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2467254/1971-sunbeam-alpine

(http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4870/81/24672540001_large.jpg)

Here's another Cricket...now sold:

http://oldcarjunkie.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/plymouth-cricket/

Cool, that Thai one has A/C.

I don't think the first Cricket is a real Cricket. The side marker lights are wrong, those round marker lights are off a Dodge Dart or Dodge Charger. The Cricket had long rectangular side market lights like the second one, or these ones.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5419400521_5557d02f9f_o.jpg)

(http://media.motortopia.com/files/3536/vehicle/48c6ca9ae9288/The_Cricket_03.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4487898178_746cdf7c3b_o.jpg)

A 1988 Avenger for sale??
This is the newest one I've seen listed, a VW 1500 in Argentina, I've asked for photos!

Spanish to English translation

Price: $ 9,300 (NZ$ 2900)

Buy VW 1500 88 single owner, with very little use CNG, mechanics restored to new, well decks, wheels, suspension and battery, VTV and GNC wafer freshly made, very good interior. Restore it for us but we need the cash. We must not do anything.

http://www.muamat.com/classifieds/-32/posts/2_Vehicles/17_Used_Cars/6429861_Vendo_VW_1500_88_Unico_Dueno_Con_GNC_For_Sale.html

Even better...here's a 1990 one!!

http://www.adoos.com.ar/postx/f93c315ca3fdcd9c50280761137711b8/vendo_vw_1500_modelo_1990

Here's another late model VW one - hardly looks like an Avenger!!

http://www.adoos.com.ar/postx/4a0464a64b4b59ef7b8eb0496b9d626e/vw_1500_unico_en_su_estado_el_mejor_transferido

orw 424m on ebay uk

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-II_W0QQitemZ260765809678QQcategoryZ100929QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp5197.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D4%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8342574121316191475

Here's an Avenger Mk2 Tiger Rally Car on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-Rally-Car_W0QQitemZ180652701888QQcategoryZ100929QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp5197.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%252BMW%26itu%3DUCI%252BUA%252BP%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BIIUM%252BUCC%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLBI%252BLCA%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8423025067414538260#ht_1448wt_932

Here's something a bit different on ebay uk....a Turbo Diesel Avenger Wagon with a Sierra 5 speed and 15" alloys!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1975-P-Hillman-Avenger-Estate-Isuzu-TD-Engine-Videos-/140533641610?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20b875318a#ht_862wt_932

And on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M6M4eU62UM

For Tiger fans, here's a replica rally car for sale in Ireland....

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/rallycars/2062561?cid=2062561&

Here's some rare performance parts for sale in Ireland:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/carextras/2075668

if anybodys interested in any of the above let me know i can get them cheaper!!!
from the same guy he rallys an avenger.

Hi might know Denis who is selling the orange rally car above?
Do you know how much he wants for it?
A genuine yellow tiger converted to a rally car, was recently passed in at 6100 pounds on ebay.
The wardance red standard tiger was passed in at 6400 pounds.

the seller of the orange rally car is different to the guy who selling the parts,i have only met denis hogan in passing he also hillclimbs an avenger with an 1600 brm engine its blue in colour i should have a photo somewere,yep here it is
(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii293/dave74_2008/09082009002.jpg)
(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii293/dave74_2008/09082009001.jpg)

i could find out if you are interested in the rally car.the yellow tiger on ebay was sold off ebay if im correct the owner is in the asoc.i am not sure if orw sold at that price either i can email julian to find out.although richard is being very quiet lately i wonder is he doing some overtime to pay for a new purchase ???

Yes I think Richard is saving his pennies now...sometimes cars are high maintenance...like women...haha
I see a Lotus Sunbeam sold on ebay for 4000 pounds, a snip really...the UK classic car market looks a bit depressed!

Haha, Sorry guys been busy over easter.

I have decided not to go ahead with trying to get a Tiger, I gave it heaps of thought and by the time I get one shipped over here and the amount I have invested in my '75 I just can't justify it. It would be nice but the truth is my '75 is now putting out more power than a tiger and I have tons more projects to do on the '75 so I would rather spend my time and money making my '75 the ultimate road going Avenger.

Work has started on the 5 speed conversion which I hope will be done by OS nats and I have my seats getting reupholstered so I am spending too much on my '75 to look at buying a Tiger anymore.

Also I have decided to spend more on my photography hobby so I have just brought myself a new SLR camera + 3 lens which the whole kit is worth almost $3000.

2 more for sale in ireland a nice 2 door and blue 4 door

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/2108137

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/2107910

one not far from were im from but dont know the seller..

reminds me of avengas 75

Nice condition, but the prices way higher than here...$6500 for the green one, similar car to the 1973 1500 DL in Hamilton that sold for $865.

Yeah that 4 door does look like mine. looks to be the same colour.

i think they are dreaming with regard to the prices really,the market was great but is now saturated and no one has spare cash well not for old cars anyhow.
they wont be sold or will sell for half the asking although im not sure about the 2door if i was home now,and working i would probably have bought it,they just dont come up for sale that often especially clean ones.

Yeah that 2 door does looks tidy...a 1600 one recently sold for 4000 pounds on Pistonheads...so this one is cheaper...have to be keen to pay 4000 euros for a 1300 though.
Better value to get a 1.8L Dodge Polara from Brazil...left hook...but think of the novelty value...lol

http://carro-automovel-usado.vivastreet.com.br/auto-veiculo-usado+joao-monlevade/dodge-polara-1979/33143410

Reckon the fat feet on the green one must hit the guards??
Isn't it the base model with no door pockets, no passenger sunvisor and rubber mats??
Has a centre console though (maybe added later) and the cocaine steering wheel hub...lol

Hers's a cheap twin Dellorto/Weber manifold for sale on ebay UK for 20 pounds!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330557785943&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_949

Mk1 Tiger that sold on ebay for 5600 pounds in March is being re-sold...wonder what it will fetch this time??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110680844837&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_784wt_932

Check out this radical Avenger Wagon on Ebay Uk...2L Pinto with motorbike carbs (my favourite) and a 5 speed Sierra box!!
Looks good lowered and shaved...and what about that minimalist dashboard....lol

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-MODIFIED-2LT-FORD-PINTO-5-SPEED-/160590874109?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2563f645fd#ht_519wt_932

Here's that famous Avenger Sunseeker for sale (yet again) by auction this time.

http://www.catalogue-host.co.uk/richardedmonds/2011-06-11/lot_559?prev_page=search%20results&prev_url=%2frichardedmonds%2f2011-06-11%2fsearch_results%3fpage%3d1%26text%3davenger

mk1 tiger recently advirtised on the asoc forum,if not sold within the club will be on ebay,i think asking price is 2500uk pounds so it must be pretty rotten.
no links as the club forum is only open to members.
details i can copy and paste for anyone interested.

LOL tigerskin would NOT match my dash! haha plus, what an ultimate clash that would be! tigerfur, brown velvet and blue! delish!

Here's a very rare mint 2 door GT for sale on eBay....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220820655792&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

looks like it has a mullet! but VERY tidy

Sold for 6351 pounds, same price as the last Tiger on eBay!!!

wasnt sold winning bidder withdrew owner is on the uk avenger club forum.its still available.....

It hasn't been relisted on eBay...how much is the owner wanting for it??

was sold to okanes in castledawson in northern ireland,wasnt relisted due to private sale i believe.not sure on sale price.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/other/auction-401590650.htm

hmmmm lol

Here's a 1981 Talbot Avenger for sale on eBay...with the basic poverty spec dashboard!
Much rarer than a Hillman or Chrysler model??
Has a Talbot badge on the bonnet and a Chrysler badge on the grill...they must have had a few left in the parts bin...lol

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1981-TALBOT-AVENGER-LS-BROWN-/180721766554?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a13db509a

It's Tiger season again....

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-MK1-TIGER-/150663887121?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2314447911

Here's a souped up Avenger for sale on eBay with twin Webers, a Sierra 5 speed and 3.54 diff...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-RETRO-/170709559437?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27bf15288d

For sale in Ireland...the world's oldest Avenger???
Looks mint, they don't seem to rust like the pommie ones...lol

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/2605845

what a stink website/advert! but cooool

Maybe you prefer gumtree then Jared??...lol

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/avenger-1300-super/90068689

i like bags of sand

that avenger with the bonnet scoop is back on trademe LOL apparantly its in napier, i might go be nosey

Since I missed out on Mark's wagon, I might get this nice blue one...twins really...haha

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-SUPER-AUTO-BLUE-ESTATE-/260880309244?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cbdad9bfc

would be a good project, keep u busy lol. the guy with the bonnet scoop has the car in bayview and wants $600. i would go there if it wasnt stripped and shit, its not a car u can really use to salvage spare factory parts off.

Oh-ho! That Donegal Avenger has a UK reg, if the Irish customs cop-on to ity the owner will be in trouble! EMD 456 J I think I saw it in a youtube flick.

Yep, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG0PE3KyshQ

That red Chrysler has a Co Down reg, JIJ 8941 about late '77 I'd guess. Me Father's old disaster Marina was JIJ 1073 it was early '77.

Here's a 2 door Avenger rally car for sale in the UK....

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/rallycars/2691781

Quote1500cc engine complete with ported big valve 'S' head

See, all the cool cats run 1500cc with the 'S' head

Quotetunnel modified to take Ford type 9 box

Umm you don't need to modify the tunnel to take a Ford type 9, I run a Ford type 9 with no modification to the tunnel.

Quotequick rack (2.2 turns)

Want!

Yes lots of nice bits on that one...a two door mod coming up for your Avenger Richard?...like this one on eBay!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1971-1600-BUBBLE-ARCHED-TWO-DOOR-PROJECT-1000S-SPENT-/200670330200?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2eb8e23d58

Don't like the bubble arches. They make it look like an Escort.

One of my friends is converting a 4 door Valiant in to a 2 door, he is making it in to an old gasser drag car. Very cool.

tunnel mods : maybe they didnt cut/weld/use auto Bell-housing and just made an adapter, would be simialr cost I imagine

Nooooo!!!!! Must resist temptation!!! Arrrrghh!!!

Here's a rare 2 door 4 headlight 1600 Avenger for sale on eBay UK.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-2-door-/270853069614?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f1019db2e

Yeh seen that one, tempted, but I'd need a trailer and all the rest, it'd look well in blue.

How bad is the rust Paddy and what's the inside like, does it need a major rebuild?

I don't know, the Avenger had the disadvantage of a wafer-thin floor but the advantage of being solid steel body so the rust doesn't spread as badly as many cars of the era. Its no good to me as the expense of going to the UK and all the rest.
Looking at the picture, the sills and arches look okay, presumeably someone treated the body at some stage in the cars life so it survived at all this long.
It will surely make someone a good project, 2-door and GL front. I see a Chrysler automatic on ebay as well, seems cheap but for me the Hillman shape is what its all about.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Avenger-/120811335679?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c20eaafff

Current bid

Tiger tiger,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-MK-/390365661061?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item5ae39b4785

Why is it always bought then sold again?!

Yep, was bought from a private dude then a dealer is gonna wait for a guy with

''..for sale in Cornwall UK..'' meaning handy for the Paddies to get to! Plus its not UK tax exempt so an ideal Avenger for Ireland. Many for sale in the UK head over the sea.

Here's a cheap Tiger for 1500 pounds...is it genuine???

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/hillman-avenger-tiger/91214024

It is totally not genuine.

Under model it says "Avenger 1500 G Luxe". So he even says it is a 1500 GL not a Tiger.

Also he says "non complete car . rear doors /bonnet and boot stolen". hmm bonnet and boot stolen, funny how those are the 2 unique body part of a Tiger. So if I take my bonnet and boot off does that make mine a Tiger.

You used to get this with a certain Trademe seller who sold Valiant parts. He would sell a standard VJ dashboard as a genuine E55 Charger dashboard because they both used fish scale aluminium trim and other standard Valiant parts as E49 parts. We have a bit of a running joke on the MoPar forum about it like one guy was selling a genuine E49 left indicator :)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-2-door-/270853069614?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f1019db2e

This project went for over

Quote from: Paddy75 on November 30, 2011, 02:20:20 AM
Also I see there is a 1970 brochure in Australia, maybe one of you guys might be intrested.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-1970-AVENGER-Sales-Brochure-/360249223666?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D4%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D4537279577881320623

I have a New Zealand version of that brochure, all the pages look the same except it has a different cover on it. The cover of mine feature 2 NZ Avengers at a beach. It also has a little insert about the NZ Avengers.

all the inside pages are the UK Avengers, it has all the UK models even ones we never got like the DL. you can spot the NZ ones because they are rocking NZ plates.

Oh right I see what you mean. The NZ Avenger was basically a Super UK model. The bodies were all pressed in Scotland I believe so I suppose the 'body in white' shells were also a bit better sprayed or dipped for sea and ocean boat transportation to NZ I guess. Then add to this that Todds also applied decent underseal and NZ's fair climate the NZ Avengers lasted much longer.
I'm really obsessing about the rust proofing of mine! I've told the guy to acid burn and rot he finds and waxoil the bejakers out of it! When there is salt on the road my Avenger stays in bed! I never seen or recall, an Avenger with the inside-out bin-lid hubcaps on the GL model in the early brochures. I see too the earliest ones had a 'Hillman Avenger' badge on the front wings, I guess thats was for product recognition to differentiate the new car from a Ford. Which is also why I put a big Hillman badge on the grille of mine and the small blue Hillman badge on the rear! Calling my Avenger a Ford is a good way to annoy me!
This is also why there are so many Avenger badges on ebay I guess! I'm thinking of sticking an Avenger (without the rectangular Hillman) badge on the wings of mine.

Yeah New Zealand is pretty good on rust.

I think one of the main things that make the cars last longer down here is that we never use salt on the roads, and with the better rust protection on NZ car then you find a lot of 70's cars which are still in good nick.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-TAX-FREE-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1500CC-GREEN-/230715492802?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D4816677905606998246

Nice write-up and it looks like he will get what he is asking for it. Looking at the softness of the lines on the rear wings I'd say its full of filler though. Oh well at least I don't feel like I paid too much for mine now!

Same car!?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1500-/330571018805?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4cf7917235&clk_rvr_id=295298378925

June this year. ''..only selling because the restoration of my Marina is finished..'' I see it had early GT hubcaps then too.

I can only guess that maybe it was bought then a discovery of something very wrong...

I hope for his sake his coupe is an Aussie Six or else he is being very stupid.

Gave up an Avenger for a Marina? The guy must be a sadist or something, sheesh! I'd hate to see whats under his bed! I see a couple of Marinas in good condition have been for sale for a long time, I suppose Top Gear has made them untouchable. You gotta feel a bit sorry for Marina owners though they get no thanks at all for preserving or restoring an old car. My Father had one and that was one hated car even then, the damn thing was pure torture.

A Talbot (I guess) on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHRYSLER-TALBOT-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1-6-LS-/330659358234?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4cfcd5661a

Pity its not a GLS. Looks like the rear arches have been rebuilt.

far out thats a cortina front! haha

Haha yes that was the Avenger, Cortina chaser! The MK1 was to 'avenge' the sales from Ford's MK2 Cortina and the MK2 styling was with an eye on the MK4 'tina.
'Don't stall on me MK3 Cortina!' There were severe problems with the Mk3's new OHC Pinto and Rootes were indeed a wee bit more wise, make a high cam OHV instead so as my neighbour told me people were told to go for an Avenger because of less engine trouble and better on the juice.

I see the gold Vauxhall Viva that was forsale on ebay in Newcastle Co. Down appears to have been sold, I seen it today in the town, pity I wasn't in the Avenger I would have parked beside it, wait for the owner and ''..holy f*** an Avenger..'' Wanna race?

I was eyeing up an HB Viva more than a few years ago... haven't really seen many since. They used to be more common than Avengers locally, I'm sure (All of them, not just the HBs). Possibly lucky that I stuck with the Hillmans then ;)

mate next door to me had a roatary 1 that was a race car all of its life

Vauxhalls had a bit of a rep' for soft engines. Even the 1980s Cavaliers/Opel Asconas while they were good on fuel the engines were weak, they'd even warp crankshafts. The Chevette/Kadett was a great handeling wee yoke ans a bit more comfortable than an Escort and like the Avenger/Sumbeam they were coil all round. They were a lot more rusty though, I remember seeing many Kadetts with the big tin-type rust blisters in them, once they started to rot there was no stopping it.
The Viva, HA or HB had lesf springs, the bodies too heavy and the engines were 'bad breathers' as an uncle mechanic of mine said, ''..snorty lumpy hoore of a thing...''
When I was working (about 1990) in a garage there was a Viva behind the garage used for spares or to store half worn tyres. As the mechanics said of them, the front brake flexi's were too long that made the brakes spongy - Cortinas also had that problem, ''..a wheel-barrow..'' as he said of the Viva. More reliable than a BL (sure so is a Lada!)
The Avenger was pretty well spoken of and its no suprize that as far as I recall many mechanics drove them.

As the 1970 Rootes-Chrysler hand book says:
''We think the AVENGER a winner and we want you to get the best out of it.''

Light, well designed, torquey and high revving reliable engine, all coil suspension and cool as f*** interiors and exterior.
I can see why on ebay and otherplaces, an Avenger is at least one thousand pounds/euro/whatever higher than the rest.

Another Talbot, looks pretty solid as the seller says. Probabbly will go for

Gotta love those LS models...no rubber on the bumpers and the poverty spec dash w/o rev counter...glad we never got them here...haha
BTW did the late model Chrysler 1300's still have the 4.11 diff or did they put 3.89's in them?
I know the later 1600's used a 3.70 and a 3.54, but no 3.54's in NZ.

Yes the MK2 does look a bit naked without the chrome surrounds and the later ones I recall were all 1.6 GL or GLS's.
The diff ratios are all over the place. It seems that a lot of changes were made to the Avenger esp. with the front suspension. My 1300 has (according to the Service Code) a 4.11. The late MK1's with a 1600cc engine had 3.7 (according to the specs page on a Chrysler '76 brochure I got) diff.
I'm guessing that because the short stroke Avengers (70-73 1250/1500cc) had the torque peak high up the revs and 9.4 comp ratio that they were low grared.
Then as they took the peak torque down the revs with the 1300/1600 engines and lowered the comp ratio to 8.6, they in turn geared up the diff. So a 1250 had a 4.37 then the 1300 had a 4.11. (but not always, I think the 73/74 1300 still had a 4.37 - or was it a 4.37 on LC engines?)

The 1600 kept the 3.89 untill 75/76 then 3.7 - as far as I can tell.

The MK2 had a slightly higher compression ratio of 8.8:1 so its pretty likely the 1300 diff went up to 3.89:1.

The 3.54:1 was probabbly only gotten on special order or for European (Autobhan) countries.

All I do know is that with the 1.75'' carbie on my 1300 that there does seem to be a bit of spare torque when going uphill so taking it up to 3.89:1 would do it no harm.

Yes a 3.89 would be good in your 1300 Paddy...maybe easy to find a complete 3.89 rear end as that was the most popular ratio. Can probably sell your 4.11 for more as they're sought after for racing and rallying.

Another one! Somebody was thinking about a Tiger2 replica! It would seem that a couple of apparent recent articles in the 'Fast Ford' magazines where the Avenger was given 'Worthy Opponent' status has made any Avenger valuable.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1300-SUPER-BROWN-/320833842502?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ab32fed46

Note the, what looks like MK1 Escort, (no I'm wrong about that,) indicators on this one! I'd not be suprized if it hits

??? I never seen this before! Must have been because the DL didn't have reversing lights.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-Chrysler-Avenger-lights-MK1-/220940778872?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item337118bd78

Or was the reversing lens dyed? Bizzare!

Here's a mint looking Talbot Sunbeam Lotus for sale on e-Bay for 6800 pounds...a rare 1982 model!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170778837569?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

And here's another Lotus Sunbeam...going cheap..?!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-SUNBEAM-LOTUS-ROAD-CAR-one-last-/300663164864?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4600ebcfc0

Almost worth it just for the engine.

I have always wanted to see how a lotus engine would go in an Avenger. I think it would be pretty awesome.

Yeah would give a Nissan SR20DE a good run for the money...lol

For sure :P

Wait till I get trumpets, throttle bodys and cams! :D

How long do I need to wait?

If you pay for it, we'll get it done now! :D

Sure, if I can keep it :P

Here's a 1 pound reserve 1300 Avenger on e-Bay...doesn't look too bad??
Did 1300's come out with 4 headlights and the GLS dash Paddy???

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-parts-repair-all-complete-with-spares-n-reg-/320848715112?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4ab412dd68

I seen that one, bargain of the year!
Looks pretty clean although there would be an issue with the lack of registration documents, but that could be taken care of pretty easily.
Thats a GL, so it has round clocks and lights. From what I can tell the 1250cc from 1970-73 only was available with the strip dashboard and single square lights, DL and Super trim levels. Only the 1500cc GL, GT or GLS had the round lights and GLS dashboard.
Then with the late '73 engine upgrade the Super model also got round clocks (as in mine) with still the single square headlamps. The 1300 engine models then also got the GL option, so a 1250cc never had the GLS/Alpine front and dashboard and the 1300cc did.
In short only the GL models upwards had the four round headlamps and the 1250 never had a GL spec, the 1300 did. The 1300 & 1600 DL retained the strip dasboard, just with the 1600 having front discs (and all 1300 Estates.)
Whats really annoying is that that 1300 GL would have front discs! The Super or DL didn't. I see that 1300GL is missing its wheel embelishers (only the GL got them, and the Super Estate) damn hard to find those things!

I adjusted the front drums on mine and wow, that made quite a diffrence! Little pedal effort makes for sharp braking, but then 500 miles later they are crap again!

Oh and as far as I know from some time in 1976 all models got the GL treatment and badged and priced as a Super, round headlamps etc just minus the vinyl roof.

September 1976 was the date at which the Chrysler (Linwood built) Avenger was launched and it seems that for a few months further than that the Hillman Avenger in 1600 Super (with GL spec) was still in part-time production at Ryton. Probabbly as customers were a bit wary of the SIMCA based Chrysler Alpine (FWD and really shitty thing it has to be said) which was built at Ryton, the new (Chrysler) Avenger having been moved to Linwood (strikes, strikes and more strikes!)
I have seen a local newspaper from 1979 advertising a 1977 Hillman Avenger, must have been one of the very very last Hillmans.

So basically 1970-76 GL, GT,GLS round lamps round clocks.
'73-76 Super got round clocks
Then at the end of the Hillman production the range was reduced to 1600 Super with round clocks and headlights.

Thanks for that Paddy. We never got the round dials/headllights 1300's here, just reserved for the up market 1500/1600 Alpine (GLS) model. 1977 Hillman Avengers would be rare in the UK, more common here as we lagged about 6 months behind the UK in model upgrades...there's a 1977 Hillman Avenger for sale in NZ now, see Avengers on TradeMe. I think you could even get them new old stock in 1978! I read when the Chrysler upgrade came out, Avenger sales took off, as they piggy backed on the Mk4 Cortina Euro look...haha

Here's a 2 door Avenger rally project on e-Bay for 6500 pounds....is that guy dreaming or what??
Cheaper to buy a Lotus Sunbeam...lol

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/grp4-hillman-avenger-2-door-red-top-xe-not-escort-rs-group4-lotus-sunbeam-talbot-/140704143932?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20c29eda3c

what is up with everyone using bike carbs?

They're a popular DIY power increase on x flow motors as much cheaper than webers/dellortos....probably more economical too being CD diaphragm. There's a set of 36mm bike carbs on TradeMe for $140...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/other/auction-448004725.htm

Could be a bit tricky fitting them to an Avenger though...the exhaust might get in the way...wonder if anyone has done it??

that 2 door for 6.5k is only a tad overpriced in my opinion lots of stuff listed to finish the build which cost an arm and leg to buy new,brakes wouldnt be up to much but everything else looks ok,and as he said 2 doors are getting harder to find now.
5k would be a good buy i reckon?

Yeh

Passing BMW's Paddy!!...better put that 3.89 in before you throw a rod...haha

Thankfully it has a 4.11 and not a 1250cc or 1300cc Estate 4.37. Oh the noise! My back axle needs attention! At 60mph+ it sounds like a propeller plane coming in to land, doors to manual! I was occassionally slipping into neutral and letting it coast and idle as I checked that the oil pressure was still healthy.
There is a 3.7 diff from an automatic Sunbeam going cheap but the postage!

I see this forsale, now look at the description and the badging '1300 DL' err on a 1979? Someone stuck a 73-76 badge from a Hillman on it. Which kinds makes me think that junior has lost the registration documents!

As far as I know the first MK2's were still badged as DL, Super and GL and these models still had the rod linkage throttle and points ignition. Then as the throttle went to cable and electronic ignition, also I guess about the time the Sunbeam was launched the badging went to '1.3 LS' GL and GLS for the engines with the bigger inlet manifold and 175CD3 carbie (four mounting studs - or was that just the '75 '76 single carbie Hillman GT's?)
Anyhow this looks more rotten than he is claiming I'd say. Door cads with no pockets!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/chrysler-avenger-/150767306964?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item231a6e88d4

also this one,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1500-1972-tax-exempt-/170790863552?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27c3edc2c0

Nice, but it cost

Yes you certainly got the cheapy models in the UK...no door pockets, driver sunvisor only and rubber mats....lol
I think only the very late 76-77 Hillman 1600 GLS (Alpine) got the single 175CD carby, as they ditched the twin carb setup because of cost and tuning issues.
Then they went back to a single 150CD for all the Chrysler models, to save money no doubt!
I've e-mailed you an excel spreadsheet for calculating rpm using various diff ratios, wheels and tyres - very handy info!
Also a photo of Logan's car with 14" Sierra rims on the back.
His is a 1600 auto, so with the 5-10% slip, revs like a 1300 on the motorway...haha
The big rims have made a BIG difference (easier than changing the diff) and gives it that cool Starsky and Hutch look..!!

Just for you Oldschool! If the young fella is misbehaving he gets to look at this for a month!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Sunbeam-instrument-cluster-/140711383391?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item20c30d515f

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-talbot-avenger-rear-boot-lid-badge-1-6-LS-/130654599248?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1e6b9ef850

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Avenger-LS-Special-Edition-Brochure-/260965873122?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item3cc2c735e2

Ohh 'Special Edition' yeh, the inventory manager made a balls-up and ordered too many GLS wheel trims AND two!!! yes, two! Wing mirrors! A clock! So thats a GL model minus the expensive bits then. Musta been Chryslers swan song as Chrysler Europe was dumped on PSA for

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Valiant-VG-VH-H4-Halogen-Headlight-Conversion-Kit-/350500810476?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item519b79eeec#shId

these will work yes??

Yup, I run them in my VH Charger, and VG,VH and Hillman Avenger all share the same lights.

They are very bright. If you upgrade your wiring then you can also run 90/100 Watt bulbs like I do in my Charger. It is a good upgrade and I would have done the same with my Avenger if I didn't do the quad headlight conversion.

yea. my one minter headlight cracked so im a little annoyed so time for an upgrade! there is a set on trademe fofr $280!!!!! what theeee. is upgrading wiring compulsory? it sounds like alot of effort

If you run the weaker 55/60watt lights that come with those lights then the current wiring should handle the current.

o ok. im not in any hurry to buy them since im a broke student so will cross that bridge when i get to it lol

http://www.octane.ie/forum/showthread.php?t=16708

Buckley motors made Rootes/Chrysler cars in Ireland from CKD. Incredibly little information though! I like this, ''..





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I learned to "drive" in their car park. In a lovely brand new Avenger. I could barely see over the steering wheel, it was nice of them to leave the keys on the rear wheel so I could practice. ..''

I see the light blue MK2 is back forsale. Seen this before about a year ago. Looks very tidy. No door pockets though!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980-Talbot-Avenger-1-3-LS-/120885964401?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c255d6e71

Yeah that's the one I saw on e-Bay before with the funny wheel trims Paddy...I think he paid about 3,000 pounds for it??
Will be interesting to see if it's held it's value...While it's looks in very nice condition, it's not a collectable model.

Sexy!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1975-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1600GT-/230771261068?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35bb09fe8c

Not a bad bit of home brew there. A tuned up Fiat TC in it, now that'd be one quick Tiger (sorta) replica there. Makes you wonder why they never made a 2-Door Tiger.

Yeah, that's one cool car, wonder where the rear spoiler came from??!!
No door pockets though...hard to find the perfect car...haha
A 2 door Tiger...now that's a thought...maybe Peugeot can make a retro one...they own the rights to the 'Hillman' name...LOL

Remembering back to the early - mid '70's...it was the first oil shock and we were all pissed off with the rapid rise in petrol prices...hit $1 a gallon in 1975...crikey!!
So it was the beginning of the end for any car that drank fuel....like Aussie and Yank muscle cars...and Hillmans with twin weber carbs!!
Adding to Hillman woes, was the poor build quality and patchy supply from constant strikes and the lack of a 5 speed/low diff ratio to make them more economical on the motorway.

Of course we all laugh at 1970's fuel prices now..!!

Given that we have 'retro' VW Beetles, BMW Mediums as well as whatever the yanks are up to I am personally surprised that nobody has made a new Morris Minor. Don't the chinese own Austin these days? Surely somebody there should have put 2 and 2 together and cashed in on that.


As for the Avenger there is a good case for the Toyota Altezza being it. It is RWD and pretty much the same size and proportions. And is a really nice looking car - a future classic for sure. Cost is a bit prohibitive for me at the moment, but I plan to invest in a tidy one and hold on to it. (A 2 litre manual, without the spoiler and excessive bodykit)

They make the Dodge Avenger. Just stick a Hillman badge on it and there you go :)

Yeah except that is FWD isn't it? And it is more based on the 90s Mitsi built Avenger rather than the Hillman. And is basically gross. The new Charger or Challenger are better options if you wanted to go pentastar.

Quote from: blekkja on April 03, 2012, 10:14:31 AM
As for the Avenger there is a good case for the Toyota Altezza being it. It is RWD and pretty much the same size and proportions. And is a really nice looking car - a future classic for sure. Cost is a bit prohibitive for me at the moment, but I plan to invest in a tidy one and hold on to it. (A 2 litre manual, without the spoiler and excessive bodykit)

have you ever driven an altezza? they are the most shit house cars ever made. my farts sound better then they do and some of my craps look better.

shame on you for comparing an avenger to them lol

most Dodge Avengers are front wheel drive but you could get the R/T AWD which was a 3.5L 4WD.

The new ones are no longer made by mitsi they are made now by Chrysler. it is based on the JS platfrom which was co-developed with Mitsi and is used on cars like the Outlander and Lancer, Also used on some FIAT's, Peugeot's and Citro?n's

The dodge Charger uses the LX platform which is much bigger, and the Challenger uses the LC platform which is a shortened LX platform.

Quote from: hunted on April 03, 2012, 05:26:41 PM
have you ever driven an altezza? they are the most shit house cars ever made. my farts sound better then they do and some of my craps look better.

shame on you for comparing an avenger to them lol

also, every man and his dog has one. so wheres the fun in that?!?!

Park next to one. They are practically the same width, length, screens start at the same place... and they are a nice looking car. Common, yes, but the Avenger used to be a fairly common car once too. You make sure you get a 4 cylinder (because the 6s are impossible to work on and the 4s are just as good) with a manual box. The interior seems very clean and uncluttered - not billions of knobs and stupid gadgets everywhere which is nice for a modern car. I haven't driven one a great deal, just when they came into the shop, but it didn't seem too bad. I don't like many modern cars and other than BMW who makes a small 4 door rear drive sedan? And lets face it: I'm not going to be daily driving my Avenger in 20 years time - I will need a new old fashioned silly unreliable car to get around in. :P

i just dont like new cars. they all look relatively the same. old cars are better cause there are distinct differences like, its easy to tell the difference between an avenger and a caddy, thats y i love them. new cars, all look the same. not exactly mind blowing in design either. i wish they were practically the same, then i wouldnt have had to wait 2 weeks for a custom windscreen lol. If youre wanting something old to drive in, in 20 years time, dont you wanna buy something from the late 80's?

wish it had been my lotto numbers last week or this would have been on its way here..................

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-MK1-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-BRM-TWIN-CAM-ROAD-RALLY-CAR-CURRENT-MOT-/140736001302?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20c484f516&clk_rvr_id=330680539075

Yeah: I will have a 1986 205 GTi as well. :D


Alternatively maybe a 'Widetrack' Bluebird Wagon. One of the commercial versions that had rear leafs instead of coils. I really miss my old one. Would have to track down a proper Datsun grill for it though.


Gotta be 1986, anyway. My birth year. My old man has 1958 Morris Minor for the same reason. Seems like a sensible option.

if i had won lotto i would have ditched this avenger shit and gone on a trip to purchase a late 50's bel air. lol

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1977-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1300-DELUXE-BLUE-/220997108711?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item33747443e7

One of the very last.

Yes that's a very tidy one, must have been rust proofed, garaged and kept away from salt!!
Time to add to your fleet Paddy...it'll have disc brakes too!?

Oh now a strip dash one to go with the super, temptation!
Chrysler penny-pinching again, the very last DL's, they couldn't even have put the super seats and the very usefull door pockets into them, would have cost oh? ?10? I see though it has a heated rear window. Likely it was private from new and rustproven. Very likely in fact from speaking to a 1970's mechanic about them.
A good wee project for someone, Bristol hmmm that car could be road legal easily enough. I'll mention it to an uncle in-law that likes Avengers.
I can only guess the final bid would be reasonable because of the colour perhaps.

If I bought another one I suppose it should be a 1600 and round fronted, but the price of a clean 1600GL!

Drum brakes, oh here is a wicked thought to keep the price down, ask the seller whats the front brakes. A lot of people seem to think thar drum brakes just don't work and fade away very quickly.

They don't fade as people think, the Avenger later 1250 and 1300cc's had a wide front drum the brakes do work well and it takes less effort to operate than non-servo discs. Its just if water gets around them it gives you a bit of a scare. I've found that when they are wet, in green Ireland of course that is pretty often! All you do is brake and release then brake again. What would be more of a problem is getting the original yellow asbesdos linings for them - just wear a mask when dismantling.

Likely that 1300DL has front drums, apparently the early MK2's also had them. The 1300GL had discs as standard and the DL or Super could be ordered with them.

Nice one Oldschool, clever way of scaring off other bidders!

Well spotted Paddy...no door pockets, but has a heated rear window!!
I remember back in the mid 70's, glass manufacturers upgraded rear windows (maybe by law?) to include a heater element.
The new glass was fitted to all models, regardless of their spec, which is why even base models got a heated rear window.
If it was up to Chrysler, they wouldn't have fitted one in a base model...I'm surprised they even hooked it up...could have left it disconnected, like they did with the reversing lights...haha

Yeah I was thinking a 1600 would be nice for you with those hills in Ireland!
Good luck finding a GL/GLS...looks like there's only one or two left...Tigers are more common...LOL
It's strange, seems to be more 1250/1500's on the road than 1300/1600's??

http://howmanyleft.co.uk/?q=hillman%20avenger&p=0

Well, howmanyleft doesn't include either parts of Ireland as N.Irl has its own Vehicle and Driver agency so there would be a few more than stated there or indeed about half that went off the list this last few years ended up in Ireland.
But yes, a 1600GL or late Super as they apparently had the round front are now sadly as rare as hens teeth. Thank you so much Chrysler for not rustproofing them and not giving models to TV shows as Ford very successfully did.
Imagine in 'The Sweeny' an Avenger out manouvering that big tail happy Granada so by the 1980's the Avenger would have had the reputation and image it deserved, instead of just being written off as an old mans car.
Possibly there are more 1250/1500's because younger drivers bought the 1300/1600 for the improved performance so the older folks bought the 1250/1500 second hand and any 40 year old car that survived was usually owned by a pensioner for a long time.

Hmm the colour of that blue DL is growing on me! Oh hey give someone else the oppertunity of Avenger love I suppose.

Damn but I wish now I bought an Avenger years ago, women love it, one lady called it 'Rosie' its a woman magnet that car! I caught another woman fawning over it at a filling station and her boyfriend had to near enough pull her away from it. ''..yeh its a Hillman Avenger..now c'mon now..''

Yup I think we can all join the 'blame Chrysler' club, the cheapo seats no doubt lost them sales to Leyland around about then as the base Marinas got velour seats which for some women was a big prefrence - at that time, nowadays its a novelty.

Hey Richard, looks like you car is famous in England!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Twin-40-DCOE-Webber-Carburetor-Inlet-Manifold-1-6-Talbot-Ti-Sunbeam-Avenger-/110857173207?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19cf9a38d7

Quote from: oldschool on April 11, 2012, 02:16:48 PM
Hey Richard, looks like you car is famous in England!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Twin-40-DCOE-Webber-Carburetor-Inlet-Manifold-1-6-Talbot-Ti-Sunbeam-Avenger-/110857173207?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19cf9a38d7

Haha. Yup, that's my engine bay.

Quote from: Paddy75 on April 11, 2012, 01:39:15 AM
Imagine in 'The Sweeny' an Avenger out manouvering that big tail happy Granada so by the 1980's the Avenger would have had the reputation and image it deserved, instead of just being written off as an old mans car.

They did have an Avenger in 'The Sweeny' and it was written off :P

Let me just reword that quote for you.

Quote from: Paddy75 on April 11, 2012, 01:39:15 AM
Imagine in 'The Sweeny' an Avenger out manouvering that big tail happy Granada... instead of just being written off...

(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6091/6337118995_1cf80b01be_b.jpg)

(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6115/6337872750_c3bee37278_b.jpg)

lol you ought to charge him for using ur pics

or edumacate him your not using webers

Hahaha very well done avenga serves me right for blowing my gub off!
I seen that, it was the film Sweeny2 I think. Likely they went to the breakers and borrowed a couple of recent write-offs then got the same make and colour of cars in an earlier shoot. As far as I recall the cop driver lost his foot and a wee girl in the Marina was mamed. I remember the paramedics (where they that qualified in those days?) taking her through the rear screen of the Marina.
I remember seeing seen the Marina is showing off its curvy dasboard in the next clip or two in that film.
I wonder was the crash caused by the Marina driver trying to tune his radio!
Or trying to turn a corner at greater than 40mph!
Or maybe the front suspension dropped, or maybe the propshaft siezed. Okok enough 'Minor-with-shoulderpads' jokes!

There was a Marina and Avenger smash in Minder too I believe.

Yes if they used Avengers in the chase routines is what I should have mean't. Fair play to ye lads.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-/280869185550?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item41651ba80e

Nice project for someone. That is a 1500 Super, going by the chrome door pillars and the seats.

Here's a rare 2 door 1300 for sale in Northern Ireland...have a look Paddy!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1975-HILLMAN-AVENGER-2-Door-1300-GT-Lookalike-/230783637347?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35bbc6d763

And here's another 2 door in England...same burgundy colour as Paddy's and mine....needs work, but cheaper than the NI one!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Classic-Rally-2-Dr-project-/251051094837?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a73cfb335

Yeh seen that 2-Door must be a Super as has round clocks, he is after about two grand too much though. Maybe I'll take a look at it this weekend, oh the seller will get some shock when I show up in the Avenger!
(...ohh shit, no bullshitting this guy!...) Hillsborough Co. Down is only about 18 or so miles from where I am at the weekends.
I don't think the 2-door project on ebay is the same colour, as mine or maybe I'm a bit color-blind! Looks like a 'Sandalwood' one to me.

Burgundy? Oh-no 'Imperial Red' old-chap ratherrr what what - In my imagination the first owner of my Ave was a bit of a southern English posh sort of chap with his Imperial Red Super, rather than those horrid johnny-foreigner cars!

Anyhow I've a feeling that there is not a 1300cc in that 2-door going by the MK2 master cylinder!

Here's a 1300 wagon for Paddy....glad we didn't get them in NZ....not enough power to go uphill and not enough brakes to stop downhill...LOL

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140755234242?_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649&item=140755234242&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT&vxp=mtr

Hahaha the 'Wurzel Gummige' Avenger! Jon Pertwee and Una Stubbs as Aunt Sally, Wurzel was often sittin' on the roof of the auld fellas estate MK1 Avenger.

Hey! Dont knock the 1300 Estates, they did have disc brakes!! So at least going downhill would not lead to heart failure!
I recently replaced the front shoes in mine, lucky boy, about 1/2 mm to the rivets were left. The 'new' deadly dangerous yellow asbesdos linings work very well. I thought the master cylinder was banjaxed and the new shoes have done the trick so braking is a much less stressfull event.

I wired up my rev-counter, 45mph @3,000rpm, thats with a 4.11 diff, what on earth would a 4.37 have been like!
Thanks to speedy spares I got heater hoses, breather hose, steering column bushes and a nifty new interior lamp as well as a couple of diff gaskets - 4.11 to 3.89 is coming soon.

Also, I was talking to a Millers Oil agent to get a gallon of 20w/50 - brilliant job btw, changed the oil to Millers and the engine is quiet and the oil pressure gauge never drops below 50psi (or whatever that is in homo kgf.) The (I think) 15w/40 oil that was in it would see the pressure drop to what looked like 25-30psi with the engine hot. The Millers man told me that the millers oil has NDDF which is some chemical that oil does not contain any more and so it much better protects 1970's engines than any new oil.

Okay now for the really great news! The Millers man is also a small Farmer. In one of his fields is...

A 1973, 1250 Super clean rotten Avenger!
Seats, good.
Strip dash with the Super trim level silver strip, good bar a small crack over the passingers side air vent.
Glass - ALL PERFECT! No windshield cracks or crazing - sure the rubbers are dead but the glass is 100%
Headlining, good!
Wiper arms evem look good!

So today I am off in the early summers sun to strip her out.

Happy days!

hey gve drums a brake (pin intended) then have a tad more surface contact than disks! discs whatever

Yeh I think maybe people don't realize that drum brakes do have some advantages, little pressure makes for sharp braking.

Take a look at a few more pics I've put on photobucket. Got me some glass!

http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/

Well this is 'For sale or Wanted' so got a time machine and a few grand? Some noce shots of various Chrysler-Rootes dealerships here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shahins/7281025832/in/photostream/

Thanks to Scott at ASOC.
Today I am going to rip out a strip type dashboard.

Hey Richard, check out the photos above for a VH Valiant Wagon for sale at the Cantebury Motor Co. in the early 70's...

Yes I saw that. It is messing with my head because they have UK plates but I didn't know they sold the VH valiant over in UK.

Must be at least 1971. I wonder if they sold many in the UK. Wikipedia (Don't believe their lies) says "Smaller numbers were exported to the UK and Southeast Asia" They go on to say "From 1966 onwards, Chrysler Australia provided right hand drive cars for export. The VC Valiant was the first Australian Valiant to become available in Britain, which was announced at the October 1966 London Motor Show. The models available were given British names".

So I don't know if they contined to sell Valiants in Britain after the VC. The VH wagon must of been a tank on British roads, just look at it next to the Avengers.

So I did some more research and here is the real answer http://www.rootes-chrysler.co.uk/aussie-chry.html

"For the 1972 Model Year, the VH was again available in Britain, in Saloon and Estate Car versions with automatic transmission only. The Charger was still not officially listed but again made an appearance in October 1971 at the annual London Motor Show."

"The Regals and Charger were dropped from the British market in the summer of 1975 with the CH lingering on until the end of the year."

"Just 350 Australian Chryslers were sold in the United Kingdom."

So they did sell them in UK, they just weren't very popular.


(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7281031640_649990b523_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shahins/7281031640/)
Chrysler-Rootes Dealership-Canterbury UK-Front-1970 Maybe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shahins/7281031640/) by ShahinS (http://www.flickr.com/people/shahins/), on Flickr

Looks like they sold the VE and VF Valiants in England too...a lot of interesting UK Chrysler history on the Allpar.com website....

http://www.allpar.com/world/england.html

what does it say on that window..
"the avenger. It looks....day" fill.in.the.gaps

'every' they are being sarcastic, an every day car with a cool hip shape for the young active person, see this, same series of adverts:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-1970s-CAR-ADVERT-Hillman-Avenger-/120917415932?pt=UK_Car_Parts_Vehicles_Automobila_ET&hash=item1c273d57fc

i rekon thats pretty accurate haha

Im still young

http://www.oldschool.co.nz/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=34087

Quote from: carnage_customscant put photos up at mo i have 4 avengers in verious states that need to go before i leave work as i have nowea to put them

red 1975 sedan rego lapsed pretty complete minus carpet lpg fitted would be my pick to put on road

grey 1976 rego on hold wagon has been pulled apart by previous owner heaps of parts inside and around

grey 1976 sedan mostly complete live rego

green alpine sedan cant find plate number quite rusty partially pulled apart

i brought these from a close mates estate and dont want them going to the scrappys when i leave work as i have no where they can go there is alot of parts for them in and around th cars would be cool to see even one back on the road im asking for 400 per car i cant tell you at the moment if they go but they did when they were parked up some have been stored outside under covers some in garage for many years they all have been in dry storage for last 7 months thanks contact is 0272172430 will update as i pull them closer to door and try starting them  thanks for reading

A speedo head for km/h might be of intrest to one of you guys.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-200-kmh-Speedo-Believed-Export-Avenger-Sunbeam-Cricket-Hillman-Chrysler-/330744387115?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d01e6d62b

I have the speedo (strip) out of the field-find which might be wanted by one of you fellas as the front bit has the mph mask. I can send it to an Aunt in Auckland with other stuff the family sends her from time to time.

Quote from: JoKer on June 05, 2012, 09:59:38 AM
http://www.oldschool.co.nz/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=34087

was going to say could be fun just to have a nosey, then realised they were in dunedin lol

yea : theres a guy in Waipuk listing parts heaps parts too : could meet there for giggles one weekend?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/481527668

QuoteI Have a treasure trove of parts in my shed including complete engines, interior parts, glass, seats, door parts, doors, diffs, lights, dashboards, guages, 1 set of good cond 15" mags with 4x108 pattern, tailgates, ducting, carbs, ignition parts, engine parts, shocks front and rear, gearboxes, driveshafts, steering racks, front crossmembers, torsion arms etc.

I think all up i have 8 cars worth minus the bodies. I also have one car for sale not driveable (has no engine or trans) for $100.it is a 1974 hillman avenger sedan.
All heavy parts (whole cars and engines) are pickup only.
Please ask a question with what you would like and ill check the inventory and see if i have it then list it seperately.
This auction is for one wheel nut

WOW what a tidy Avenger Wagon coming up for auction in Dorset...never mind the poo colour!

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page/170049/1972-hillman-avenger/

Here's another wagon on eBay...complete with a home made centre console (wonder how he opens the bonnet?) and a fire extinguisher (has obviously had problems with a leaking carby) and don't forget the 'cocaine' steering wheel...not seen in NZ.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1600-ESTATE-DELUXE-/140769089850?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20c67dd93a

interior bonnet release was optional opens through front grille.

The poo brown wagon looks nice. I actually like that colour, suits the wagon.

Nice wagon there indeed. 1972 being tax-exempt.
The 'cocaine steering wheel'! I read that article on the 'net too about Crickets steering wheel bosses being used for illicit reasons.
Seems like the Estates had a few bits that were one trim level up from the DL or Super. The dashboard is a Superdash with the silver strip - the dashboard I took out of the field-find a lad in England was pleased to get.
No door bins or console and strap doorhandles, DL seats and I see it had a bonnet release upgrade. Maybe because the Wagons had the chrome effect roof rail that they complimented them with the Super level dashboard. Likewise the Super Estates had the wheel rings that came standard on the Saloon GL's.
I've never seen the safey type steering wheel thing and I guess they were a showroom extra.

I see 'Kermit' is still forsale! Tempted, really tempted. Wouldn't you put a Miss Piggy doll on the rear shelf ot that one!

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page/156990/1973-hillman-avenger/

heres one closer to home for you paddy in fermanagh,bitter green gls tidy wee car,it might be one that came from an asoc member some time ago.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/3512531

im still tryin to find the killinascully epsiode were they raced an avenger!!!!

Aye I seen on the latest ASOC magazine an article from a Mr Robert Nutter, that AveGLS auto was owned by this ASOC member, bought in 2004 from a Mark Rose, also previously owned by Andy Wilson when it won 'Best Avenger' at an ASOC national day and in turn was sold to a Mr Alan Wylie of the Lakesiders, and a wily price he is looking for it!
It was havily restored by Robert after he bought it from Mark Rose. I'm not much of an automatic fan, that 1500cc I'd guess is a BW35, 3 speed 'box. So if I won the lotto - and there is ?4.2mi as yet unclaimed from someone in Co.Down! Not me though!
I'd be more intrested in Kermit!

I see also someone in ASOC spied a tidy looking brown/bronze MK1 Avenger on a transporter heading north on the English M6 ''..RLD860L where was it going?..''
A transporter north on the M6 carrying Audis (likely diesels) hmmm, oh I wonder where they are going! Very likely Cairnryan or Stranraer!
As I say about 1/3rd of Avengers & Sumbeams sold in Blighty head 'o'er the sea.'

I was at an old tractor auction last Saturday and there was a 1964 Singer Gazelle offered. The yoke the Avenger replaced, it looked well and had an overdrive. Of course it had a GB plate!

Irish damp, buckaroo drivers, bad roads, high mileages, not changing the oil and ''..aye that'll do the very besht' she is shpot on btw bhoy..'' setting the timing by ear - is why there are few classics that matured in Ireland.
Every time I'm on a ferry heading back towards Ireland, there is at least one GB reg'd classic on the boat. Sure when I crossed with my Avenger I thought I must have been the only lad with a 'Hillman' on the boat.
Then I saw a SuperMinx go by!

thats right i had a feeling it was roberts old car,it will be 100% so,he is fussy he has the most original and clean tiger in the uk.
thats the way it is with classics at one stage i was back and forth probably every 3 months with something i brought 4 avengers and a lotus sunbeam back from uk,2 mantas,rs 2000,anglia,kadett coupe,sr kadett i hated the ferry but always enjoyed the road trips had some good craic on them.

Surely, it is fun for the trip I have to say I enjoyed the run and I know for again to check the damn coolant!
I see there is a 'beam with the Imp engine forsale. Even with the big, front facing radiator they still overheated! Granda had one for about 2 weeks - it overheated! The Imp lads go mad for the slightly modified all-alloy OHC engine on them and I see the seller is reminding the racing fraternity of the 4.4 diff - oh I know where there is a 4.4 diff on a 1250 Avenger!
The 1.0 Sunbeam or Imp could do 50mpg, you just had to know that the thermostat had opened on a short run, made damn sure the coolant was clean, generally bend-over-backwards to keet them going...
No, the dropping of a modified Imp engine was not the happiest of Avenger/Avenger off-shoot stories!
I believe there is one Sunbeam in NZ? No folks they were not a hatchback as you might think 'liftback' and they were a lot more driveable and comfortable than a Fiesta (sorry Dan!) although they did have a rep' for rust - ahhh blame Chrysler again!

Take a look at the engine bay, see an ever so slight similarity (not the engine!) there?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980-TALBOT-SUNBEAM-LS-1-0L-RALLY-CAR-HILLMAN-IMP-ENGINE-DONOR-/160826748602?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2572056eba

Yes Paddy, under the bonnet looks the same as the Avenger. I bet an Avenger GLS front could be fitted, would make it a very handsome hatch...a Sunbeam Avenger...lol

I seen on Ebay a couple of years ago a Sunbeam with MK2 Avenger front panels fitted 'Avebeam' the seller called it. Oh yeh the 1600cc GLS engine is what you'd want alright, bigger manifold the four stud carbie mount to take a CD175 I believe.
I was trying to find LIJ 5558, a neighbours 1979 1600 GLS Avenger that he sold to an old Farmer about 1990 or so. Likely the Farmer would have 'ditched' it so I was hoping to find the remains - 3.70 axle, GLS engine to rebuild and apparently it had a really good 'box. I discovered that after the Farmer had died it went to a son-in-law, a Bricklayer, it got tortured to death!

There were a lot of Avengers in this part of the country due to there being a 'David Prentice' dealership in Castlewellan at the time. Although Prentice sold Volvos they also had some sort of deal going on with Rootes/Chrysler and so I'm hearing (last night again) ''..oh I had a GT I bought out of Prentices', they were a really good driving car..'' To which I reply ''..do ye have it in a ditch?..''

Damn N. of Irl 'Farm Quality Assurance' Scheme, its only a pointless joke-job creating... grrrr!
All the ditch fillers have been crushed thanks to an arshole with a clipboard! Classic car owners and 'Childer' are mighty pissed-off!

Yep 'Sunbeam Avenger' the European left-hookers had this badge:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-Sunbeam-Avenger-Sunbeam-Chrome-Script-Badge-Hillman-Chrysler-Talbot-/330750592418?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d024585a2

Hey Richard and Paddy, that nice poo Avenger Wagon didn't sell at auction...is on eBay now....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1500-de-luxe-Estate-1972-/251087701146?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a75fe449a

Check out this Talbot Sunbeam Lotus on eBay...looks pretty tidy...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Sunbeam-Lotus-1980-/330753423268?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d0270b7a4

It does indeed look like a nice one. Lotus Sunbeams are some bit of kit alright I wonder has anybody dropped a Lotus engine into an Avenger!? Keeping the engine right though can be a bit of work and you really have to know what you are doing with them.
Heard the story about a 1980 Talbot Avenger in my locality that could do 125mph last night again, it apparently had a home-made 5-speed (using the avenger gearbox) 'box and a Tiger-ized engine. The Cops could never catch it! They just saw an Avenger shaped blur flying by.

Was at the Kilcoo classic run yesterday evening where I met a guy with his 1975 Avenger 1600 DL in day-glo orange! It also had a local plate, GIJ 2144 (jealous!) I was over the moon! Really good to see two of them together. His boy was very intrested in the round clocks dashboard and the silver strip over the roof rail! The local newspaper photographer took a few pictures of them together commenting, ''..sick of seeing Escorts..'' yep, true!
I left the Avenger guy my old brochures and I'll get them back off him at the Claragh show in end-July.

Anyhow he (the orange Avenger owner) told me he reckons I have sticking piston rings. That overheating incident on the M40 driving it back from London. DAMN-IT!

The Wagon Avenger is for sure a good one. It didn't sell at auction so the seller is trying his luck on Ebay. I can only imagine he thinks its worth ?3.5k+ or something. Clean 2-doors or GT/GLS's are worth that and more standard models, well about ?2-2.5k I'd guess as the classic market seems to be over the peak.
Typically the UK classic market follows boom/bust recession cycles. Prices peak at the start of recessions as older people retire early with a big redundancy cheque then once those buyers have spent there is a glut of sellers thinking 2k too high.
Often too owners get 'flattered' by the insurance companies telling them 'oh your car is worth 4k' this is just a ploy to bump-up your premium. They tried that with me, lets say it just didn't work!

Oh yeh! Poo-brown! Hey it was the 1970's, like soicalisim* it seemed like a good idea at the time!

* Not being political there that 'soicalisim' quip leads to the typical hillarious colours BL esp. used to use.
Hmm okay so we have our super-stylish Allegro Estate Wagons, lets paint them day-glo green, yeh groovy! How to improve the Maxi's byre doors! Paint 'em mustard!
'Safety Colours' for the people!

Hmmm next time you take a dump, ''..I need to drop a Sandalwood!..''

Here's another Avenger wagon on eBay...this time the mighty Chrysler 1300...and still no door pockets...lol
Hey Paddy, did they have a 4.11 diff like the 1600 wagon or the 4.25 or 4.4?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/chrysler-avenger-estate-/200777894693?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2ebf4b8b25

Seen that one, reminds me of the same D.o.E Yellow one an uncle-in-law had. I see its an early MK2 that still had the rod-linkage throttle, and badged 1300 DL, Super, GL instead of 1.3 LS, GL, GLS.
Don't we all wish Chrysler didn't launch the MK2 untill this time! Oh don't get me wrong, the MK2 was a good car, and the Avenger was a coke-bottle car. Seriously, they really should have left at least the Avenger rear ends well alone!

Heyy has the epilepsy inducing seat pattern! The 1970's - the decade taste forgot!
I'd guess the instruments were taken from a GLS!

I don't know what ratio the back axles in the later Wagons had and I all I do know is that in the mid-70's the 1300 went from 4.37 to 4.11 and the 1600 from 3.89 to 3.70, likewise the S5's on got a steeper ignition static advance curve. The 1300cc started still with 4.37, 4.11 was first used on the 1300cc TC (GT) then S5 on 4.11 with the SC 1300.
S6 onwards I think the 1600 went to 3.70:1. I see the 1975 (S5) 1600 DL I came accross was at 3.89:1. (Second digit in the service code.)
I can only assume the 1300 MK2 went to 3.89:1 (sedan) as they upped the crt to 8.8:1 on the MK2 ''..to improve torque and economy..''

I see too that there is a MK1 indicator stalk on Ebay that the seller doesn't know what its for! I seen them sell for ?50! He is looking for ?15. If its an issue getting them in NZ I can bid on it and send it on. I did post the link to it on ASOC so likely it'll sell. I have a spare already.

Next week I am going to trawl the local-ish breakers yards to see if there are any Avenger bits still about. I really should rip the engine/box and axle out of that field-find. 4.37:1 diffs are getting scarse.

Progress. They were good and the MK2 had roof bars too. The Avenger Estate Wagons, the best looking load-luggers of the time? Ceartanly beat the Allegro Estate!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-1970s-CAR-ADVERT-Chrysler-Avenger-/120938067712?pt=UK_Car_Parts_Vehicles_Automobila_ET&hash=item1c28787700

Still though I wish... I wish Talbot had done a swan-song run of MK1 shaped Avengers for the last 1,000 - no make that 10,000, with the Ford 5-speed 'box! While I'm at it, also with the Peugeot 1.9 XUD engine!

I have a spare column multi-function switch too. What kills them is no relay in the circuit for the head lights, so all the current goes through the fuse box, light switch and dip/high beam contacts in the column switch, burning them out over time.
Have just put a relay in Scarlett...mounted the box on the inner guard, cut the wires, add eyelets and hook up...a bonus is...the lights are brighter!!

Nice job Oldschool (Richard? Sorry I'm a terrible dose with names, I would not make a great detective - ''..aye yer honor, him there with the head...I proceeded to batter him aboot the napper with the hurley then..'')

So thats why (when the seller knows what they are for!) they are a fierce price on the 'bay. I see no intrest on ASOC, kinda suprized about that I thought I was being the good boy scout tipping Avenger owners off and not telling the seller what it was for. I seen those bid up to about ?50.

As for electrical faults I see the main feed wire from the starter to the fuse-box likes to come loose and kill the motion at 50mph! The engine would die and for a few seconds the 'No Charge' light would burn as the alertnator 'flywheels' its rotors energy.
I guess the last owner was using this as an anti-theft device! A nip with the pliers cured that.

Right, for sure modernising the head lamps circuitry would be a good idea! The halogen lamps do pull a bit more current too. Its funny when I look into the fuse-box of a modern car, there are more relays and fuses than a 1960's bottling plant control-board!
The pre Oct73's had three fuses! All at 35A. If one of them blew you had for sure also a switch or two burned out with it!

Sometimes progress is good!
Still though I personally think the catalytic converter was bullshit. Ford had nearly mastered the lean burn in the late '80s. Remember the Escort (MK4) 1.4 lean burn CVH, or the Sierra 1.8 CVH? If you ran them on 4* or super unleaded they ran very well. Toyota too had the cat alternative nearly perfected also, although a Carina E with scorched exhaust valves was often seen (or you could smell!)
All the twatalitic converter 'converted' was a 5-10% increase in consumption.

Ohh dear I'm spending way too much time on Ebay! At least I got the man with the orange GIJ Avenger 1600 a speedo cable for him.
Look at this!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUSTIN-ALLEGRO-DASH-BOARD-MOUSE-MAT-/221047012723?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item33776dbd73

Hahahahaha - ohh Leyland really asked for the jokes didn't they! Note too the position of the pedals! The throttle is about just on the centre-line of the steering'wheel'! Allegros were driven with your legs sidewards! Metros I recall were like this too but not as bad as the Allegro.
The clutch pedal looks like its positioned like a 'Benz hand/parking brake pedal! Hahahaha!!!

Ohh man! I have heard that there might be an Estate Allegro about the place, yeh! Hahahaha, give everybody a laugh! Park it outside the Mental Hospital or a School, the kids would burst themselves laughing at it!
Then fit the Allegro3 pionty-out rear lights on it, just to complete the BL work of art!

What??!! An Allegro mouse mat Paddy...how much are they paying us to buy it?? HAHA
I know the Allegro is universally bagged around the world, how about the Austin 'wedge' Princess??
They used to be cheap as chips here, now people are asking much more for them....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/austin/auction-444637653.htm

Found a 2 door Avenger on eBay...has had a lot of work done...like the boot stickers...don't like the inner guard welding....won't pass compliance?!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1973-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1600-SUPER-BLUE-2-door-/110904553633?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19d26d30a1

such an escort

Yeh nice wee 2-door and I'd guess the lad who built it is indeed a young lad. Really not sure about that front spoiler! To my eye its a pre-oct'73 with 3 fuses I see and the strip dash on the Super trim level. Like the plate! WTF!
There are guys building or restoring Tigers (Tiger1 was based on the Super trim) who would buy it for the dasboard alone!
I think you could be on to something there JoKer about ''..such an escort..'' likely the kid is selling it because his mates have escorts. Putting the GL/GT/GLS/Alpine lights on the front shows a certan 'escortitis' I see the escort harriers are mad for converting a square light MK2 Esc' to round.

There is something very 'chav' about what the lad was thinking.

The Wolsley Wedge! Oh-hohoho, as I heard said about BL, ''..did they ever make anything that even looked good..'' Yeh ''..with the Princess it would seen that the man who designed the front was not talking to the man who designed the rear..''
Allegros, Maxis and the Princess 'hydragas' = a space hopper! Metros did the same they bounced about the road like Zebedee
I seen at a classic car show about a month ago everybody just had to take a look at the Maxi, those doors! Insane!

C'mon Paddy the Maxi was advanced for it's time...a roomy front wheel drive 5 door hatchback with good suspension, a 5 speed gearbox and overhead cam engine...everything the Marina wasn't...lol
I heard the Metro hydra gas suspension was a disaster because BL wanted to save money on piping, so joined the units left and right across the car instead of front to rear like in the Allegro etc!

Funny how people have kinda a soft spot for Maxi's! The Max'ceedes! Hmm depends how you define 'suspension' and as for the 5-speed 'box, well they could go bang on you without warning. I'm left-handed and I still had trouble feeling for the gears on them! My Mother used to drive my Grandas KIJ (the reg' about 1978) wine red Maxi 1750, oh we thought it was great - a big bouncy castle!
One day we were in our sitting room and my Father seen her come around the drive in the Maxi and he said ''..that thing has byre doors are a floorboard for a dashboard..'' hohoho.

Oh yes, ''..the Maxi was the forerunner to the modern car. Five doors, five gears and an alloy headed engine..'' erm! Hmmm! Well...
When BMW was designing the new Mini there was apparently some sort of meeting where one of the German guys, when they were talking about the new Mini being quite big ''..vhy don't ve call it ze Maxi..''
There was a lot of laughter then someone explained to him!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MARINA-1-8-SDL-FOUR-DOOR-SALOON-MANUAL-1972-TAX-EXEMPT-/160829353126?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item25722d2ca6

Wooo-hooo a 1.8 MK1 Marina!

If that was an Avenger '72 1500 GL/GT he could have put a '2' in front of the price. Sheesh the dashboard on them! The generic Leyland steering wheel, the Maxi had that wheel too at a bus-like angle, the 'nappy' looking rear end.
BL spent a fortune apparently too putting a set of shoulderpads on a Morris Minor and dropping a de-tuned MGB engine into them, how? What did they spend the money on? Ballsing up a few Triumph bits they put into the drivetrain?

Ohh a 6 years of age memory, my Fathers name is Frank and the 1.8 'coup?' is over the mechanics pit - again - getting the suspension fixed - again.
''..There you are Frank, ready to go...rrr rrrr brooommm..''
Goes for reverse gear to back out of the garage.
BANG!
Friggin' thing couldn't have made it off the pit without something else serious going wrong.

Okok I'll stop cluttering up this forum with daft stuff, just couldn't resist this!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C263653

They looked like a disease! I see its well gassed up! Also the very all-aggro used in Life on Mars, wonder where the Avenger is?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C311461

''..they had extra steel plates welded for the stunt..'' Yeh I bet the life insurance lawyers insisted!
(..you are gonna do what? In a WHAT!!!)

Man the back end of that Allegro Estate has to be the most ugly rear ends I have seen on a wagon in a long time.

I reckon it would make a great pet hearse and it looks like Mazda copied the whale tail for their early 323 wagons?!

Hey Paddy, here's a tidy 1300 in NI painted your favourite blue colour for your collection!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C302078

Hey I rushed to judgement about the carrib' blues, reminded me of the many MK3 Escorts or vans that had a darker duller shade of light blue, the Avengers blue is a lot more cheerfull than the Ford tractor or van blue!
Yeh a strip dash to go with the GL dash, what to drive today, am I in the mood for an oil warning lamp or the paranoia gauge! Ahh sure I couldn't do without the usefull door pockets! Mind you the strip dash had a bigger glovebox, hmm...
I'd have to... Drive an Avenger all the time! Mr Drum Brakes! Never a dull moment! I'd have to upgrage one of them to the Ford 5-speed. ?1800? Hmmm could be got for...

Look at the pictures of the Marina.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-MORRIS-MARINA-1-3-DELUXE-COUPE-NEEDS-LITTLE-WORK-FOR-MOT-/190699793098?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c6697eaca

I see the bronze number beside (see other items) it is not for sale!

That's too bad Paddy...I know you're looking for a GLS!!
Hey, aren't the Marina Coupes getting collectible/pricey...more than the POS sedans?

Are Marinas getting pricey? I can only guess that if this is so it could be a good venture to stockplile the front suspension trunnion kits! (..butbut..it broke again...gibbergibber...I greased them every week...)
A Marina TC or an Avenger GT or GLS, what a choice, yeh but sure wasn't the Marina 2-300cc greater, so surely that must mean that...
What it means is two very simple things. There was at least 20 years diffrence between the BL/BMC B-series engine and the Avenger motor.
1. The Ave lump had a proper low skirt with a high cam, so no inertia or 'throbbing' which wrecked bores.
2. The B (and A) series had sand cast combustion chambers so unless you were very lucky there was such a presseure diffrential that they blew head gaskets, leaked oil and often sledgehammered a nice big crack between #2&3 cylinders. This happened on a Mini, okay tell the horrible truth, a Metro I had!

Anyhow here is the Daddy of them all, and a T1 too. Oh if I won the lotto...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-Mk1-/320942832829?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ab9aefcbd

Bulge wouldn't have been original, the T2 with the round lights had that, but fooking nice!
BRM made a 16v crossflow head for 'em too which won them just about all the major rally's untill Ford copied the idea with the mystical magical RS1800, a good point to make to an Escort harrier. Myths explode! Explode like Marina TC prop-shafts!

Paddy

Just to correct a couple of facts.

Mark 1 Tiger did have the Bonnet Bulge and this car is an original.

BRM headed Avengers motors were rubbish, came along well after the BDA and never won anything (and rarely even finished).

There were only a very small number made as the FIA required 20 kits to be made so they could be homolagated to Grp 4

Yup, the Mk1 tiger did have the black bonnet bulge and the square headlights. In the Mk2 Tiger they switched to the quad round headlights and blacked out normal flat bonnet.

It would have been good if chrysler had of developed the BRM head more, but unfortunately they dropped it.

Didn't he pay about 6 grand for that a year ago...it was on eBay for ages. Now the starting price is 11,500 pounds?!
Is that realistic? I notice that Avengers in NZ dollars sell for the same pounds in the UK, so NZ $3000 = GBP 3000.
We don't have Tigers for sale here, the Alpine (GLS) is the most expensive model and they struggle to make $5000.
A few people have listed Tiger replicas at 8 to $10,000 but nobody's interested.

Yes I think that may be the same Tiger that maybe a speculator bought. Hard to say what is the real value of them. A 2-door GT sold for around ?6,000 and I seen on ASOC something about a Tiger sold for ?19,000 within ASOC and I can only guess it was in mint condition.
Sure there are a few guys building a Tiger out of a standard Avenger and a Tiger spoiler sold for ?200 recently on Ebay. GL grilles are fetching sweet prices too I see.
As for BRM I'm not a rally driver so fair play to you guys, you are right and I'm only going by what a Sunbeam fanatic told me. Something about the green stripe Tiger engined Avengers of the time.
There was a lot of successes for Avengers at the time I believe although as you say the highly modified engines would only last the course of one race. The gearboxes too couldn't take the abuse and I am told that today a lot of Avenger rallied cars are fitted with the Ford atlas axles and gearboxes. The Ave/beam axles being now hard to get and the gearboxes while thet had a nice shift were not able for rallying, I'm told the ZF 'box also ''..just left you with a bag of neutrals..''

Tigers, from what I'm told, needed engines rebuilt fairly often as you can expect from any motor with a very high compression. There is a rallying uncle-in-law of mine that was showing me a 205 block Pinto engine he built with a crt of 14:1, all the special materials, huge ports etc etc etc. He reckons the engine will give 200bhp but the bearings would need changed after every season.

I can only guess that the Peugeot engine is popular amongst some because that XU unit started out as a diesel so the crank and block is already able for very high compression.
All I know about rallying or high performance cars of that era is that you can get a lot of power fairly easily, the thing being its how much you spend to keep the power!

As Jackie Stewart said of motor racing, ''..it turns a large fortune into a small one..''

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1981-TALBOT-AVENGER-GL-factory-black-fully-restored-1000s-spent-very-rare-car-/320943213163?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ab9b4ca6b

One of the last. Right enough I don't recall seeing many black ones. Still wish PSA did a last 1,000 swan-song run in 1981 of the MK1 shape.

I was exhausted after reading what he'd done to it...looks like he re-built a basket case?!
Looks mean in black, don't know about that Tiger spoiler though??

I don't recall any black Hunters either. Probabbly a Rootes Group thing they mainly sold to private buyers, middle-aged, milldle-income, middle-class buyers. They did sell at a slight premium compared to Fords or BMCs of the time.
At the time I suppose black mean't common, a black Morris Minor or Ford Popular.

I have a few old magazines from the time and the jist I get is that the early Avengers were still sold mostly to private buyers and car-hire firms. Chrysler UK was still headed by Lord Rootes in the early 1970s so perhaps the colour schemes were still directed to be exclusive.
Ceartanly it would seem that Rootes/Chrysler had a lot of problems getting fleet orders even though the Avenger was noted as being an orthodox car ''..as far as you can go without becoming complicated..'' so better marketing maybe could have broken through the fleet barrier, which Ford were experts at judging.

I see that by the mid-'70s the Hunter was popular with fleet managers, so thats why they stayed in production so long. There was a serious complaint about Avenger valve stem problems but compared to MK3 Cortina camshaft failures at 15,000 miles this must have seemed a minor issue!

As is said, ''..the Avenger couldn't compete with the big boys, uncle Henrys all-conquering Cortina..'' (who could?)
Rootes Group cars were not seen as natural fleet cars even though the Avenger with its conventional but modern design with the big boot and much better fuel consumption than those thirsty Fords was an ideal fleet car.

The black art of marketing, Chrysler too were not very good at this also!

As for the Tiger spoiler, well if it doesn't grow on the next owner then he can always sell it. Probabbly get ?300 fot it!

A 'Chrysler75' Brochure arrived today and I see that as guessed the S5 1300 got 4.11:1 from 4.37 on the S4. 1600 remaining at 3.89 and the blurb also states 36mpg on the 1300, the change in the timing and slightly higher gearing I suppose.
The steering wheel motif is now black, the S4 was still blue, going by the '74 Avengers brochure. Then the Sunbeam type window winders.
The GT has the option of 'Roplas' wheels as does the Hunter GT - the only part that was the same on a Hunter and Avenger, the wheels!
I notice too the '75 brochure mentions 'Hillman Avenger' on every page, maybe a bit of market research had indicated a few bad vibes toward 'Chrysler' I read somewhere there was an arguement within Chrysler UK about dropping the Hillman name.
No mention of the Sue carbie, maybe this was an option? Or a change mid'thru '75 as the brochure is Oct74.
Series 5 (Sept'74 build) is when the front struts became concave mounted. I can only guess this was approx' the same in NZ.
Really fancy that Avenger GT, not sure about the Roplas wheels though, look a bit like the 'knuckley' plastic hubcaps on Mini Clubmans!

A good 2k Avenger. Tiger? 1972? Well maybe it really is, the 8 fusebox and the Delco clocks situated like the Smiths with the speedo on the 2nd pod yadeyadeya the door trims are 1972 and don't you love the extinguisher in the door pocket and the other Avengers in the background. Good Avenger for ?2.5k and fair play to the lad that built that Tiger.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-wardance-red-on-the-road-ready-to-go-Bargain-/320954727057?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4aba647a91

Looks like it might be an original Tiger Paddy...has lost its air box and 2nd brake booster...you can see the 4 mounting holes on the firewall.
An original Tiger looks like this under the bonnet...

Right so it is a wardance Tiger, I see the bidding is at ?3,600 so far.

This one could be a steal for someone, a 1600 Automatic in poo brown sandalwood with a perfect dashboard too!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Super-1600cc-Auto-34-606-miles-from-new-/150870483212?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item232094e10c

Same interior as mine and the eagle eyed can spot a Delco speedometer there, so thats where the Delco round instruments Avenger speedo I seen a while back on ebay went to!

It was registered four days before mine. BTW if a car is pre-Oct 1975 it is exempt from the emissions test.

I believe they were a good Automatic still today even and the Weber? downdraught carbie no doubt helps.
Fair enough if a bit of work has been done to it I see the Super trim level bulkhead foam is gone. Pontypridd, that is not far from a Ferry port!

Yeah looks good Paddy...that vintage AA badge will increase its value too!!
Speedy have the Delco rev counter to go with the speedo. Easy to fit as the main wires are in the loom, just need to run a black wire to the coil - terminal.

Wow AND has the GLS tinted windows, wonder was that an option. It'll be intresting to see what that Avenger goes for. I suppose a lot of people will be put off by the colour and it being an auto and both those things would soon grow on a reluctant owner.

hahaha, see this question,
Q: Hi would you do a straight swap including delivery for a rare 1990 2.0i Nissan bluebird saloon automatic executive model full leather all electrics sunroof towbar alloys aircon just passed Northern Ireland mot thanks dee
A: Hi sorry no I wouldn't

What did I tell you guys about Irish people and Avengers!? The 'Northern Ireland MoT' is very diffrent from the GB MoT. Irs run by a gov't agency rather than a private garage so its like a Cop is testing the car.
That Avenger looks like a good one for sure. Maybe the production run during early 1975 was blessed with dry weather or a good batch of steel? Or a dilligent factory Foreman told the lads to use the waxoil spray gun?
If that was so likely he got fired or caused a strike.

More likely is deeper or darker colours tend to be a bit better at holding back the rust.

Yes, darker panels retain heat longer, so more water evaporates resulting in less rust from soaking...could be why Uncle Henry painted the Model T black = cheap rust proofing...LOL

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Super-1600cc-Auto-34-606-miles-from-new-/150870483212?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item232094e10c

Its at ?1,025 so far, that auto is looking like the bargain of the year for someone. Right enough as you say the darker colours evaporate the moisture a bit better.
I was Mr Avenger mechanic yesterday because the man with the orange 1600 DL couldn't get it started and he called over to me to take a look.
He said there was a flood and it wouldn't start so he changed the points. I took a look at it and seen that there was no gap in the points! So just gapped them to a tight 15 thou and set the timing to 10deg BTDC with the lamp over the points trick. Orange Avenger is going again. He reckoned its running a bit smoother too.
Hey-ho, that must be a stripe earned!

His 1975 1600 has beed fitted with bigger pistons so I guess its a 1700cc and he has a Weber downdraught fitted. By the look of the plugs its running pretty rich which is I guess what a performance carbie will do.
So because its rich I set the static timing at 10deg instead of 12deg or so. Thinking a rich mixture means the fuel burns faster so set it to the retarded side of the house and I noticed there was a strong suck on the vacum advance. It seems to be running a bit nicer now so I'm told.

His MK1 Avenger has MK2 front struts I see and has been heavily restored, pretty much the whole bulkhead and gaurds are new steel and it looks well with its good thick coat of new paint. It still has the beige pocketless front door cards with GL seats fitted. He has a couple of round clocks dashboards, one with the later Smiths clocks and the other with the 100mph Delco instruments and he wants to fit one of them to the MK1 but I was thinking (and did not say for fear of being a smart-arse) he'd need also the metal lower part as I don't think they are the same, I noticed that the glovebox on a strip dash is bigger than a round instruments dashboard.

Anyhow he has been into Avengers since he was a teen when they were new and he has a a rotten 1971 Super in a ditch as well as two MK2's, a GLS Chrysler and a GL Talbot. The GL is currently being painted after a bit of restoration which his boy has been doing and can't wait to get it on the road.
So I was sitting in a MK2 Avenger (his GLS in his barn) for the first time in about 25 years! They (the MK2) seem or feel like a bigger car than the MK1 and the bigger bumpers and headlamps really do make them seem like a Cortina sized car.

Here's a 1600 DL Poverty Spec...with rubber floor mats, no door pockets, no passenger sunvisor, no brake booster but has a vinyl roof and a sun roof! The body and paintwork look mint!!

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/3529899

Must be Tiger season...another one on eBay with a buy now of 11.5k...optimistic considering the last one there struggled to reach 4k.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-Mk1-/320962876367?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4abae0d3cf

?5k for that Avenger in Clare? No way, and its not 1975/6 its 1974/5.  Sunroofs f*** them up I believe. 2.5k if the body is 100% sound. Those door cards look horrible and will that 500 bucks to right that.
I'd go for a nice DL in the morning, but not that one.

Bloody hell I'm being a right Avenger Princess aren't I!

You are Paddy...all those glowing comments about your ride are going to your head...or maybe you just don't like yellow?...LOL

Ach, once I realized how much of a ***** magnet me Avenger is ... well, hey, I'm only human.

Wish I got one 20 years ago!

Hohohoho a guy in hees 30 grand Beemer looking like he is chewing a wasp when his squeeze is fawning over 'Rosie' hahahahaha

Oh there was a reason me Granda had 14 childer'!

BTW it was hisd MK1 Avengers that got me started on them, then I drove her...

Yes, people do fall in love with them. I originally didn't like the colour of her - but then, I'm stupid!

for all your stamping needs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-HILLMAN-ROOTS-AVENGER-PRINTING-STAMP-LEAD-NO-4-/230840586214?pt=UK_Car_Parts_Vehicles_Automobila_ET&hash=item35bf2bcfe6

Those printing stamps are for a MK1 Hunter with the single round headlights, the cheaper ones with the iron cylinder headed Rootes 1500/1725 engines were still badged as the Minx apparently.

BTW that 1600DL in Co.Clare is maybe a Series 4, going by the window handles, tho that could have been a more recent addition. The S4 had front struts unique to that year, S5 - S7 had diffrent struts again so an S4 has the problem of getting replacement struts or inserts. Of course what you'd do is fir S8 on struts and the longer TCA arm.

The Avenger basic model up to the Oct'73 upgrage was like the DL with rubber flooring and pocketless unmatched door card colours and no reversing lights. They (the basic) also didn't have a grille badge, interior light, temp guage and indeed the passinger sun-visor.

With the late'73 (when the chassy # starts R3,4,5 instead pf RG or RB) upgrade, the DL got proper doorhandles on the front doors and a console. As far as I can tell though for S4 the DL didn't have a temp guage - going by old brochures I have or maybe only on the 1300DL was the guage omitted - Chrysler penny-pinching!!
The basic model was not available after the upgrade and the older stock trims were ran out with the ?100 cheaper SunSeeker models in 1974 that still had the square grille bade I notice.

The NZ MK1 Avengers look like pre Oct '73 UK equivalent Super trim level models with the silver strip in the strip dash, stainless door surrounds and door pockets.
You guys didn't get the GL dasboard with the 1300/1600 upgrade but thats no loss compared to a good factory undersealing your (much much better therefore) Avengers had.

So for the sake of intrest. Do the NZ standard MK1 Avengers, did they have the following, because I'm guessing the NZ standard Avenger was almost as the UK Supers. Or are the NZ Avengers half way between the UK Super and GL models?

Stainless door surrounds.
Colour matched door cards, matching the dashboard colour.
Are the late MK1's, do they hve solid chromed windowhandles/winders.
Do they have the chromed plastic strip over the roof-rail.
I assume all the NZ avengers had a two speed wiper and blower.
Were all NZ Avengers fitted with the heated rear screen (not on the UK Super or DL untill the upgrade unless ordered.)

The window handles, did any of the NZ Mk1's have the all metal winders?

There are of course diffrences between the Todd Avengers and the Ryton or Linwood built ones we got. Oh but I wish the Avengers made in the UK got the undersealing the Todd Avengers very wisely and rightly got!

Here's what I've found working on NZ Avengers in the 1970's and owning them more recently...
The only NZ assembled models were:
1300 Manual, 1500 manual, 1600 Manual, 1600 Auto. We never built any 1250's or the 1500 Auto.
They all had boosted disc brakes, alternators, stainless door surrounds, fitted carpets, two sunvisors, door pockets, black dashboards and two speed heater fans.
Two speed wipers, along with a dash light dimmer were only fitted in the Hillman Alpine Sedan/Chrysler GLS models.
Only auto's and the Alpine/GLS models had the chrome plastic roof strip....many have broken off and been removed now.
The glass was made in NZ and all models received built-in heated rear windows from late 1976, including the last of the Hillman models and all of the Chrysler models.
They changed from plastic winder winder handles to metal ones during 1975.
Our Hillman Alpines had 5" rims, while the Chrysler GLS went back to standard 4.5" rims.
Only our 4 headlight Hillman Alpines got the 4 dial dash cluster.
All Hillman models had reversing lenses and main wiring fitted, always connected in the Alpine model, but often not in the cheaper models - no gearbox wiring cable, switch or bulbs fitted.
Lots of UK Hillman 1500/1600 Super, GLS and Wagon models were imported and sold new here to meet the demand, so they'd follow the UK specs...but with boosted disc brakes, alternators and door pockets fitted.

Quotewith a dash light dimmer

what/where is this thing?

See that tab on the end of the light switch?
Turn it in the dark and all will be revealed!

mind : BLOWN

A S4? wagon sold by Rootes of Maidstome no less.
The work around the sills might be a worry!
Delco clox and its a Super, square lamps round clocks.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1974-ESTATE-1600-SUPER-/160872003516?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2574b7f7bc

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-Mk1-/320969548962?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4abb46a4a2

Okay Paddy boy, stop looking at the Tiger1 with the price dropping, leave alone, you know nothing of how to look after comp engines, leave well alone, seriously!

Yeah this car is more your style Paddy...LOL

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RARE-ORIGINAL-CLASSIC-HILLMAN-IMP-POLICE-CAR-1972-66000MILES-SUPERB-/330781036813?_trksid=p4340.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29%26meid%3D1615065048125128198%26pid%3D100009%26prg%3D1013%26rk%3D1%26

Hahahaha Officer Imp? Well the Suffolk constabularaly, const.. thats hard to spell!
The price of petrol musta been an issue for the ratepayers.

The Imp had its faults but a great fun car to drive I believe. More pep than a Mini although a squeezed thermostat was very necessary.

BTW as I read in an old article the Ave/beam engines do like to run a wee bit on the cool side, I noticed that on mine too, when the gauge is just under or about half way between C & N the engine seems to have more zip. Apparently squeezing the 'stat makes it open 'bout 75deg.

Did the same on me this morning, I have the Avenger in Dublin with me this week due to the exhaust falling outta the Shitroen. When the gauge is a bit low it seems very lively.
Must give the thermostat a squeeze.

Hahaha talking of the Fuzz, was a Garda Corolla (yawn) took a good look at her!

''..musha-sho Mick the auldSuper had those..'' (Kerry Gard joke)

Yeah I read that somewhere too...the best temp for Avengers is around 72 to 75 deg. depending on their state of tune I guess?
In standard engines the inlet manifold is bolted to the exhaust manifold and warms up quickly, but getting too hot the fuel mixture will vapourise reducing power, so cooler water in the cylinder head will cool down the inlet manifold and keep the mixture condensed.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Hunter-GL-Saloon-1974-/370642730080?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item564c073c60

Nice Hunter, that one is the the type just before they got the anodized rear covers bit, thing. Do we like Hunters? Every Farmer had one, real 'culchie' (means red-neck) car they were. Strong old bus so they were and the alloy-headed Rootes 1725cc lump they had I suppose gave good performance while not being the typical fuel guzzling Cortina....Ahh-ha! Thats why the Farmers likes them!
The Cortinas had a slow 1600cc Pinto which still only gave 20mpg or the 2.0 which made you a great friend of the service stations!

The Holbay 120, they had a good rep'.

Shergar the wonder hose was hitched to a Hunter when he got stolen I believe.
A (Farmer of course) Uncle of mine had a poo brown one and I remember it being very comfortable. Of course the cool looking centre roof mounted cabin light I just had to be messing with. I think it was reg' KOI 1234 so it musta been about 1975/6 it had the metal bits round the rear, don't remember it having opening quarter-lights so it was a Super I guess - oh if it had I would have been 'futtering' about with them!

Looks tidy Paddy...is that British Racing Green...hold on...can't be...it's a Hunter!!
1974 was the last year of the classic Hunter style here...1975 saw the uglyfied Chrysler Hunter...with the Avenger getting similar treatment a couple of years later!

Oh I'd get very opinionated about what Chrysler did to the Rootes stable. Funny how the MK2 Avenger feels like a very diffrent car. Good motor the MK2 don't get me wrong, they were very good, its just the Avenger was a late 60's/early '70s coke-bottle car like the MK3 'Tina. Oh hey, progress..
Peugeot too did a mac the knife job on them as well. Wouldn't have taken much to make a MK3 5 speed Avenger for the 80's. Pug had some pretty good engines esp. the diesels.
I had a 1995 306 Sedan SRDT that was made in Ryton, it never rusted.

Here the Hunter was still called a Hillman after the '74 on rear chrome thing upgrade. They got the Chrysler badge about '78 on when they got the Secptre type front end with the four round headlights. The Chrysler Hunters here funnily enough were all made in Dublin. I can only guess this was because of them being still popular with Irish Farmers and maybe when the tooling was shipped to Iran it was easier to get customs passed in Ireland at the time.

For a while in the North of Ireland the traffic branch all had the Chrysler Hunters and there is a guy around my neck of the woods has one with only 1,500 miles on it. Apparently it was hit when new and was just stored and forgotten about.

Yeh I like Hunters too but a bit big and heavy to drive much. Petrol here is to hit ?1.80/l as the government tries to pull in more money before the banks go bang - again. Without going too much into politics ane economics there are 40,000 unpaid mortgages here and that time-bomb is about to explode.

I have a sister in New Zealand at the moment and a brother on Australia. Both have told us that finance in Aus & NZ is still pretty conservative with a bank requiring you to have saved 10-15% of a houses value before they even consider your mortgage application.
That used to be the way here too, then the banks decided to get clever...

On the birght side the economy is slowly picking up and the old reliables like beef exports is booming. The oil find off the coast of Cork is viable apparently.
Hmmm, wonder could we get the whole of Ireland into America! Here ya go Sam, the North Atlantic on a plate!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1973-/160879979403?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257531ab8b

A 1500cc GLS. I see the ditch side strut is looking a bit diffrent from the drivers side!

My 1500 has the same arrangement, just the drivers side has been replaced and it's poking through the top of the mount, still a 1/2 thread so using the original mount. Lots of different struts used in Avengers. I know some Avengers had a 9/16' thread strut and a different top mount and the Chrysler ones had a different KPI so can't be used in a Hillman, unless the lower arm is changed too.

Yeh its a bit nuts the number of diffrent struts they had, even the MK1 had 3 diffrent types on standard models with disc brakes. The earliest ones had convex spring mounts then they got concave type and the Series 4's have year unique struts.
Then the granny-mush drum braked ones were diffrent again. I believe fitting the S8 on struts and TCA's is the business to optimize the suspension for radial tyres. As far as I know the earliest MK2 still had the later MK1 struts and TCA's with still the rod link throttle and points ignition.
They do tram-line a fair bit esp. in reverse.
Mine needs a new strut top mount on the drivers side as its mushroomed.

Been driving the Avenger full time now for two weeks as there was bother getting the exhaust for the Shitroen.
I have to say the Avenger was a good driving car - okay a bit noisy, sure.
Was talking to a guy in his MK2 Cortina last week, it looked great and it was the later crossflow engined type. However the consumption and the splutters out of it!
Oh the Viva was easier to run but handled like a wheelbarrow and the 3 main bearing engines were total shite, was told that the crank thrust-ing was wild on them at 30,000 miles!
The Marina - yeh, aye right.
Ford Escort, the business for going sideways, every other way uncomfortable no-torque thirsty clutch burner.

Sure I'm biased, but the more I see of other mainstream cheap cars of the era the more and more I'm convinced that the Avenger was the very best of a bad lot!

As for trying to get the mixture spot-on, forget it. Modern petrol/gas/whatever has the bio-mix in it so it just does not carburate the same as the petrol back in the day.
The only way you'll get a totally smooth fast idle is setting the mixture rich and then while the car will ceartanly be lively the fumes from the exhaust are a bit anti-soical.
I have mine set to slight lean, plugs red/white and while the car is a bit dead it is giving 35mpg.
You are right Oldschool about that 75degC ideal running temp for Avengers as when she is half warm the idle is smooth but at hot its struggling.
Probabbly should richen her slightly.
Thinking that sandwitching the heat spacer thing in DPC felt and cutting a manifold gasket in half and fitting over the complete gasket to take the inlet back from the head a wee bit might help.

The coughs and splutters out of that crossflow Cortina though! Naa-na-na-na-naaa Fordies!

Anyhow back to more mundane driving now as the Citroen is back on the road. Avenger goes back to being a weekend toy.

Here's an ex-museum Avenger 1500 on eBay...check out the home made tow bar!!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-Hillman-Super-Avenger-/221122724918?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item337bf10436

Dual coil?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-Hillman-Super-Avenger-/221122724918?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item337bf10436

Yikes! Bad reg'!
Some towbar! Musta been towing a lawn mower trailer or something. Pea green interior! Ribbit.

You can see where they've cut the exhaust pipe so it doesn't rattle on the tow bar...which is going black from the exhaust carbon...haha
Don't they have some sort of Euro standard for tow bars Paddy?
Surely that wouldn't pass or it doesn't matter on 40 year old cars?!

Yeh there is the imfamous Euro NCAP Star rating for new cars, however they are tested as LHD so for famous example a RHD Fiat Punto has 4 Stars because it was crash-tested as a LHD, but if you crash a RHD one you are in the serious risk of losing your legs, as what happened to an American woman here in Ireland a couple of years ago.
Oh the Yankees don't at all sue when that happens, so now Puntos are banned by the car hire firms (hooray!)
RHD is probabbly better as most people lead with their right eye and its natural instinct to lean left in an emegency, however most cars (except some Hondas) are optimized for LHD, so on a RHD you are sitting behind the engine, not the gearbag.
I noticed on the Avenger that the indicator stalk on the right (as they all used to be) is a better job, your left hand is free for the gears.

Anyhow there I am meandering off in tangents again, yes Oldschool you are right, that towbar would not pass an MoT or Technicial Control. There are laws about the height of the hitch and esp. as the bar is actually lower than the valence it could never pass a test. Mind you the GB test is carried out by private garages so 'familarity' shall we say does breed contempt, and a bottle of Vodka!

Its likely the divil's own green Avenger was on private roads for years and was used to tow some sort of lawnmower. You rip that towbar off it anyhow! The standard towbar Avengers got did not help their looks too much as far as I remember them.

Well now, a half decent GLS will sell! The GLS had a Holset fan compared to the fixed one on the 4door GT's, let two more horses outta the stable.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1973-/160879979403?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257531ab8b

Being Jan 1973 it is not tax-exempt, however once you prove it was built before 1/1/73 it is exempt, easy enough on a Jan'73 motor!

They are all on the 'bay!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Hillman-Avenger-1-3-/290774020039?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43b37b6fc7

A likely heavily restored early MK2 - S reg' so that'll still have the points and the vinyl roof could not have been a factory fitted job as its a DL by the looks of the pocktless door cards. Still a good everyday Avenger.
A good candidate for dropping an Isuzu 1.7D engine with a Sierra gearbox into it - and a MK1 dashboard of course! I wonder how much work it would take to Hillmanize the rear of them - anyhow not for me but if I was in England and at ?900 thats worth a punt.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1500-BASIC-GREEN-/221123987473?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item337c044811

The Rootes lime green (very rusty colour) MK1 Avenger Basic is back for sale and as previously suspected its clean rotten, I'd guess the drivers door pillar is dust also.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-Hillman-Super-Avenger-/221122724918?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item337bf10436

The divil's own MK1 is going rapidly up the money, I have a 'Start the good life with the Avenger' 1972 Brochure and the Super model pages is exactly like that one, forest green with a groovy green interior too. Even does not have the roof rail strip like this one, funnily enough the light blue DL did have the strip, likewise the Orange 4door GT also didn't have the roof strip, musta been a colour thing.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avenger-1972-tax-excempt-rally-car-prdject-/130763865500?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e72223d9c

This one is probabbly in better shape than the lime green basic one, as you can see by the price too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1973-/160879979403?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257531ab8b

21 bids on the purple MK1 GLS, I'd say that lady is worth ?1800 assuming there is nothing too serious wrong with her body.

Might be a good idea to research the UK chassis plate codes to find out what was and wasn't factory fitted Paddy?
I've started doing that with the NZ codes and have gained lots of info...

http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=473.msg5443#msg5443

That 1300DL may have come from the factory with a vinyl roof...I've seen other Chrysler 1300's on eBay with a vinyl roof too.

In NZ we have two paint codes, one for the body and one for the roof, so easy to tell if a vinyl roof is factory fitted...
My Burgundy Super had a BY BY T2 paint and trim code = Burgundy Body, Burgundy Roof and Tan Super Upholstery.
My Alpine has a CA VP T4 paint and trim code = Caracas (Orange) Body, Vinyl Pearl Roof and Tan Alpine Upholstery.
All NZ Alpine/GLS models came with a vinyl roof standard.
I don't think we could get lower spec 1300/1600 models with a vinyl roof, haven't seen any??

Regarding the chrome roof guttering...always fitted to vinyl roof models to protect the vinyl edge glued in the gutter.
In NZ the 1300/1500 and 1600 Hillman manuals didn't get chrome guttering, it was reserved for the 'luxury' 1600 auto, Alpine and GLS models!

Re roof guttering my 80 1.3gl had it my 78 1300 super had it and my 78 1600ls wagon had it, with extra door rubbers

Looks like they fitted the chrome guttering on the Chrysler models to give them a bit more bling!!

The son of the man with the orange MK1 1600DL had the hots for the roof gutter strip on mine saying he couldn't find one anywhere. I must call over to him and get my magazines back sometime.

From what I've read the vinyl roof was an option on all models and fitted standard on GLS's and GT's. It apparently came standard on all models from about 1979 on when they got Talbot'ed, just about the time when vinyl roofing went out of fashon.
As for the roof strip that does seem strange, you'd think it was a Super trim level on standard fitment and I can see from various brochures its hit and miss.

'74 Avengers photographed in Brighton: DL - no, Super - Yes, GL - yes on yellow 2door, no on dark green 4door, GT, GLS & Estates - yes.
More car in your hands New Hillman Avenger (1970): White DL - Yes, Silver Super - no, Gold GL with the spaceship hubcaps - no.

Must have been due to the colour of the individual car - maybe.

Haha kinda reminds me of a diffrence on 1980's Sierras, the British built ones had a silver strip in the bumpers and door mouldings and the Belgian or German made ones had a red strip. That was a handy way of knowing how well, or not at all any rustproofing the car had! Unfortunatly the Dagenham Sierras and Escorts had a rot-box reputation, to the point where a local-ish Ford dealer here refused to sell a Dagenham dust-cart so Ford offered him a trim level up on his cars to try to persuade the man - didn't work. ''..I'm not selling people rust heaps, nobody would come back to me..''

bling in plastic I think not haha, least my Superminx had stainless mouldings!

Check out the bling on this wagon, I read somewhere that the GLS trim level was discontinued for 1979 and returned after Talbot-ization as an Estate with chrome roof rails. Hahaha the pentastar on not-a-Chrysler. A neighbour of ours in the 1980's had a red 4door 1.6 GLS with Talbot and the star on its front, and his brother-in-law had the very same model, red 4door GLS with Chrysler and the star on front.
I was showing a young-fella an Avenger brochure yeaterday and he said ''...Hillman?..whats that...oh right Chrysler..'' I as usual gave the knee-jerk reaction, ''...they were not Chryslers!..there was an old munufacturer called Rootes..'' yadeyadeya.
Anyhow check out the roof-rails.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/talbot-hillman-avenger-1-6-gls-estate-/230852082837?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35bfdb3c95

Nice bling on that wagon Paddy...I reckon the roof rack could hold 6 suitcases..." We're all going on a summer holiday...lol
And left and right chrome mirrors...okay just the left one survived....and looks like it had a rear wiper too...talk about luxury!!
With that V rego it would be a 1979 Chrysler Wagon...no Talbot or Chrysler badge on the bonnet to confirm?
The Talbots never had the T in a circle grill badge did they, all had the Chrysler pentastar?

Yeh all the Avengers after Talbot-ization still had the Chrysler pentastar in the grilles. I seen an '81 Avenger with the Talbot 'T' on its grille but that was someone taking a chisel to the grille and replacing the star with a T from a Samba or something, I'd hate to think it came off a Horizon - shudder!!
You can see however that on the 'Talbot Avenger' brochures on ebay that the grilles on them got an airbrush! No pentastar but on the actual car the star was still present.

On the Sunbeam the S2 with the bigger headlamps had the Talbot T on the grille.

The Avenger as we know had three diffrent make names, Hillman, Chrysler and Talbot. However also the name of the Company 'Rootes' was changed to 'Chrysler UK' around about mid-1970 so on my 'More car in your hands - The new Hillman Avenger' the accessories page has Rootes mud-flaps and the 'Hillman[pentastar]Rootes' print on the rear page has 'Hillman[pentastar]Chrysler UK' stuck over the old Rootes name.
The same thing happened in 1979 when a Talbot sticker they just stuck over the Chrysler UK name on showroom brochures!

Anyhow, if you look at the key on the yumping Avenger British Path? clip you see its plain metal, not the blue plastic cover with the pentastar and on a worksop manual I have it shows the ignition and trunk key not with the pentastar but the 'Rootes' name. Long story short, the first six months of Avenger production the cars were still called Rootes. The Chassis plate stated Rootes etc.

So Hunter owners, the Avenger WAS the last Rootes car, this is kinda important to me as I'd not be a great Chrysler fan. If someone calles my Avenger a Chrysler my reaction is similar as if someone called it a Marina!

Anyhow as for the demise of Talbot, well it was not the Avenger and Sunbeam that trashed Talbots reputation it was the PoS Simca based tinny crud, Horizon, Alpine, Solara (4door Alpine) and Tagora that forced Peugeot-Citroen to dump 'groupe Talbot' in the mid '80s when the Horizon was replaced with the Peugeot 309 (was to be called the Talbot Arizona but the car was really a Peugeot.)

I said it before and I'll say it again, Chrysler really f**** up when they decided to develop the Simca side of their Euro operations rather than the Rootes based cars.

Then PSA just dumped the Avenger, while the Morris Ital (even worse than the Marina) made it right up to 1984.

It would have been so easy to develop a MK3 Avenger, so easy. Bastards.

Here's a very original 1250 DL on eBay...only done 13,000 mls!!
Someone's put extra badges on the front guards?!
No frills on the DL...rubber mats, no alternator, no disc brakes, no brake booster and no door pockets!


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1250-Deluxe-/150906319655?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2322b7b327

Yeh seen that one, very good looking early one. The Hillman Avenger wing badge was fitted only on the passinger side wing for the first year or so of manufacture, probabbly to distinguish from a Ford Cortina at the time. The badge on the drivers side likely was an addition.
I see there has been a bit of resto done around the sills as it looks like a hand weld around the bottom middle pillar or it could have been someone wisely sealed it up to prevent the rot.

Pre-'73 engine upgrade all had Dynamos and inertia drive starters, except on the GT/GLS's, unless ordered.
Brake Servo assistance was not widely used on the UK MK1's, again only standard on the performance models unless ordered. It was thought that the brakes were powerfull enough without the need for assistance.

Anyhow that 1970 is likely worth what the seller is asking for it and for a project here we have:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1974-1600-SUPER-/130772035783?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e729ee8c7

''..has round instruments unlike most with the strip speedo..'' Yes because its a round-badge Super, Nothing wrong with the strip dashboards they look as good as the round clocks type. Probabbly even a little neater around the top. The rarest one is the 1970-3 Super strip dash with the silver/grey insert - I found one of those and sent it to a man building a Tiger.

The chopped Avenger 'Sunbeam Talbot' Talbot Sunbeam, this one I think is not as rusty as it would seem.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sunbeam-Talbot-/180978979195?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a2330117b

Note the pentastar on the steeringwheel boss! Thats a series 1 Sunbeam with the same headlamps as a MK1 Avenger. The wheel trims look like they are from a MK2 Avenger GLS I can't remember if the Sunbeam GLS had the same trims. An uncle in law of mine said he used to ger 110mph out of a white 1300cc Sunbeam he had!
Oh its a 1600 Automatic, that means the engine will likely be very good.
The Sunbeam BTW was not a hatchback, they were a liftback as the rear screen was hinged for access to the boot/trunk like the Imp was so there are jokes about an Avenger and an Imp got it on and gave birth to a Sunbeam.

Mind you thats a better joke than the 'Emma Peel' wisecracks I'm getting tired of hearing!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-1600-super-auto-1975-/230857481299?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35c02d9c53

Its back, that 1600 auto could well be the steal of the year, looks damn clean and has tinted glass which does make them more comfortable to drive.

Okay here is another Paddy meandering tangent.
Was the Avenger the best driving yoke of the time? I mean the designed and made in England 1970's cars.
I had a discussion yesterday with an Escort nut and he didn't know about Avengers, sure he heard of Sunbeams.
Coil sprung all round, good torquey engines and not as big and lumpy/thirsty as Cortinas.

The Escort crossflow, way overrated, no torque, flooding, uncomfortable. Sure they are the biz for going sideways and you don't use a go-kart to cruse about the place after all.

Vivas or Kadettes/Chevettes, three bearing lumpy engine - crap. Good job once you drop a pinto into them but you then have a heavy front end.

BL - Aye right, good 1950's cars. Soup kitchen factories and the closest thing the UK got to communisim.

The more I think about it the more I am convinced, we drive the best yin'!

Oh yes we do!
Bastard PSA, fekkers should'a took the Avenger forward, sure there was a load of Avengers sold in France too.

nice colour that one paddy and a rare tinted windowed car!
has to be worth a punt but if i was buying it the 5spd box would have to be a must in the boot, the autos are not nice in my opinion...sko

It looks like its not selling... I know a guy who has the hots for a MK1 Avenger. I'm not fussed on automatics, being so hilly and twisting roads around here they get annoying. Also I'm left-handed so I've really no excuse with being handy with the shifter!
From what I remember though if you wanted a small/medium automatic the Avenger was a good idea. Most of them (post Oct'73) were 4 speed and I remember a very worn out MK2 automatic Avenger in the garage in 1990 and while the car was done, the gears still were not slipping. Seen a few auto Avengers about back in the day.

I used to be 'control zone' ballast in a blue with a white vinyl roof automatic (Top Hat!) Avenger that my Aunts b/f (later husband) had, we loved that car! So I would be sitting in it while she went to the shops, in those days you couldn't park a car in a town centre 'control zone' unless there was someone left in the car. I used to encourage her b/f to make it go as fast as it could and him being a young mechanic and rally driver happily obliged, watching the speedo needle like a hawk and counting the gears!
''..how does an automatic work?''  ''..torque converter...hydraulic oil..''
Damn but I wish there were more Avengers that survived. in the Early-mid '80's the dump was full of them.
Oh well, that reminds me, SEVERE rustproofing session coming up for mine, acetone then finnegans up the door pillars the whole lot.
Was the same in Grandas silver 1600 Super - I guess it was a Super, it had round clocks with square lights and I was fascinated by the steering wheel and binnacle. Oh I got the Avenger bug before I even went to school!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/keith190576/m.html?hash=item3a7a9262f1&item=251164517105&pt=Automobiles_UK&rt=nc&_trksid=p4340.l2562

Awww cute pics, that looks like it could be outta Watership Down or something!
''..rare Hillman Avenger Super Estate..''
Round headlamps on a Super, indeed it is a rare one, the last MK1 Supers got all the GL and bits and priced as a Super. Reg'd 2/July/76 it is one of the rare Supers with round headlamps. I wonder is that what the guy means by rare? Or does he just mean Avengers are rare?
Anyhow nice estate wagon for someone.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Viva-estate-/230865473160?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35c0a78e88

See whats beside the Viva!

Your favourite car Paddy....an Avenger with a sunroof!!

Ahh the curse of the sunroof on an Avenger, unless you stiffned the roof or so I believe.

The MK2 has roof stiffners I am told, talking of a MK2...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-Chrysler-Avenger-rot-free-rally-replica-unfinished-project-/300797969933?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4608f4c60d

A Chrysler in the blue and white Chrysler colours, rot free hmm, and in Dumfries which is the south west of Scotland. ''..has a pentastar sprayed on the roof..'' is the guy a freemason or something?

BTW I've been quoted ?220 for a stainless exhaust, seems too good to be true! Oh recession!

sounds like a good price paddy were was that exhaust price from?

Souhan.ie in Co.Meath they need the car to get the pattern, I'd say ?220 would rise to 300 and I'm told also that a stainless exhaust can make them a bit greedy on the fuel, mind you the granny-mush 1300cc won't blast out too much petrol anyway.
Do not get stuck behind an Escort BTW! Twice now I've been poison'd by flooding Fords!

Anyhow the cost of a new old stock Avenger exhaust would be about ?130 and it'll only rot away within a year in damp Ireland so I should just suffer the cost of a stainless exhaust and be done with it.
The price was for two boxes not including the downpipe which I got from ebay for ?5 + p&p.

I see the MK2 and Sunbeam had a diffrent pattern at the front, the downpipe extends further to about the handbrake lever so I'm wondering is that therefore a better job. But I don't know so when you don't know then you'll make the wrong call - like when I went fror a Stromberg to replace the worn out SU and now unless I tune the carbie rich the Avenger is very 'jerky' when pulling at low revs. Gonna see if the SU repair kit (?10 - ebay) can get the suzie back to good operation.

Anyhow! Meander meander, yep I'm a Paddy!

http://www.souhan.ie/

I guess recession is biting his business, hey if he makes a good one I'll put him in touch with ASOC.

Oh another excuse to take the Avenger to Dublin! Yee-ha 65mph on the M1 and a lot of stares! Hafta say 'rosie' (I didn't christen her that BTW - also known as the Rolls-Royce according to a certan barmaid) is a popular lady - wish I bought one 20 years ago!

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/79-CHRYSLER-AVENGER-LS-ESTATE-29400-MILES-GENUINE-12-MONTH-MOT-ROT-FREE-EXAMPLE-/261120672212?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3ccc0141d4

Wow, thats a clean one! From sunny Doncaster where a former work buddie who was from there, told me it never snows or gets much of a frost.

Can't you tell this one has been kept in a garage all its life by the non-locking fuel cap!

O-ho, thats the way to do it!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-/221151123723?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item337da2590b

GLS trim as well.

Now for something a bit more standard...a tidy one owner 1500 GT going cheap on eBay. Seems to have lost its twin carbs over the years??

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1500-GT-/271101656231?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f1eeafca7

Looks a good buy that 1500GT, about September 1972 the 4-door GT was dropped for the GLS. I have a long-term article on a 1971 GT and the author gave it a good write up but complained about the 'roman shield' hubcaps and the over plastic steeringwheel.
He suggested rostyle wheels and a leather trimmed wheel - Chrysler must have been listening! The GLS got the bling.

Anyhow the SC MK1 was rod actuated throttle, the TC was cable operated so someone had fun fiddling about with the pedal box I guess.
Anyhow I went electronic (with a new coil, brass terminal dizzy cap super-duper HT leads) on my Avenger on Saturday morning, wow! that made some diffrence! You'd think another carburetor was bolted on!
It bates up hills like a well fed greyhound and I can sorta feel the peak torque.
Of course the lack of a timing light meant a bit of test driving untill no more pinking and if I put the right grade of oil (20wt not 20w/50) in the SU it'd probabbly go a bit better too.

From a little research I've made about tuning old cars its apparently a good idea to replace the carbie needle with a needle graded for an engine 200cc greater than you have.
Modern petrol is so diffrent from the old 4* and its not just the lack of lead and lower octane. The 5-10% bio mix means the rate of combustion and the thickness of the fuel is diffrent.

It seems that many people running an old car with a dashpot carbie are finding that to set the mixture the jet is being set quite low on its travel. I see the same, it looks very low compared to the 1970's tuning descriptions you'd find in a manual of a magazine.
Anyhow all I mean to say is that with the electronic ignition it now seems that a little bit of travel on the throttle pedal makes for a lot of go. So is the carburettor throwing in too much fuel because the jet is so low, any expansion of the dashpot is going straight to full load setting.

I got a SU HS4 needle for a 1500 Triumph, see what happens, if the mixture can be set with the jet higher on its travel then it looks like the 'go 200cc up on your needle' theory is correct.

For goodness sake, I thought looking after an old car would all be about rust hunting and trying to figure out what bearing is making the transmission noise. Turns out that applied thermodynamics is needed also!

Yup, Electronic ignition makes a huge difference.

for an even better bang try a multi spark ignition like an MSD, I run them in both my Avenger and Charger. They make a world of difference.

I don't have any experiance with the SU type carbs (I always run Dellortos) but I know with my Dellortos you have to run different jets etc when you run leaded race gas so it makes sence that if the new fuel is lighter or heavier then you would need to change jets/needles

So its true that Ave/beam engines really appreciate the stronger spark, this lack of squish thing I guess.

As for a MSD, lets walk before I can run!
BTW I was talking to a mechanic here in Dublin over a game of pool about the diffrence the electronic ignition makes. He said that back in the day when every other car on the roads here was a Hillman Hunter that the later Hunters with the 1725 engine got electronic ignition. This made the 1725cc as good on fuel as the 1500cc, which kept the points ignition.

So for a while every crashed and scrapped Hunter had the electronic ignition bits removed and fitted to older Hunters  before even the thumped Hunter got to the scrap-yard.

A bar in Ireland circa 1982:
Ach hey ye have an auld Hunter?
Aye, a-do so, 'tis a great yoke for pullin' d'trailer.
Give us ?30 and I'll fit her electronic, leaves her far easier on petrol so is does.

The guys that drove the recovery trucks were taking the electronic ignitions out of every crashed Hunter or Avenger and replacing the parts with the old points systems before taking the cars to the scrappers!

You could bet that every Hunter or Avenger used as a Taxi was upgraded.

A top of the range Hunter, with an overdrive.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1975-humber-scepter-35000-miles-1-owner-/251181290197?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a7b9252d5

super rare cheetah i bid on the "other one" some years ago it was white it went for over 10k,would love one of these just for its rarity sake.
looks a nice car with a bit of tlc needed in places.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121021057044?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

you wont pass another on the road!!!!
buy it paddy and i will take her for a spin when im back in the auld sod on holidays sometime.....

Oh wowowowow that lady looks like a LOT of fun. Feck yer RS2000, watch this !!!

The famous Brasillian, some say (and I'd agree) a better job than the LotsOfTroubleUsuallySerious engine - hey hey don't kill me for saying that, Lotus Sunbeam is very brilliant, just... well, needs a lot of work, and if you rally them, often.

I'd say ASOC will be on to that Cheetah! ?10k the other one sold at? Considering clean Lotus's go for ? 15, 20?

Oh hey that Brazillian engine is the way to go. I suppose NZ has them in spades?

Yeh, 2-door MK1 Avenger wih a Braz' under the lid. Oh-ho.

Yeah...we've saved one especially for you Paddy...!!!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=524575640

Quote from: Paddy75 on November 20, 2012, 12:25:40 AM
Oh wowowowow that lady looks like a LOT of fun. Feck yer RS2000, watch this !!!

The famous Brasillian, some say (and I'd agree) a better job than the LotsOfTroubleUsuallySerious engine - hey hey don't kill me for saying that, Lotus Sunbeam is very brilliant, just... well, needs a lot of work, and if you rally them, often.

I'd say ASOC will be on to that Cheetah! ?10k the other one sold at? Considering clean Lotus's go for ? 15, 20?

Oh hey that Brazillian engine is the way to go. I suppose NZ has them in spades?

Yeh, 2-door MK1 Avenger wih a Braz' under the lid. Oh-ho.

brazillian would be nice alright although just as costly to build as a lotus rebuild,bearings and rods and cranks are one off items now i think.
cant say my lotus ever gave me trouble once they are maintained correctly and let warm up before trashing they are suprisingly reliable,the dog leg zf is unburstable and well the rear axle never seemed to be a weak point even though the lotus has 150bhp standard,mine was 187bhp and still on original back axle with an lsd.
if i had the money that cheetah would be in a container now on its way.
if me aunty had balls she would be my uncle to!!!!

paddy all i can say about the cheetah is GET HER BOUGHT! lol

Quote from: avengertiger on November 19, 2012, 05:05:49 PM
super rare cheetah i bid on the "other one" some years ago it was white it went for over 10k,would love one of these just for its rarity sake.
looks a nice car with a bit of tlc needed in places.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121021057044?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

dave just for you....
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x180/sunbeamsko/talbot%20sunbeam/P1010024.jpg)

you wont pass another on the road!!!!
buy it paddy and i will take her for a spin when im back in the auld sod on holidays sometime.....

11Bids on her now and reserve not met. Hard to know.

Oh well as for my slagging the Lotus engine, again I shouldn't listen to the MK2 Escort nut uncle-in-law of mine. So he was full of Ford shit when he told me the ZF 'box ''..left you with a bag of neutrals..'' and the engine was weak, oh and the front hub stubs wrung off too easy on Ave/beams.
Fekkin' bullshit, Escorts did the same!
Those Ford guys just can't take competition!

Hey I'm no rally driver, that Cheetah would only be wasted on me if its as rare as you guys say then it needs a better owner than me just taking it to 70mph the odd time.

Mind you... it'd be some pension plan... yesnoyesnoyesnoyesno!!!

?5 to 6k? Reckion I should message the seller? Oh I could imagine the look on the Escort harriers faces!
When I was a cub the RS2000 was the car that we all thought was the buisness. If an RS2000 went by the school yard we'd race over to the wall to see it.

How little we knew! A glorified Cortina engine in a leaf-sprung wheelbarrow!

Mmmm Sunbeammm

Quote from: Paddy75 on November 22, 2012, 03:24:17 AMhe told me the ZF 'box ''..left you with a bag of neutrals..'' and the engine was weak, oh and the front hub stubs wrung off too easy on Ave/beams.
Fekkin' bullshit, Escorts did the same!

haha race car driver excuses for when they lose!

cheers eamon thats the one,should have bought it mind you i prefer it in black,maybe its just those wheels.
paddy you wouldnt be able to keep yourself at 70 there would be penalty points accrued in that baby.....when i collected the lotus we knocked 135mph out of her on the motorway loaded to the hilt with spares 2up!! should would regularly see 120mph in my possesion and would happily cruise at 100.
she would surely be an investment 2 known to survive!! although you never know were they hide.i know a man in galway who has spent close to 10k on a brazillian engine and its still not done.
i wonder what his reserve is? pm him on the asoc and see what he is after he might swap for the tiger........

A few tidy 1500's on eBay lately...here's another one...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1500-G-LUXE-47829-MILES-/190757977470?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c6a0fbd7e

Quote from: avenga on April 02, 2011, 12:33:19 AM
Cool, that Thai one has A/C.

I don't think the first Cricket is a real Cricket. The side marker lights are wrong, those round marker lights are off a Dodge Dart or Dodge Charger. The Cricket had long rectangular side market lights like the second one, or these ones.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5419400521_5557d02f9f_o.jpg)

(http://media.motortopia.com/files/3536/vehicle/48c6ca9ae9288/The_Cricket_03.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4487898178_746cdf7c3b_o.jpg)

Its real; I put the lights from '68 Plymouth and Dodge B-bodies in it.
The Lucas sidemarkers were made of rubber and it went away rather quickly. I had a couple sets and the fit the holes almost perfectly.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Horizon-1-3-1979-v-/370659239844?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item564d0327a4

This ruined Talbots reputation. Very tinny, very flakey. The front suspension was torsion beams. The Dodge Omni sold in N.America was the same shape with completely diffrent running gear and apparently had a good rep'.

Chrysler decided to develop the Simca side of their euro operations instead of the Rootes side. So we got the Chrysler/Talbot Alpine and Horizon. As I read somewhere ''..Chrysler Alpine ownership tended to be a rather short lived tinny and tappity affair followed by a visit to the crusher. When have you last seen one on the road?..''

So PSA planned to replace the Horror-izon with the Talbot Arizona, however the Horizon had such a bad rep' they dropped the Talbot name and called the Horizon replacement the Peugeot 309. Both the Horizon and 309 were built in the Avenger factory at Ryton.
The 4-door version of the Alpine, the Solara was a good bit better than the Alpine and a good few of them made it into their teens. But the Talbot name was badly tarnished.
About 1990 or so the PSA vans also stopped being called Talbots, again the reputation was not good.

Anyhow here is the posh Hunter, a Singer.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SINGER-VOGUE-ESTATE-1725-HILLMAN-/150922988456?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2323b60ba8

The Horizon looks a lot like a Sunbeam...maybe they were trying to suck happy Sunbeam owners into buying a '4 door' Sunbeam??!!
Looks like PSA had a lot of Avenger parts left over at the Ryton factory?
I see many Peugeot's have 4 x 108 stud pattern wheels (imperial 4 x 4.25") which is strange for a car from metric Europe.
I wonder if some of their models use Avenger front hubs and bearings on the rear?

Yeh! I see on the old Talbot advertisements 'Talbot takes you further' its usually a picture of a Sunbeam in a rally then the small print invites you to drive the 1979 car of the year, the Horizon.
If you say 'Talbot' to a person of a certan age there, are two diffrent responses.
1. A standard day-to-day driver its, ''..rotten unreliable PoS..'' Bad memories of Alpines and Horizons. ''..damn suspensions collapsed and the rockers broke..'' Simca legacy, the French Fiat.
2. Someone who liked driving or did a bit of rallying ''..oh yes the Sunbeam and Avenger..they were a great driving yokes..''

I can't remember if the Horizon had the French type of wheel fixing, a bolt headed stud or the English type a nut where the stud is fixed to the hub. I do remember the Horizons had the Avenger inside door handles.
I think they also had the Avenger cabin lamp, sure the parts inventory was raided!
What I do recall is that is a Horizon or Talbot Alpine came to the garage the owner was promptly advised to take it to the dump.

The S2 Sunbeam got the bigger Horizon headlights, some peole call this the French style Sunbeam.

As I said before the Simca stuff was weak and really only worked in hot countries like the south of France or Spain. I seem a TV show about Britain de-industrializing in the early 1980's and for a few minutes they focused on the car industry. Peugeot was literally begged not to close the Linwood plant as things in Glasgow were dire enough without even more unemployment.
Even Maggie Thatcher who was fiercly against the government pumping more money into failed industries, apparently wanted to subsidize 'Groupe Talbot' presumably to develop the Avenger & Sunbeam for the 1980's, but PSA said a big resounding 'Non'!
PSA were just not intrested the Avengers with the 'conservative' RWD platform and so they closed Linwood and kept Ryton going as an assembly plant for the remaining Talbots untill the Peugeot 405 & 309 came along in the mid'80s.

We all know how easy it could have been to make a 5-speed Avenger & Sunbeam with probabbly an alloy head, Peugeot though had their own cars to market and didn't need the internal competition.
However there was still a market for RWD cars in France, a lot of Sunbeams and MK2 Avengers sold in France and even Germany.

Anhyow to finish this meandering story the Horizon had the one thing that made it big for Peugeot in the late '80 onwards.

Peugeot approached specialist engine designers in the late 1970's to develop a 1700cc diesel engine for small cars and light vans.
The Engineers wanted to develop a 1900cc unit and so the famous Peugeot XUD unit was born and fitted to P305's and the new 205 in 1.7 litre form.
The 1.9 XUD9 engine was then produced and fitted only to the Horizon. This engine made PSA a clean fortune and was sold on to other manufacturers from Rover, FSO Polski-Fiat, Fiat, Toyota and others.
This engine alone made PSA the third largest manufacturer in Europe.
Other diesels at the time were jusr rubbish. The VW 1.6 thing was a nasty slow, very noisy gasket blowing and head warping PoS. GM's diesel was even worse. Renault had a good 2.1 all alloy unit but it was too big to fit transversly and was only fitted to the R18 and vans which was FWD with the engine and 'box mounted north-south.

I had a couple of 309's with the 'straight' (non-turbo) 1905cc diesel, they were brilliant! Even without the booster they were quick, always started, very rarely blew a gasket and gave 45-50mpg.
The Peugeot 306 had the 1.9 with the intercooled turbo and with a more stylish body than the 309 became known here as ''..the culchie GTI..'' (culchie = redneck) and could be seen batin' around the backroads with a tankfull of marked agri-diesel giving a puff of blackish-blue smoke every time a gear was changed!

So indiffrence from PSA ended the Avenger. Pity, the Avenger platform still had a few years left and people just generally liked them.
I know what would have happend if the Pug XUD got dropped into the Avenger, that would have sold very strongly.

Anyhow, goold auld hindsight!

Lots of discussion and pictures of Horizons here...they look to be 4 x 98 PCD like Simca, Fiat and Alfa.
Interesting that they were produced from 1978 to 1986, initially as the Chrysler Horizon, so competed directly with the Chrysler Avenger!
The Avenger was old RWD technology while the Horizon was new FWD technology...we know which one we prefer...lol

http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=print&thread=18959

Not many of these left...a rust free 1971 1500 auto. No power machine, has the same 87mph top speed as Paddy's 1300 manual but is slower over the 1/4 mile! The free flow inlet and exhaust manifolds used in later Avengers really made a difference...would be a good retro fit!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-GL-/221160241928?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item337e2d7b08

Same guy above has a Vauxhall powered Avenger for sale...with a big drop tank...must be thirsty?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0KE59Ul1zk

Love the boot springs.

I need a big tank like that in mine but I want it actually sticking out the bottom of the car like this.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/jaskel3/Torana/Torana055.jpg)

Crap that's low...don't think it's 100mm...would get holed the first time out driving on our roads!
Getting a round one made to fit in the spare wheel well would be pretty cool...ideal for a rota or V8.

You can be lower than 100mm, you just need to cert for anything lower than 100mm.

I am thinking about making a bigger one for mine, I only have about a 350KM range in mine.

A car. Is not. A car. Unless the front wheels steer. And the rear wheels DRIVE.

Even my granny-mush, no-anti roll bar and skinny tyre'd 1300 steers and 'points' better on the corners than my 'advanced' French complex suspended Citroen. Of course I've had to replace a CV joint on it and for sure the drop links are again rattling! FWD can be a pain in the butt and they are never right, 'clunk' 'click' oh there is the other CV on the way out, sianara 100 quid again!

As I seen in a car magazine a while ago someone wrote in a letter, ''..dear Ford, can we have RWD back pleeeeassseee..''

Benz has a new A class, it looks well, is probabbly very well built and there is a waiting list for them. However its FWD so you might as well save 5-8 grand and buy an Audi.

That turbo Avenger is a bit OTT for everyday driving, as the guy says its ready for a red-top Vauxhall conversion.
The red-top apparently runs very well, wonders will never cease, GM made an engine thats not as soft as warm butter!

Advanced FWD, I remember when the Renault 'christmas tree' 18 replaced the Avengers, escorts and vivas in the early '80s.
People thought the bit better traction on the FWD Ren was the business, untill CV boots burst - often. Driveshafts, suspension bushes, broken rear springs and joke electrics.
The Renault christmas tree, the rear lights were not very well damp sealed and the circuitry was very cheap. When you went for the brakes and signals the rear of them lit up like a christmas tree!
Irish people don't like to pronounce the 't' and calling a Renault a 'renauoo' sounds queer so you got 'Renild 18' there were for some reason a heap of them sold here and esp. in the County Down. It was the law or something!

Many Avengers on the roads became R18's. Strange but true!

Here's a 1973 Humber Sceptre and a 1978 Chrysler Avenger for sale in Donegal...4500 euros for both.
They're autos in very good condition...is that a good deal Paddy??

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4239555 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4239555)

How about this 2 door Hillman Avenger project in County Down...would go great with a Rover V8 fitted!!

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/rallycars/4231627 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/rallycars/4231627)

And this 1972 1500 GT in Offaly is looking for a new home...better photos would help!

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4144374 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4144374)

A 1600 5 speed Tiger anyone?? Might just about keep up with Richard's Panther?!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C350186 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C350186)

Is this the world's oldest Avenger for sale....a mighty 1250 first registered March 1970...

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C349281 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C349281)

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C349281 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C349281)

Janey Mac!

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/rallycars/4231627 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/rallycars/4231627)

The same county as myself, making a phone call, live news folks.

!!! 5 miles away.

Has a full forest rallying suspension - those bits are easy sold.

I have a grille, engine mounts, the near enough whole lot even a spare front bumper for a MK1 Avenger, I even have 2-door door trims and a NoS strip speedo head (?1!). Can get a dashboard (strip or round) from David the guy with the orange 1600DL and the two MK2's.

A 2- Door Mk1! Sure its been a bit battered, thats the best way, this place 'round here wrecks cars anyhow.

I fancy a strip dashboard - dammit I shouldn't have sent that super dash (with the silver insert) to that guy in the UK.
I even have the veglia (no regulator has two sturdy coils instead of the regulated single as in the smiths) strip temp guage.

Anyhow, I'm thinking out loud.

Gonna take a look at it themorrah.

On a farm in a place called 'Guiness' thats not a joke BTW! next to the townland of Drumnaquoile drum-na-coil, a reminder of Irish townlands for the ex-pats amongst ye all!

Hey Paddy, here's a rally ready 2 door if you're keen...??!!

http://www.rallysport.com/hillman-avenger-1600-gt/ (http://www.rallysport.com/hillman-avenger-1600-gt/)

How about this one owner 1.3 Chrysler Avenger for sale in Ireland...looks mint and might even have disc brakes??!!

http://classiccarsales.ie/buy/view/Hillman_Chrysler_Avenger/2608 (http://classiccarsales.ie/buy/view/Hillman_Chrysler_Avenger/2608)

Bet you didn't know Avengers were sold in Sri Lanka??
I knew that coz my WOF guy is from there and he told me....lol

http://ikman.lk/hillman-avenger-car-for-sale-colombo (http://ikman.lk/hillman-avenger-car-for-sale-colombo)

Tiger time again...here's a green one...must be a replica??!!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C357416 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C357416)

How about this well set up Sunbeam 1600 rally car for sale on eBay...looks like a lot of fun!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Chrysler-Sunbeam-Rally-1600-Tarmac-Historic-Race-not-Escort-Avenger-/281047890322?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item416fc27992 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Chrysler-Sunbeam-Rally-1600-Tarmac-Historic-Race-not-Escort-Avenger-/281047890322?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item416fc27992)

Tigers just keep going up in price...anyone got a spare 23,000 pounds?!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-AVENGER-TIGER-/290858305908?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43b8818974 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-AVENGER-TIGER-/290858305908?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43b8818974)

This 1600 Hillman wagon looks much better value...seller reckons it's the last one of the road...making it rarer than a tiger?!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-1600-Super-Estate-/350713188709?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item51a8229165 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-1600-Super-Estate-/350713188709?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item51a8229165)

Here's another wagon on eBay...this time a Chrysler GLS...wish we'd got them in NZ...love that roof rack!!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230926037835&clk_rvr_id=449501242232 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230926037835&clk_rvr_id=449501242232)

Must have been a option as there was a Chrysler GLS wagon here in napier about 10 years ago, in bright yellow, have no clue where it went

Maybe a UK import Aaron? Lots of GL's and GLS's imported as NZ production couldn't keep up with demand!

Yep a few good ones a few bad. The 1970 1250 Super is still for sale, recession?

As for the 2-door near myself, well... lets just say there is no law in them thar hills.

I'm going to see if I can get a '79 1.6 GL started for the man with the orange '75 1600 DL I was talking about. He has been restoring his 2nd Avenger for his boy and the last I seen of the 79 Chrysler it was without its sills and the rest of it looking well.
As far as I know he is trying to start an electronic unit without the ballast resistors and with a points type 3ohm coil. I'll know more about it when I see it.
From a little bit of reading I see that you need a 1.5ohm coil with 0.5ohm ballast AND a 5ohm ballast fed when starting to boost excite the coil when cranking.

''.. The new Chrysler Sunbeam..the only little car that starts like a Rolls-Royce..''
I assume that was referring to the starting or auxilliary starting circuit used in the Chrysler systems.

Then small print in the advert ''..due to on-going industrial actions car provided may be fitted with conventional..''

Anyhow I'll set up a points distributor for David, assuming he doesn't have the ballast and the right coil, and time her by ear - 30mph top gear, floor it and listen for the pinking. With the powerspark and suitable coil in the 1300 I set the timing that way and all seems well, goes up steep hills (even with an impressed passinger on board) in top.
That is not at all an excuse to get driving a MK2 1600 - honest! Starting to warm to MK 2's just a pity about the Chrysler badge! Dunno why that annoys me!

I finished up the Dublin project last Friday so the 1300 has being getting driven a lot this last few days, apart from some sort of sqeak coming from somewhere behind the dashboard which i think is maybe the wipermotor mount, it is going like a wee bomb with the strong spark and the SU carbie (with bicycle chain oil in the damper) still is fast idiling a little spluttery which I think is air getting in somewhere.

As for work, probabbly Portugal, maybe I'll see a Sunbeam Avenger?!

Here's a nice blue 1600 auto for sale in Donegal...Irish Avengers seem to last better than mainland ones?!

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4576613 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4576613)

Tigers seem to be around here and there.

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4675558 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4675558)

A Tiger1 at ?11k, probabbly not far what they are worth in reality.

A '76 round headlight 2-Door Super has been re-registred in Ireland '76 C 1068' being Co Cork, a MK2 in the background and what looks like a Sunbeam Lotus beside it.

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4697444 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4697444)

And that MK2 GLS note the tinted glass.

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4697499 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4697499)

Recession is biting by the looks of things.

I see that Tiger sold for 7350 pounds less than a year ago on eBay...buyer's trying to make a quick profit!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-Mk1-/320969548962?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4abb46a4a2 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-Mk1-/320969548962?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4abb46a4a2)

Ah right, a speculator. Where is the lotto win when you need it! Tiger1 was based on the Super trim level and the Tiger2 on the GL, hence the square and round headlamp diffrence.

Close to here there was a Tiger sitting in a scrapyard around about 1982, it could have been gotten for about ?40.00! An old farmer had it and didn't know what he had! You'd think the dirty great spoiler on the back and the bucket steats as well as ''..by jayze..thon is wan quick Avenger so..'' would have made anyone think twice about just junking it, but at the time I suppose..

I can only guess that because of the high crt of the Tiger the engine would need rebuilt every 20-30,000 miles or so and farmers not changing the oil put that Tiger to sleep.

No joke BTW a mechanic told me about it, ?40 in 1982!
In the same scrapyard around about 1990 I was climbing over  MK1 2-door which looked to be in reasonable shape - Dammit!

A Gaslight 1500 GLS. Looks rusty and maybe a project for someone. Has the AC clocks BTW there was an AC 100mph speedo fitted to the early GL model, I have one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1500-GLS-/171009856896?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d0fb5580 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1500-GLS-/171009856896?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d0fb5580)

I see the master cyl' has been replaced with a cheap moprod CI cylinder, I thought the GLS had a dual circuit system. Dunno really.
All I do know is that MK1 cylinders are in demand.

Here's a nice 1600 DL for sale in Ireland...too bad about the sunroof!!

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4697410 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4697410)

And a blue Chrysler Auto in Donegal...

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4576613 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/4576613)

This Hillman wagon in London is looking for a loving new home...

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/hillman-avenger-complete-restoration-or-donor-needs-a-loving-owner/1012574969 (http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/hillman-avenger-complete-restoration-or-donor-needs-a-loving-owner/1012574969)

Seen the yellow '75 1600DL with the rigidity destroying hole in it before. The price has dropped I see and someone has put a BL choke cable into it! Grrrrrr!!!
The vinyl roof is likely hiding a lot of filler I'd guess.
Its worth about ?1,500 - ?1,800 and eventually It'll find a home.
Note also the streaks running down the tranny tunnel. Its been sprayed in that shop.

Oh well, for half the money you could have this! Wow just look at that dashboard, it would give ye a headache looking at it! Ohohoh! But but it has an A+ engine! Yeh that'll rune nice untill it runs lean at high rpm and bates' a crack between the pots!
Oh has the HIF carbie as well, modified to take the may-raina filter, that is gonna ... aw well just take her handy, Morris Minors don't do corners.

I remember the inside door handles on Marinas, Maxis and 1800's had those mouse trap finger snappers. Used to hate having to operate the inside lock, (oh no..ouch!!!..)

I haven't seen a Marina in years, or the even worse Ital.

Sheesh look at the back of them! Friggin retarded!
Aha! Caught! That Marina2 tail lights with the built in reversing lights, making them look even worse!

Yeh, ?1,200 for the yella rose of DL there would be a lot better for your love-life, and your sanity, and your health and...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MARINA-1-3-MK1-1975-/251249181078?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a7f9e4196 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MARINA-1-3-MK1-1975-/251249181078?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a7f9e4196)

http://www.reginaldodecampinas.com.br/2013/quero-comprar/?id=362 (http://www.reginaldodecampinas.com.br/2013/quero-comprar/?id=362)

A very good condition Dodge Polara. I see they had a centre mounted cabin lamp.
A SU HS4 carbie or is that a HS6, and the earlier type strut mounts. Odd looking vacum advance, looks like a Lucas and I could of course be wrong.

Somebody really loved that Polara. Lets hope a drug-dealer with pimp my ride ideas does not get it!

WOW that's mint...has a 1.75" HS6 SU on an 1800cc motor...would go well...too bad no 5 speed like the VW Avengers!

Kinda makes you wonder, ''..comin' thru with the kinda car America wants...'' Why didn't they import the Polara into the States?

Hmmm, RWD Corolla - or a Polara. Datsun 120Y - or a Polara. Honda Civic - or a Polara.

WTF was wrong with Chrysler management!!!

I assume 17 or 1800cc in lower compression would meet the emissons and give good wearing!
Okok going on about the mis-timing of the Cricket is getting boring!

Like the way the fuel tank is fed from the back panel. The latin dudes know about style alright.

Probabbly loads of Polaras left in Brazil and Argentina.
Taking a MK2 dasboard apart is a real pain - I know it after rebuilding the head for a guys MK2 next it was ''..the wipers are slow..''

Anyhow the Polara-is missile. I must look out for a 4-stud manifold.

Here's a tidy yellow 1300 Chrylser Wagon on eBay...it won't win any speed contests...needs a black bonnet and a Rover V8!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-CHRYSLER-AVENGER-ESTATE-1300-SUPER-1-OWNER-46500-MILES-GENUINE-ORIGINAL-/261197638988?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd097ad4c (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-CHRYSLER-AVENGER-ESTATE-1300-SUPER-1-OWNER-46500-MILES-GENUINE-ORIGINAL-/261197638988?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd097ad4c)

The DoE/Waterboard yellow Avenger cart-horses! There were a lot of them here, ex-waterboard stock, 1600 as far as I recall.
I see the early MK2's had a more expensive side air vents, the GLS trimmed 1.6LS I ripped the dash outta to get at the wiper unit had just simple flaps on the side vents.
Cleaning up the head, grinding the valves and scraping the oily muck off the pistons has made it a lot sweeter too!
''..For Sale. 1979 Talbot Avenger 1600LS, genuine 75k miles..'' Oh I could believe the mileage was genuine going by what a job taking even the clocks out was!

The epilepsy inducing seat pattern on the early MK2's! I think the S7 was still made in Ryton so it'll likely have the rod throttle and the HS4C feeder.
And hey! 1300cc can blast along rightly! Esp. once you have figured how to set the carbie! Yeh forget that lifting pin bullshit, steep hill 50mph, just richen untill no more flat spots and if when you ease off the boot and you get a wee power blip, you have gone too far rich!
BTW I've learned the 1600 S7 had the SU HS4 with a 12oz (green) dashpot spring which I fitted to the guys '75 1600. I suppose at 1600cc you are on the limit of what a 1.5'' throttle can do.

I'm thinking of the multi spark thing, cheap MTU, MSU whatever that multi-spark thing is called.

The yellow S7 wagon there, looks good, black stuff on the sill could be hiding serious rot, probabbly not, just a tidying up job.
The money is too strong though. I'd say ?2,000 maybe as far as 23 hundred. There is a guy down the road from me with a '72 Imp, its a good one but he is after 38 hundred! Way too much! I told an intrested party to offer 2.5 and go as far as 28.

Oh yeah, it's got proper eyeball dash vents like Ford uses, not those crappy flap things like my GLS.
Yes you can't look at the seats for too long without getting a headache Paddy and I think you mean MSD unit = Multi Spark Discharge...lol
Mind you to make a Chrysler go any good, they need to be fitted with a Hillman 1600 cam.
When the 1500 motors were expanded to 1600, they all got a hot camshaft similar to the 1500 TC which is the main reason a 1600 SC goes heaps better than a 1500 SC. When the Chrysler 1600 model came out, they reverted to using the original pussy spec 1500 SC camshaft...maybe for emissions and fuel economy?

I assume the 1300 Hillman had the wild cam too? Mine seems to be lively and going by how easy it is knock the carbie off tune I assume the cam is therefore hot - but I'm only learning!
The proper 4oz (red) spring, for the 1300, fitted to the SU has made the plugs go an even better shade of grey/brown and #2 plug got blocked with a flake of hard soot so I guess there is carbon coming loose in the combustion chamber.
Gonna rip the head off her next week, I've had a practice on Davids 1600LS, so now for a go at mine.
Tin snips and wire gets the valves off - voodoo mechanics!

Changed my front wheel bearings today, handy enough done and I see good old Irish crappy roads have eaten a TCA on the action (ditch) side!
Took the hose-pipe to the front drums innards and wiped them dry, adjusted front and rear, the rear on mine are manual adjusted BTW - the Lockheed 'all-drum' system.
Got really nice brakes now, little effort needed to get strong braking. Drums had their advantages, well advantage! The front drum on the Avenger was a lot wider than on Minis, Minors, Anglias and Vivas &c.
Lockheed BF47 drum, I think they were unique to the Avenger then S8 onward went BACK to getting discs as standard on the smaller engine, unbelievable that the 1250 Basic/DL/Super started with discs then Mar'73 on used drums. Same time as the 2-door was launched. Carrying on to the 1300/1600cc upgrade, unless you requested discs. Or if you bought a 1300 GL.
Mind you I got four front struts for nothing because they were for the front drum brake! On these damn roads they will be needed.   

The 1300 estate wagons BTW all had disc as standard.

I think I've a manual that gives the valve timing... Can't find it, no matter.

MSD right! Outch some price on ebay! There is some sort of multi spark thing that fits on the main HT lead I suppose that doesn't really work.

My manual is unclear on whether the 1300 got a hotter cam too. I know the 1300/1600 got free flow manifolds in the upgrade which by itself would make a big difference in performance. I used to drive the 1300 and 1600 Hillman's back in the 70's when I was a mechanic with the Post Office and they both went really well. Of course the motors look exactly the same and I remember not being sure sometimes if I was driving a 1300 or a 1600, so used to check the boot badge!

From what I have read here and on ASOC, if you have a few Avenger engines sitting about the place this is a cheap way to make an Escort eating screamer.

1500 block bored to take 1600 pistons and con-rods, the 1600 con-rod is 10 thou narrower so doesn't grab the crank apparently.
1600 camshaft and 1600 manifolds. Mill 30 thou off the block.
You get a 1530cc short-stroke hot cammed high revving motor. Add a 1.75'' carbie and there you go, or twins, or quads!
The inlet and exhaust ports are already huge on these engines so no need to mess much with the head, apart from double valve springs.
I see too there is a diffrence on MK1 & 2 valve spring caps, the MK1 has a seperate collet seat.

Right I'm gonna annoy the f*** outta me lazy shit Escort nut uncle-in-law, oh I'd bet he knows the above easy way to bash a crossflow.
''..Frank, did ye put a MK1 Avenger camshaft into the Sunbeams BTW?...''

Hahaha - ha - ha -haaaa.

There are a few ASOC guys getting into seriously into hotting up Ave/beam engines. One thread I seen was about a plan to fit a BMW head onto an Avenger block. To make a more reliable BRM engine, 'BBRMW' engine!

Yeah that's basically Richards engine...likes to rev...will do 65mph...in 2nd!!

Quote from: Paddy75 on April 21, 2013, 10:07:15 PM
From what I have read here and on ASOC, if you have a few Avenger engines sitting about the place this is a cheap way to make an Escort eating screamer.

1500 block bored to take 1600 pistons and con-rods, the 1600 con-rod is 10 thou narrower so doesn't grab the crank apparently.
1600 camshaft and 1600 manifolds. Mill 30 thou off the block.
You get a 1530cc short-stroke hot cammed high revving motor. Add a 1.75'' carbie and there you go, or twins, or quads!
The inlet and exhaust ports are already huge on these engines so no need to mess much with the head, apart from double valve springs.
I see too there is a diffrence on MK1 & 2 valve spring caps, the MK1 has a seperate collet seat.

Quote from: oldschool on April 21, 2013, 10:14:55 PM
Yeah that's basically Richards engine...likes to rev...will do 65mph...in 2nd!!

Yup, pretty much what I did to make my little 1500 screamer. Will rev to over 7,000 and will do 40mph in first and 65mph in 2nd. It is a little too quick, hence why I lost my license  ;D

Great to hear! Sorry about the licence, lisence, li.. lost the books!

65 in 2nd, sianara 1600 Escort x-flow!
Is it Escorts that are annoyin' or just those that drive them, well most of them.

Here is the Avenger from the deep lagoon.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/classic-cars-hillman-avenger-1600-auto-estate-/200917590417?pt=UK_Magazines&hash=item2ec79f2191 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/classic-cars-hillman-avenger-1600-auto-estate-/200917590417?pt=UK_Magazines&hash=item2ec79f2191)

A good blast with the power hose could show a body in better shape than you might first think.
Seems a lot of automatics were brown!
Might have tinted glass.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-VINTAGE-SMALL-HILLMAN-AVENGER-CHROME-CAR-NAME-BADGE-/400470429913?pt=UK_Car_Parts_Vehicles_Automobila_ET&hash=item5d3de5d0d9 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-VINTAGE-SMALL-HILLMAN-AVENGER-CHROME-CAR-NAME-BADGE-/400470429913?pt=UK_Car_Parts_Vehicles_Automobila_ET&hash=item5d3de5d0d9)

A wing badge the 1970/1 Avengers had. Trouble is you'd be waiting a long time to find the small Hillman badge that goes with it.

ttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Talbot-Lotus-Ti-Sunbeam-Rally-Race-Historic-car-less-eng-box-not-escort-/321113334643?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ac3d8a373

A S1 Sunbeam ready for a Ti engine and 'box.

The Hella H4 headlamps I see are the same as the MK1 Avenger, just the glass sits further back.

BTW I gave a neighbour, the man who had a few Avengers back in the day, a lift this morning and he reckoned my 1300 mill is going a lot better than the MK2 1977 1300 he had.
He had a 1500GL, and a 1600 MK1 Super then a Triumph Dolomite 1850cc untill it warped its head!

Anyhow he got talked into buying a 1300, I can only guess that the salesman maybe knew the Hillman 1300 was punchy and assumed the Chrysler was the same. The '77 MK2 1300 wouldn't go up the hills very well so he traded it for the '79 1.6 GLS I remember he had all through the 1980's into the early 90's.
Sounds like although the MK2 1300 crt went up to 8.8:1 the milder cam took the punch outta them.

Highly impressed passinger seeing the 1300 Hillman go up a long steep hill in top. Makes you wonder that the higher crt MK2 with the wilder cam would do?
Its a party trick of mine, put a passinger in the Avenger and drive it up a hill!
''..my Viva had to drop into 2nd on this slope...this is a 1300?!!...''

Hmmm I'd love to see what the uncle-in-laws un modified 1980 near spotless 1300 MK2 Escort is like on that hill.
And the Avenger a bigger car too! Awww heartbroken Escort nuts, awwww...

Holy f***!!!!

Brand new.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1250-DL-BRAND-NEW-NEVER-REGISTERED-/181128949485?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a2c206eed (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1250-DL-BRAND-NEW-NEVER-REGISTERED-/181128949485?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a2c206eed)

Going by the wing badge thats a 1970/1 metal fan blades, brand freakin' new!

Where the heck is that lottery win when you need it!

They don't get any better than that Paddy....it might go to a car museum...will be interesting to see if there's a bidding war?!
It's the basic 1250 model with a genny...will have disc brakes though?
I know the early UK ones weren't boosted, like all our NZ ones were...hills like Ireland here...haha

According to ASOC it was bought un-registred 5-6 years ago and has since been full body stripped, primed and resprayed.
It was originally electric metallic blue with vellium interior. One bid at ?5,000 already and likely that'll rise. A restored 2-door GT went for around ?6,500 last year so a museum type Avenger, 8k+?

As far as I know it would have front discs and no anti-roll/sway bar. They all started out with disc/drum, the rear drums being Girling automatic adjusted.
A genny as you say was standard fitment unless you ordered factory fitted Triplex Hotline rear window. The ACR alternator was standard fitment on the post 10/73 1300/1600 upgrade, likewise the pre-engaged starter. You can hear, for example, the Avenger wagon used in Life on Mars has an inertia reel/bendix drive by the sound of it starting.
As far as I can tell some time in 1972 the fan blades became plastic, I guess as they replaced the (better) Stromberg CDS with the CD3 at the same time.

Likely what'll happen is that someone will spend massive money buying that 1250DL and perhaps need to sell their other Avenger.
For me thats where it gets intresting.

The roads around here are not for driving a museum piece around, that is for sure! With that in mind I'm gonna replace me front ditch side (of course) suspension arm today. Hills are one thing, pot holes on barely sealed 'roads' are another.

See the cross-ply shoes on the Avenger for sale!

Some goss from ASOC, the unregistred Avenger getting the full treatement.

http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/paint-stripping-hillman.html (http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/paint-stripping-hillman.html)

I remember when this was offered for sale originally, bidding stopped at about ?3250 and was not sold. (By all accounts it was sold for ?3500) We then heard a couple of weeks later that it was being offered for sale for over ?7000 by somebody completely different. A couple of months later it turned up on Ebay again, but had been properly prepared and was offered by a very reputable dealer (called the doctor) who only deals in very low mileage cars. I think it sold for about ?7000. Looking at the standard of preparation and the quality re-spray this car has had it must stand the current owner about ?12000 and that's if he has done all the stripping and rebuild himself.
I thought about buying the car myself when it was first on offer, but decided that it could be a nightmare to get running reliably as almost everything rubber on the car would be perished, and the problems of registering a 1970 car in 2007 would have been immence. (Technically all cars registered in the UK after 1993 had to have a catalitic convertor fitted without exception) At the time most of us thought the car should have gone to a museum and been displayed as it was, still covered in wax with all the stickers left on the windows. When the car was cleaned up, it was found that 37 years of was had reacted with the paint and thus why it has been re-sprayed.
It is a lovely car, but if it does somehow get registered and then used, it will lose its uniqueness and value, as it will become just another very low mileage classic, and one that can no longer be described as original.

Thank you Pitcome.
So any buyer could not register that Avenger? As you say since 1993 all spark ignited cars had to have a catalyst - even though lean burn was nearly perfected, but anyhow damn EU! Cats suited German industry so... -
I'd have thought the DVLA would go by the year of manufacture.
I suppose if they were a bit more human there would be built from new panels Escorts and Minors being passed off.
So that would also mean the 1250DL would not be tax exempt and any insurer would want a pretty serious Engineers report.

So that Avenger will need another respray, as the only (unfortunatly) parctical way to register it would be to switch the identity of a rotten old MK1 Avenger and say it was heavily restored.
That gets into the area of fraud but ...

A way to, I have heard, well lets just say the 'DVLA' is not the only 'Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency' in the UK. (Requires a ferry trip)

Yes I think the same thing applied to that 'new' Mk5 Cortina sold in 2007 that had been sitting on the dealers floor since 1982...can't be 'legally' registered because of modern crash test and emission laws...so off to the museum!!

Oh hey a car can pass its test with a lump of metal stamped with the chassis number because the slam panel was replaced due to a crash. My Father had a damage repaired diesel Sierra that got turned down because there was no VIN plate, a neighbour just made one with a set of letter stamps, 'W' bang, 'F' bang, 'O' bang, VIN starting WFO on a Ford means made in Belgium or Germany. This makes for a big diffrence in the quality and rust treatment of the steel.

The real crime was the way Ford and GM spent a lot less money on the materials and general build quality of their cars and vans that were made in England compared with their German made cars.
To the point where a Ford dealer around here would not sell a made in England or Spain car!

So to put that Avenger on the road means 'ringing' the car. Or are there people who will give eight-ten grand to look at a museum piece in their garage? Serial-killers!

As far as an Avenger goes there maybe one possibility, the Iranian Pekayan has an Avenger engine modified to meet modern emission regulations. Wether this includes a twatalyst, I don't know.

Then the next thing would be fog lights, rear seat-belts and are airbags required to register a new car in the EU? Probabbly!
Nah, set of letter stamps would be easier!

One heck of a donor car at the very least! The next 4-door Avenger to get written off likely will have an afterlife! ''..I changed the colour...''

And back down to earth with a 1980 Talbot wagon with the 'shooting-break' roof rails. Apparently in the last year and a half of manufacture the GLS was only in wagon form.
Into Talbotization, the true GLS got dropped. I still don't know if the MK2 GLS had the 1.75'' CD like the oct'75 on MK1 where TC was replaced woth 'High Performance' single setup.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-/171030160402?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d2312412 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-/171030160402?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d2312412)

Seats and trim look more like an LS than a GLS. Maybe the lower gearing of the wagons was as the 4-door GLS.
I see Davids 1979 1.6 LS is at 3.54:1 going by the code, GLS was at 3.7:1 I guess.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-AVENGER-TIGER-/290907982453?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43bb778a75 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-AVENGER-TIGER-/290907982453?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43bb778a75)

?10,500 with 15 bids. A Ti engine with a few further mods fitted. A honest resto job I suppose.

I got a LM/MW Ford pushbutton radio (six buttons) and fitted it. I forgot how crap AM is in a car, fade, ignition noise and whine. Mind you I've only using an old wiperblade strip taped to the windshield as the antenna, the trim adjustment is fully home!
I see there is an issue with fitting radios on the round clocks dashboard. The panel with the radio hole is made only for the 1970's Chrysler 5 button radio.
The Ford/Blaupunkt radio is just a little too wide in the frame and without cutting the panel - that is not going to happen BTW - the only way to get the panel over the radio is to remove the radios front window/scale thing so I have a radio with the needle exposed.
The rear of the thing is bolted to the top of the ashtray frame with a bracket, so no danger of cracking the dashboard panel, which is the main thing.

I think I'll get sick of that radio soon enough! Maybe look around for a FM spindle/pushbutton radio instead.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SINGER-VOGUE-1967-BARN-FIND-42000-MILES-HILLMAN-HUNTER-/171036663138?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d2945d62 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SINGER-VOGUE-1967-BARN-FIND-42000-MILES-HILLMAN-HUNTER-/171036663138?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d2945d62)

In vogue hunter, did they have the overdrive?
Badge engineering at the extreme! The even more expensive Hunter was the Humber Sceptre and the cheapest Hunter (1500cc CI head) was the Hillman Minx.
Chrysler had enough of all the diffrent names Rootes were using and replaced the (Hunter) Minx with the Hunter DL in 1970, I guess at the same time as Rootes Group was officially re-mamed Chrysler UK.
I seen a Singer Vogue in SuperMinx form yesterday, very Jim Reeves! The Singer Gazelle was the expensive wee Minx.
If it had an overdrive stick a Singer badge on it. If it had leather seats stick a Humber badge on it and if it had twin carbies stick a Sunbeam badge on it. Also any colour you wanted, except common as muck black!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-SUNBEAM-TRIO-A-ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME-OPPORTUNITY-/261212473716?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd17a0974 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-SUNBEAM-TRIO-A-ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME-OPPORTUNITY-/261212473716?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd17a0974)

A Sunbeam Trio, the best fun you can have in a 1300! For sale by an ASOC member @?4k.

http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/3773127090.html (http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/3773127090.html)

A long time forgotton Cricket.

sheet  : almost be worth importing for LHD lushness

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ginetta-G15-998cc-Carter-engine-Hillman-Imp-Clan-Davrian-/151044294172?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item232af1061c (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ginetta-G15-998cc-Carter-engine-Hillman-Imp-Clan-Davrian-/151044294172?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item232af1061c)

One of the kit cars you could buy and fit Imp runnings onto. Looks well apart from those door handles!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-imp-husky-/181138866951?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a2cb7c307 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-imp-husky-/181138866951?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a2cb7c307)

An Imp in people carrier form! There was a van version of those that nearly won a contract from the GPO and the Bedford HA van got the contract instead because the Imp was thought to be too fast! This guy likes his Imps I see, fair play to him.

The yellow Avenger barge is dropping in price, thats a S7 I think, which means points and a rod link throttle still.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-CHRYSLER-AVENGER-ESTATE-1300-SUPER-1-OWNER-46500-MILES-GENUINE-ORIGINAL-/261210809176?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd160a358 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-CHRYSLER-AVENGER-ESTATE-1300-SUPER-1-OWNER-46500-MILES-GENUINE-ORIGINAL-/261210809176?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd160a358)

A Chrysler 300C, looks a mean bit of Detroit metalwork!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-300C-Crd-PETROL-MANUAL-2008-D-/310667691936?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item48553cc7a0 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-300C-Crd-PETROL-MANUAL-2008-D-/310667691936?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item48553cc7a0)

From the Simca side of the house a Chrysler Alpine with the grey bumpers. Looks like a nice one. The bag of marbles gearbox, a lot of people still went for the Hunter! The seller likes Guinness!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-Chrysler-Alpine-One-Owner-SOLD-subject-to-Cheque-Clearance-/171035513233?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d282d191 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-Chrysler-Alpine-One-Owner-SOLD-subject-to-Cheque-Clearance-/171035513233?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d282d191)

An early Hunter GT, looks like a real good one. These were not called a Hunter, just the 'Hillman GT'

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1970-HILLMAN-HUNTER-GT-1724cc-OUTSTANDING-EXAMPLE-THE-BEST-AVAILABLE-/161027849900?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257e01feac (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1970-HILLMAN-HUNTER-GT-1724cc-OUTSTANDING-EXAMPLE-THE-BEST-AVAILABLE-/161027849900?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257e01feac)

''..this car is far superior to drive than a Cortina 1600E...'' Yerh butbutbut its not a Ford!

That Tiger2 again unless I won the Lotto is gonna have to drop a bit yet.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-AVENGER-TIGER-/290912501446?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43bbbc7ec6 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-AVENGER-TIGER-/290912501446?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43bbbc7ec6)

Right so and today I seen a 2-door Avenger forestery prepped. Front end is MK1 panels with a round badge square headlight grille, rear is the MK2 lights and inside is a dasboard from an early GT/GLS. Delco clocks with 120mph speedo and a blue fiddle badge.
Has the roll cage, great suspension, prepped engine with quad 45's. A Ford 4 speed 'box, this can be used for historic as the were used at the time.
What is history however in the inner sills, rotten.
The rally Avenger is not starting. Methinks the points coil when used with the Chrysler electronic unit and the Bosch dizzy might be a problemo. I know the mechanic so I'll try tomorrow to see if we can get it going.
In fact I'll take a points dizzy with me. I see there is a starting circuit, two resistors in the ballast block, one of which should feed when the starter is operated.

This is of course not in any way an excuse to get driving a rally prepped Avenger, oh no not at all!

(..any sign of the Fuzz, no? Ballygrand! Vrooooomm..)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Avenger-16GL-1979-/151047859868 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Avenger-16GL-1979-/151047859868)

A bright blue '79 GL. Looks like a new carbie fitted and the dizzy looks to be a points type, I've a feeling I know what the owner was learning!

Looks nice Paddy...even has a hubcap on the spare...now that's class...lol
For once it's great to see a Chrysler without the standard headache inducing 1970's seat pattern!
And she's electronic ignition...can see the transistor in the gold coloured bracket on the inner guard by the bonnet hinge.
What's that thing on the guard by the battery...looks like some kind of fusible link/overload cutout?

That's a clean Chrysler,ziebarted to every car I have had that had that treatment was solid no rust,it was expensive to do in the day,all the spots that are prone to rust have been done around the boot under the rear window,in the spare wheel well and inside the rear quarters,looks to have plenty of period accessories to,headlamp covers,Lucas spotlights,those side repeaters are out of the hillman catalogue to.
Interior is a rare colour to never seen grey in an avenger dash is nearly nice.....
Must be a fuse or something Ross or a split for more earths,power feeds

Oh indeedy ye can't bate the oiled car that is for sure. The 1300 was waxoiled a couple of times and this has saved it, the chassis is 100%, bit of rot on the door bottoms nothing too serious.

The fusible link I seen on Davids 1980 1.6 LS, its just a connector I guess a fast way for the factory to connect up the wiring. There were a few wiring changes on the S9 I seen going through the wiring diagrams trying to get the electronic unit to work and re-rigging the oil pressure unit.
The two heavy brown +ve cables also are ran from the alternator to the starter, using both the B+ spades so I suppose someone was thinking in Linwood!

The dizzy looks like a Lucas 45D, I thought the electronic units were Bosch although there apparently was a Lucas 45DM electronic reluctor type used also.

The hubcaps with the beuatifiers/embellishers, you could sell those all day long! I don't think the chrome type like those fitted to the MK1 and early MK2 were still used in 1979. They of course look a lot better than the plastic things the S8 on got.

As for the repeaters they are the standard Lucas type as fitted to many made in England cars of the time. Usually you seen them on the front of the wings not by the door - which would make more sense - I personally don't like them because every time I see that standard Lucas type it makes me think Austin Maxi!

This Avenger is in the stakes for the 'Ebay Avenger of the year' award!

Well I have a garage just finished here so room for another. No! Down boy!!! No bids on it yet....Nooooooo....A MK2 would be good to have....Arrrrgggghhhhhhh!!!!!! A 1600!...Ffffffffff...

Go on paddy,ye can't take it with you ;D
Write it off as a travel expense for work or something.

If I'm ever contracting in England again I think I know what'll happen... Mind you the way cars have gotten so complicated and guranteed massive expense with fuel injection systems a Peugeot 309 straight diesel would be the GB minter worth the taking home - put a scabby old Talbot badge on the front lid! Yeh yeh the 309 was the only true Peugeot-Talbot, was gonna be the Talbot Arizona.

More likely however...

Oh a MK1 round headlamp...has a MoT....Quick phone call to the insurance company, ''..ah Mr Brennan, lets guess what you are doing..''

Frig me but you can get engines in the UK for nothing! Here the Farm QA scheme has made it hard to find anything. I was lucky I found that rotten 1250 Super.

Right lets see if the 2-door up the town is gonna start today. I'd bet the auto spark didn't bother rigging up the gauges.

So-called auto spark 'experts' my heel they are.
The owner wants it running on the Chrysler ''..starts like a Rolls-Royce..'' electronic system and had it with an auto spark to get this working.

Went round to the 2-door rally project today. First of all the 0.5ohm ballast is open circuit. Engine started by feeding batt +ve to the + side of the coil but of course this is too much for the coil, assuming it is a 1.5ohm coil, b/c it looks to me like a points 3ohm coil and the Avenger was running on a points dizzy to get it going. So it needs a proper electronic suited 1.5 ohm coil.

Now I see on ASOC there have been a few people caught with the Chrysler electronic system and no real advice has been given.

I have a good electrical/telecomms background and this is intresting me.

The auto spark left the car with a blown ballast and no starting cct. When the engine is being cranked the ballast is meant to be by-passed so full 11-12V is applied to the coil, then when the engine fires the coil is then fed via the ballast. The other (5ohm) resistor is to save the amplifier as 12-14V is too much to put accross a transistor, which is what the control unit is.

Luckily for the owner I am not hard to pay and I have a ballast block (has the Peugeot lion on it BTW) for an Avenger or Sunbeam and with, I think, is a 1.5ohm coil. The wee digi meters are not good at measuring resistance so you can't trust them, you'd really need a proper Avo8 1950's looking meter to measure low resistance values.
So I assume the coil I got with the electronic dizzy upgrade kit is okay, I have a powerspark 1.5 ohm coil on my Avenger which I got elsewhere.

The main thing is the dizzy is working, I do get a spark but only by feeding the coil and the coil only takes the current with the ignition on, so I assume the amplifier also is working. This by the amplifier creating a cct on the -ve side of the coil when the ignition goes on.

There is a disaster story here with the dizzy too!
Me and the Mechanic tried to start the Avenger, weber quads are suspect but thats for someone else, the engine has been built by some other 'expert'.

So firstly all we could get, after feeding the coil for a spark, was the odd backfiring, the dizzy was arseways, the vac unit facing the front. So the auto spark had figured the oil pump drive is mistimed but didn't do what he had to do.

Not trusting the crank pully I got TDC #1 by a screwdriver and cranked over 1/2 turn to check it was on the bang stroke, looked good. Took the crank back to #1 TDC and...
Where was the rotor arm pointing? The position for #2, so just re-plugged the HT leads to suit and with a lot of spluttering so the engine started, very badly. Ran for 10secs and then smoke from the big foam air cleaner for the weber quad things. Fire in the manifold!

You may think this could be firing on wrong cylinders but the TDC mark also aligned with the rotor at #2.

There is an electric pump in the boot to a bag tank thing but no return from the carbs. The mechanic reckons there should be a return, I just don't know.

Maybe the webers are jetted for a 2.0 or 2.2, anyhow someone elses problem!

I am going to fit the new ballast block and electronit coil tomorrow and then trace out all the wiring to make sure all is as it should be, I'll add a wire from the starter to the coil +ve for the starting cct as the ballast connector doesn't have the bridge wire as the Haynes manual shows.

Seems a lot of people are being caught out with these things. Dunno why the owner wants the electronic system as he has put a MK1 front on the Avenger so a points coil would hardly make any 'genuine' diffrence or whatever.

Gonna see if I can crack this one.

Well thats that done. The 2-door is giving a strong spark with the new ballast block and a 1.5ohm coil. Buzzed out all the wiring all is as it should be.
I'm droning on about the 2-door rally Avenger I've been doing a bit of work on.

There is indeed a starting circuit which is not just a wire from the switch wire but from a small spade at the engine side of the solenoid, I guess this gives 12V only when the solenoid engages, not just when the starter is told to start. So the full battery voltage is given to the coil when cranking.
Connected gives a strong cranking spark, dissconnected gives a much weaker spark.

I notice though the ballast block is getting pretty hot, as the weber DOCE's are flooding the engine its a lot of cranking to get it to splutter. Only by switching off the fuel pump am I getting the engine to fire, for about 2-3 seconds.
So to get the engine to run I thought to remove the weber quad and put on my old SC manifold and carbie. Just to see that the spark is steady and to check the coil and ballast is not getting hot.
But the branch exhaust manifold wouldn't let the standard inlet fit.

I don't want to bill the owner as I'm not 100% happy that the ignition is now fixed. The weber quad DOCE's are banjaxed. They are very badly flooding the engine to the point where I got another wee fire today with them!
The Mechanic reckons the owner was defrauded out of the new set he bought a year or so ago and the 'experts' that built the enging fleeced the weber he bought. I know dang all about DOCE quad carbies but I do know the jet on them are way too big for thie engine. I can only guess that they are jets for a 2.2 or something.

Now I want to get that engine running. SC manifold won't fit and I don't want to pull the exhaust manifold off her.
There may be a way.

The weber downdraught I took off Davids MK1. Maybe that, with its downdraught will fit. David would be happy to get it sold as he is content with my pot-luck SU single conversion from the weber I did for him. (HS4C rod operated.)

Will that manifold fit. Only one way to find out.

BTW is there that much diffrence in quad carbies compared to 1 3/4'' twins? Suppose there must be. The Mechanic reckons TC would be enough. The quads are just about making show-off noise according to him!

I see there is a Lynx crossover manifold for Avenger & Sunbeam engines which you fit one of the DOCE sets. Is that better than TC's?

Anyhow as far as I can tell troubles with the Chrysler electronic ignition system is due to either the wrong coil being used or the ballast blowing due to too much cranking for whatever reason that may be.
The old ballast was deffo not working. The strange thing is though, when cranking the coil resistor is not pulling current because the starting circuit has bypassed it.
Only the 5ohm control unit resistor would be sucking the amps when cranking. Is the excessive heat from the 5ohm when over cranking scorching the 0.5ohm coil resistor?!

Thinking too much. Ballast got banjaxed because of whatever. Kack-handed auto-spark and/or owner.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980-TALBOT-AVENGER-1-3-LS-IN-BLUE-35-000-MILES-/360663418309?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item53f93705c5 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980-TALBOT-AVENGER-1-3-LS-IN-BLUE-35-000-MILES-/360663418309?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item53f93705c5)

A very presentable 1980 1300. The door cards look like they are feom an earlier DL, or were they the same on the LS?
No console around the gear lever and the back doors have pull straps. Bit of a mix of bits but none the worse for it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Coupe-1971-3-door-RHD-CLASSIC-CAR-/321132432573?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ac4fc0cbd (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Coupe-1971-3-door-RHD-CLASSIC-CAR-/321132432573?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ac4fc0cbd)

A '1971' 2-door in Poland!
That's a 1500cc Super. The seat pattern is pre Oct'73 and the dash is an early Super also. V-shaped manifold and a square grille badge. Looks like a few mods have been made, what's that radiator? Looks like a Fiat maybe. Likely, all the Polski Fiats in Poland! Bad way to put in a rear seatbelt!
So its a 1973, one of the pre 1300/1600 upgrade 2-doors. He is looking for about a thousand too much.

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/5027059 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/for-sale/vintagecars/5027059)

Looks like the banner Avenger on this site!

Quote from: Paddy75 on May 27, 2013, 12:01:44 AM
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Coupe-1971-3-door-RHD-CLASSIC-CAR-/321132432573?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ac4fc0cbd (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Coupe-1971-3-door-RHD-CLASSIC-CAR-/321132432573?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ac4fc0cbd)

A '1971' 2-door in Poland!
That's a 1500cc Super. The seat pattern is pre Oct'73 and the dash is an early Super also. V-shaped manifold and a square grille badge. Looks like a few mods have been made, what's that radiator? Looks like a Fiat maybe. Likely, all the Polski Fiats in Poland! Bad way to put in a rear seatbelt!
So its a 1973, one of the pre 1300/1600 upgrade 2-doors. He is looking for about a thousand too much.

Yeah that's a Fiat 125? radiator Paddy, you can tell by the big cap and not original either...see how the top hose is distorted.
That looks like the front seat belt mount for an 'over the shoulder' belt as not enough meat on the B pillar for the normal top seat belt mount used in the 4 doors...were all 2 door seat belts like that?
Wonder where the battery went, has been replaced by the radiator overflow bottle...lol

There is a youtube clip about the Polish 2-door, yeh that looks like a Fiat rad' alright, reminds me of a Fiat Uno I had for a few months way back when. It was quick for an 1100cc, really noisy gearbag and hard to feed the Uno whenever it decided to start!
If it was raining it was 50/50 wether it started!

Hillman Avenger Coupe 1.5L GT 1971r. For Sale! Poland - Warsaw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQVOTvn2eAM#)

Sounds like the valve guides need reamed. Well whole engine rebuilt. The 1500DL 2-door was tested in Autocar magazine April 1973. Was found to be good on fuel, 38mpg average. Yeh some say the 1500cc was the easiest ran. Must be the mild cam I guess.
They gave it a good write up and recommended it as the best in class, small family 2-door.

There were a lot of early MK1 2-doors usually in blue as well. The 1250/1500 2-door would only have been made Mar-Sept'73 seems strange that there were so many of them for such a short run.

Must have been a special offer on or something. Or the 2-door in 1250/1500 ran on for a few months more to run out the older blocks? Nah, apparently they ran out of 1500cc blocks before the official 1300/1600 upgrade - arrgh the daft bits of information you hear!

I was working in Prague a few years ago, if I'd seen that forsale then likely it'd have gotten a look at.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/talbot-sunbeam-shell-l-k-re-shell-lotus-ti-rally-etc-/151057980943?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item232bc1de0f (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/talbot-sunbeam-shell-l-k-re-shell-lotus-ti-rally-etc-/151057980943?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item232bc1de0f)

A tidy S2 Sunbeam for rebuild. Looks like a good one.

A bit of Sunbeam porno! That shade of blue really suits them!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151064970895?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_723wt_1399&clk_rvr_id=492866683711 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151064970895?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_723wt_1399&clk_rvr_id=492866683711)

Forsale by an ASOC member. Is registred as a 1.0 so half price road tax.
Running on a CD175 with a four stud manifold with a fuel regulator I see, that's the way to do it! I have ebayed an early fixed needle CDS, the one with the mixture screw at the bottom, lets see how that colours the plugs. Its great when a seller doesn't know what they have and badly list the item!

The Sunbeam Trio, probably was a special edition to run out the parts inventory before they went to the Sunbeam S2.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-1500-DELUXE-RED-/181163561296?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a2e309150 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-1500-DELUXE-RED-/181163561296?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a2e309150)

A Tiger2 in wardance ''..1500 Deluxe..'' err!! Two Tigers on Ebay UK, they always seem to be for sale somewhere.

This is the start of a problem. I have personally seen the weber downdraught start to wreck an engine and heard recently from a guy who fitted them and two weeks later the compression was gone. Just don't, TC's or a 1.75 single.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-SUNBEAM-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TWIN-CHOKE-WEBER-CARB-INLET-MANIFOLD-WEBBER-28-36-/290936376212?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43bd28cb94 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-SUNBEAM-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TWIN-CHOKE-WEBER-CARB-INLET-MANIFOLD-WEBBER-28-36-/290936376212?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43bd28cb94)

Oh sure you can set the airfeed but its not going to work! People seem to feel obliged to fit weber downdraughts in place of the FoMoCo single choke on their Escorts, maybe this suits a crossflow. The fumes from the tail-pipe though!

As for the Stromberg fixed needle CDS, the one with the mixture screw at the base of the float chamber, they seem to be the best all round carburettor. Good feed at high rpm, no jerks at low rpm. Yep, the CD3 was about emissions, and that means - only really works on a new engine - mind you I'm running a CDS with the 1500cc needle so sure there is a strong fuel feed!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GT-RARE-CAR-/190861366960?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c703956b0 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GT-RARE-CAR-/190861366960?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c703956b0)

A GT in easy restoreable shape. The TC's are gone and what looks like a MK2 manifold and single in its place.
See what else this guy is selling!

Back in the day, if your car didn't go any good you 'put a weber on it' Paddy...their advertising must have been subliminal...haha
Always used to see 2L Cortinas with V6 webers on them, no faster and the mpg went from 25 down to 15...lol
Mini's were another popular weber 'fix' with horrible fuel consumption...but they went better because the porting was so bad you had to pour raw petrol in the motor anyway!
On the other hand some factory equipped weber cars were brilliant.
My Fiat X1/9 with a twin throat downdraught weber is great (apart from the auto choke) plenty of power for a 1500 and can get over 40mpg with a light foot!

Yeh when factory fitted the weber twin choke was good. I remember the R18 TS/GTS with the twin cam heart shaped combustion chamber - still pushrodded BTW! They felt like a lot more than 1647cc, I guess when the manifolding etc is optimized for a down draught weber works fine.

Twice now I have been poisoned driving behind a weber'd Escort, every time I see an Escort go by I notice a strong smell of unburnt fuel.
Looking at the SU 3rd edition book there was a HS2 (1.25'') conversion listed for the MK1 Escort 1100/1300, it would be gas to get one of those manifolds to mate an SU or Stromberg to a crossflow, just to see the look on the faces, ''..aye be jays there is no shtink of petrol outta this wan..'' Up with the lid!
I suppose not many side draught expanding choke carbie conversions were fitted to them as a HS2 is a Morris Minor carburettor, not a speed upgrade. Ford tried the whole Variable Venturi thing for a while and we all remember how terrible that effort was, ok so they say just change to the green diaphragm, now its even worse!
By the MK4 Escort they finally admitted it was a PoS and fitted webers or peirburgs instead.
Yep Fords had a drinker rep' at the time and their own brand carburettors were primitive to say the least.

The Stromberg CDS fixed needle sure does deliver the fuel better, more go at higher rpm, but it likes to leak!
The SU seems to be a bit more of a fuel miser and has the habit of flatting at mid rpm which I think might be a duff damper rod/piston thing, if I hold it slightly sideways it just drops in. Maybe this is why the pitmans manual says use 20/50 in the damper and I notice later damper rods had a tapered 'valve' instead of a plain washer on the rod.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GT-RARE-CAR-/190861366960?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c703956b0 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GT-RARE-CAR-/190861366960?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c703956b0)

I see it has the cocaine steering wheel cap too! The Chrysler GT emblem was I think used on all the high performance Chrysler/Chrysler owned cars.

Anyhow I see the GT is popular, 18 bids at ?970, its going to reach ?1,500 at least I'd say. The critics liked the Avenger GT a lot, they didn't like the 'roman shield' hubcaps and the steering wheel so when the 4-door GT was replaced with the GLS a leather trimmed wheel and rostyles on the legs was standard fitment. That and a viscous driven fan which apparently let two more horses outta the stable.

I think it's impossible to run Escorts economically...probably to do with the way over square motor, has to be over revved to get anywhere...haha
I know fitting bike carbs are popular...even then the jets have to be drilled out...lol
It's very hard to beat the SU and CD carb for economy and for extra power, just fit more of them, like Jag did on the E type.

We got those cocaine wheel centres in NZ too...very rare as they only appeared on the 1971-72 Avenger 1500 TC, a similar spec to the GT but with the strip dash, pod rev counter and single headlights, aka Tiger 1. They had the 'dustbin' hubcaps too.
Have taken the viscous (vicious?) fan off my Alpine and replaced it with an electric one.
That sucka weighed over 1kg...I reckon it used 2hp, not saved 2hp...lol

That was the Escorts big problem, you had to rev the nuts off them to get any pull and with a carburettor that was absolutely useless, they drank fuel. Its annoying the way young fellas see old cars being rallied and assume the Escort was the only show in town. I seen a guy (the man who bought the gold 2-door MK1 Avenger) humiliate every Escort on the track even though his Avenger had no LSD or properly stiff suspension, he just drove it on and enjoyed himself. Bowed and tailed out every corner but he just kept correcting it.
A posse of super shiny Escorts afraid of getting a ding just looked sad!

So I took an intrest in helping out a fellow close to home who is prepping a MK2 2-door, oh and I just might be finally getting paid for fixing the ignition!

Once I heard an Escort harrier having a go at the Avenger, ''..sure they were just the same as the Marina..''
Aye right, so I replied, coil sprung all round, hypoid diff so a lower transmission line, high cam engine better torque charactreistics and still can rev.
Nah, with leaf springs and a big high transmission tunnel, the Escort is a Marina with front struts. Rasp!

Anyhow I think I'm not far off getting the 1300 to run at its best, plugs are going a light tan and just a bit of flatting at acceleration in mid rpm I am close to getting it 100%, possibly the damper is slipping as I say.

I was tempted to remove the old fixed fan for an electric setup but after putting a new temp gauge transmitter in I seen a bit of heat flash, that is when running the needle at or just over 'N' then stop the engine and watch the gauge, the needle often would then go up to the dot between N and H.
Didn't see this with the old transmitter, the needle was a lot more stiff then with the dot between C and N being where the thermostat opened.
Usefull thing a properly working transmitter, you know when to give the engine a fast idle for 20 seconds or so to stop a the heat build up.

Right next thing on the Avenger agenda is pull the prop-shaft out of it. That rumbling could be just the hardy-spicers and not the diff, the noise is still present when you freewheel or take the load off the axle. The UJ's are not loose but they might have become stiff.
I put a set of Woodhead big fat blue shockers in the back of the car, really likes to corner now and was not at all bad with the thinner shocks that were on it.

Here is a good bit of kit!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-Historic-Rally-Car-/161049173076?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257f475c54 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-Historic-Rally-Car-/161049173076?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257f475c54)

Proper Order!

Yeah the 'sealed for life' aka sealed for 'short' life UJ joints will get stiff and squeak from drying out.
My Alpine has grease nipple ones...:-)
Have you checked your thermostat Paddy, they often had 88C ones which are way too hot.
The cooler the Avenger motor the more power they make, have put a high flow 71C (160F) in mine, gauge sits on N and the heater still works fine.
Along with the electric fan, it probably has 5 more hp now!

Yeh I had a look at the 'stat its an 82degC one, looks free enough although as the engine was badly silted up which caused me an overheat on the maiden run I should pull the water pump out and make sure all is clean. I see a weep out of one of the core plugs too but is a very slow leak. Should have replaced that when I changed the downpipe but I was in Dublin at the time and just needed the car going without the no exhaust roar!

Thermostats used to be a thing you had to pay attention to then as build and technology went on you never had to think about them. Now however with engines so space age and high pressure electronic injectors, two stage fuel pumps (one in the tank and another on the engine) thermostat troubles are back! ''..the new Peugeot 308..does 80mpg..'' Ohhh you would need separate insurance for WHEN the fuel injection system gets one bad fill of diesel (highly likely around here BTW) and costs you thousands.
I seen the cousin taking two days to change an engine in a 2008 Vectra, one bad fill of diesel!

I believe some of the prop-shafts has staked UJ's so its a replace the lot job. If mine had this (a late MK1 - likely) it has been replaced sometime down the years with the standard circliped UJ's.

Test time is coming up and I need a set of brake reaction rod chassis side bushes Speedy Spares here we go. Ah well the guys at the test centre won't be complaining about the exhaust this time! A NoS QH exhaust which I liberally sprayed with exhaust manifold paint and Zinc spray on to. I was wondering if I was wise or not doing this, fretting about increasing back pressure, then about a month after the new exhaust fitted I noticed two small holes in the back box, the muffler by the tail-pipe, which the zinc has halted so good enough. Yes new straps and clamps too of course!

Another Talbot Sunbeam, no pictures!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-sunbeam-1-6-/171066228290?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d4577e42 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-sunbeam-1-6-/171066228290?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d4577e42)

Here is a worthwhile buy, not Spax or Woodhead bit going by their girth and steel sleeves, should be good.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-X-Pair-Rear-Shock-Absorbers-Talbot-Avenger-Sunbeam-/190862207749?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c70462b05 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-X-Pair-Rear-Shock-Absorbers-Talbot-Avenger-Sunbeam-/190862207749?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c70462b05)

Was a good buy those Woodheads I got for ?18! Even had the top mountings on them. Should really change the offside front strut mount which has mushroomed - meh! The test guys think they know it all but rely on their shiny new computer machine thing to test the suspension hahahahaha.

Easy to get a corroded block/frost plugs in Avengers as when you drain the radiator it doesn't drain the block, so flushing the system and adding inhibitor won't clean and protect it!
Just changed my water pump, drained the radiator first of course and then when I loosened the pump, water pissed out...lol
That's why they have that dinky little drain tap on the block I guess...lol
We had a case here in NZ of a low mileage Avenger being sold for top dollar and the new owner had to change the engine, as the block had corroded through to the oil gallery = water in the oil!
The Hillman one piece brake reaction bushes are a bit useless Paddy. It's a popular upgrade to put Chrysler 2 piece neoprene ones in...Speedy have them...but you also need to use a Chrysler mounting block, as the Chrysler bushes are wider than the Hillman ones.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GT-RARE-CAR-/190861366960?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c703956b0 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GT-RARE-CAR-/190861366960?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c703956b0)

Wow it went for over ?2k! Ahh the auld round headlamps charm!

I spoke to Sam at Speedy Spares yesterday and he reckoned the BRR chassis side mount is the same for S8 on and pre S8. The arm itself is different so I've ordered a set of the older bushes to get me through the test anyhow. The original rubber pre Series 8 type they have ran out of and they supply a poly' pattern replacement. I'll take a look at the suspension on the 1980 one David has to see whats the difference.

The block drain tap has a habit of seizing and the France engine (some MK2 1600 engines were made in France and has 'FRANCE' cast on the block instead of SB or LB) has a plain bolt in its place.

Rootes, from what I've read, were good or specialists at thin wall casting so I guess that's why their transmissions were a good bit further ahead than others of the time - and why every farmer had a Hunter. So the Avenger engine had the low skirt line thing making for a very rigid block. All good but the thin walls I suppose would be prone to water/oil holes I suppose.
Just change the coolant every 2 years if you haven't drained for whatever reason. Go light though on your antifreeze/water mix as I'm told the brass top radiators and water pumps get eaten by antifreeze.
I guess in sub-tropical New Zealand this is not so much of an issue!

I'll take a few pictures of the Avengers front drums to give ye all a laugh! Might as well as I'll have the front of it up on Monday to replace the BRR bushes.

Holy shamoley! Speedy Spares are quick! That was yesterday afternoon about 4pm I called them for these!

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0271_zps44dcbe60.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0271_zps44dcbe60.jpg.html)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1975-sunbeam-rapier-h120-fastback-/251297735103?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a828321bf (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1975-sunbeam-rapier-h120-fastback-/251297735103?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a828321bf)

A different type of Sunbeam, the Hunter with a fastback. Looked a bit like a big Plymouth and most of them had the Laycock overdrive. There are a good few of these Sunbeam Rapiers still about.

What a dumb ass name for a car...worse than Edsel...no wonder Rootes went bust...dumb name for a car company too!
I know a rapier is some kind of sword, but it sounds too much like rapist...what were they thinking?!
I imagine Rootes Rapier owners got a few taunts back in the day!?

Hahaha yeh you are right Richard, the dawn rapist, Sunbeam Rapier! Rootes is a naff name for a car company too.
The Avenger launch brochure has an accessories page, 'Rootes' mudflaps, you just wouldn't!

With a decent set of batteries in the camera I could show different brochures for the MK1 Avenger if you guys want. ''..a new concept in British motoring..''
Aye, they started in the morning and did not look like they were styled by a particularaly nerdy boy-scout!

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0301_zpsb4d1e84e.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0301_zpsb4d1e84e.jpg.html)

Ohh just too sexy for the British market, what was nearly the front of the GL models.
If they did stretch the budget to about 80 grand more and go with this for the high line models they'd have probably stuck a Singer badge on it, the Singer Stud?!!

Rootes mudguards!
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0302_zps98dbc281.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0302_zps98dbc281.jpg.html)

Okay very good 'Rootes', you made a good handeling car. Shame about still fitting crossply tyres as standard! The spaceship hubcaps, well man had just landed on the moon I suppose. The pinstripes going up around the rear vent was soon dropped! As was the Rootes name, by October 1970 when the GT was launched the company was officially called Chrysler UK. By 1967 Rootes was a full subsidy of Chrysler, part owned by Chrysler years before '67 also.
Possibly uncle Walter was waiting to see how the public took to quite an American styled car before deciding to continue to market as Rootes or Chrysler. The Avenger was after all the first Chrysler led and funded project form Rootes Bros so some Hunter owners sneer at the Avenger as not being a proper Rootes car - yeh whatever, nerdy boy-scouts!
If a Rootes Blue-Peter badge holder is sneering at your Avenger as not being a Rootes car then just show him the next picture.

There are the same launch brochures with 'Hillman [penta] Chrysler UK' on the backpage, they just stuck a label over the Rootes print! Same thing happened in 1979, Talbot sticker over the Chrysler name.
The blue Hillman badge at the rear and side, blue grille badge plinth and the blue steering wheel motif is of course Chrysler blue.
So 'Hillman' lived longer than 'Rootes' - fair enough!

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0303_zps9d4c8dfc.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0303_zps9d4c8dfc.jpg.html)

Watch for the sexist subliminal messaging, or rather grooming.
Buy an Avenger gets you a girl, buy a Super she gets her clothes off, buy a GL and she runs off with you!

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0306_zpse2c92e6c.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0306_zpse2c92e6c.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0307_zps228b38cf.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0307_zps228b38cf.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0305_zpsabc32c20.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0305_zpsabc32c20.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0308_zps76375067.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0308_zps76375067.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0309_zpsc513e036.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0309_zpsc513e036.jpg.html)

I see the orange 4 door GT is back on Ebay.

There likely will be a good few bids on these.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-CHROME-BUMPER-OVERRIDERS-WITH-RUBBER-GASKETS-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1970s-ROOTES-/271231530893?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f26a8b78d (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-CHROME-BUMPER-OVERRIDERS-WITH-RUBBER-GASKETS-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1970s-ROOTES-/271231530893?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f26a8b78d)

There are cheaper overiders where the rubber doesn't go right to the top, the type listed here are as factory fitted.

''..four plastic parts I've no idea about..'' You don't need to be an engineering genius really!

BTW Richard, apart from the Sunbeam Raperist there was another...
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0464_zpsf564ab6a.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0464_zpsf564ab6a.jpg.html)
hohohohoho!

Hard to believe these came out of the same showroom as a Hunter!
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0470_zps095e0e83.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0470_zps095e0e83.jpg.html)

From this, April 1973 looks like someone was interested in a 1500GL.
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0471_zps1a804be8.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0471_zps1a804be8.jpg.html)

Avenger price list and options.
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Oh well the Avenger went through the test no bother today. Always a good idea to tighten up (new BRR bushes) the front suspension before the test, stops the guys hoking about the front until they find something expensive or bother to fix.
He had a good look at the headlamps and said ''..the old headlamps never align the way the computer likes..'' So he got down on his haunches and took a sideways look at the beams, all good!
That's the second year they didn't spot the blister on the rear brake flexi! Really should change that, all eggs in one basket with single cct brakes.

I see side repeaters were an option too...never had them on our NZ ones, even the Chryslers...must have been a Euro/US rule as my overseas assembled 1970's Fiats have them.

Yeh a strange thing repeaters, most cars didn't have them although some British cars did. The Maxis and 1800's had them but other BL's didn't. A bit daft fitting them to the front of the wings instead of the door side of the wing.
Right enough come to think of it Italian cars always had them, French cars didn't. Some time in the 80's they all had them I guess some sort of Euro directive, about the same time as seatbelts had to be fitted to the back seats I suppose.
If you look at the options to upgrade the wheels to rostyles it cost more to upgrade the DL than the Super. So a Super got you radials as standard I guess, likewise a Super got sealed beam headlights.

1960's/70's badging was all about snobbery! Super mean't private sale, GL was paid for without dealer credit. You could have a sneer at a neighbours fleet DL or feel satisfied when seeing a car coming with obvious candle light plain tungsten bulbs! A bit sad really.

The Ford marketing geniuses, and they were very good at figuring popular trends, must have realized the whole Deluxe/Super/Grand Lux'e' thing was getting a bit smelly so they went for the more European sounding 1.6L instead of 1600 Super. Soon everybody else went for this badging style also.
As the 1980's approached was so-called sophistication taking over faux snobbery?

Sorry for going off in tangents! But this is a prime example of how Chrysler UK didn't just get the art of marketing as Ford did.
Trying to sell cars on snob appeal may have worked in the 1960's but when the economy was in the garbage can the winner was a thrusting go-getter, not a sneer or cad.
The C180 was a pretty good car, trying to sell them this way.... It was sold in communist Czechslovakia, where it was a Rolls-Royce, some animals are more equal than others after all, wonder what the reds would have made of this advertising!
Result? More Cortinas and Granadas sold.

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0441_zpse9c84e64.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0441_zpse9c84e64.jpg.html)
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Errr its the 1970's, not the 50's. A shooting break, the Rootes are showing!
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They didn't seem to worry too much about drinking and driving back then either...get sloshed at the picnic and hopefully find your way home in one piece?!
The marketing guys must have been drunk too...pitching a cheap car to the snobs was a road to nowhere!
Then on the other end of the scale they used references to that TV show 'The Good Life' in their print adverts?!
Tom and Barbara hardly had 2P to rub together, let alone buy a new Avenger?!
They completely left out the middle class in their advertising, no wonder Ford had a field day!
In a funny way Ford helped Chrysler sell Avengers...they gave up trying to market the Avenger sensibly and just face lifted it to look like a Mk4 Cortina...then sales took off!

Going by a couple of Car Mechanic magazines I picked up for pennies it looks like the Avenger started life as a tuneable potentially quick easy to upgrade car that appealed to those that wanted a handeling cheap car. In the time of Austin 1100's or Ford Anglias the Avenger looked sexy - they still do ... ahem!
A lot of articles on how to get lots of go out of a 1500cc MK1. What is interesting or relevant about this is that they recommended scrapping the CD3 in place of the earlier CDS and just re-needling or fitting a TC manifold. As you can guess changing the camshafts was recommended if the owner wanted to spend.
Very little mods had to be made to the suspension, fit a cupped washer to the BRR rod and braze in a couple of washers inside the rear axle, to stop oil rush.

By the late 70's it would seem that the average Avenger buyer was an older person more intrested in fuel economy and CM were impressed with the very good economy the MK2's (milder cam I suppose) gave. Yes indeed the Cortina4 looking front was a hit and a bit smaller than a Tina too.
I've noticed that the styling and interior of a MK2 makes the Avenger feel like a Cortina sized car.

Avengers had a mixed rep' for fuel economy. The 1250 was a bit of a drinker but could rev and pull beyond its size, the 1500 was frugal, early 1300/1600's were so-so and by Series 8 Chrysler could honestly claim 35+ mpg for the sensible driver on the open roads.

I remember at the time ''..can you afford a Ford?..'' as Fords, even 1300cc Escorts had a well deserved rep' for drinking. The one thing BL had in their favour was relatively good economy (ancient high squish engines fed by expanding choke carbies.)
So for many people the Avenger was ''..the one to have..'' and was quite reliable too. Also in the era of the Cortina3 a lot of people heard horror stories about the early Pinto engines eating camshafts and an unusually high degree of diff failure made a few mechanics recommend a good Avenger over a Tina.
However Ford had a thrusting macho image which they milked to the extreme. The Avenger was marketed by boy-scouts and its no wonder they started to get an old mans car image by the time of the Cortina5.
Yet this old mans car could corner like it was on rails and bate up hills with a light throttle.

There is a myth abroad that the MK2 Escort was the best rallying car ever. Yes they had their sporting merits, however the reason why so many Escorts were built into rally cars is not because they were brilliant, its because the upgraded parts were relatively cheap and available, at the time.
Very rarely would you break a Sunbeam or Avengers diff and the wider track and lower transmission line, oh and plus an already trailing link coil sprung rear axle.
The number of Escort harriers I have caught out with this! ''..push the back of the Avenger sideways...look at the tranny tunnel...'' One guy said, ''..oh she has been upgraded to an atlas axle?..'' Aye, upgraded in Feb 1970!

Lets just say the Avenger sold itself!
Around here most of them were not sold through a Chrysler main dealer, instead by larger private dealers and in fact it was a Volvo main dealer that sold a lot of new or 2 year old, in from Britain, Avengers.
I guess not many Volvos were sold so the dealer must have had some sort agreement with Chrysler. What this tells you is that a good few people were seeking Avengers rather than just discovering them on a test drive. If you experience the crazy cambered half sealed roads around here you would understand why!

Honestly, I like the old Fords really, its just the blind arrogant attitude of some of the owners particularaly younger ones that seen episodes of The Sweeny or The Professionals and think that's so cool, then they listen to an Escort rally-man knocking down every other rallied car.
Anyhow all the best folks I must stop meandering on at ye all. I should go to the ASOC meeting some time, get drunk and talk a load of blarney about Avengers & Sunbeams...bliss...!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-Chrysler-Charger-318-V8-/130939248042?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e7c965daa (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-Chrysler-Charger-318-V8-/130939248042?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e7c965daa)

There were a few sold in England, not many but a few.

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From this an article in Practical Classics about yr 2000
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(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0555_zps4c169a79.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0555_zps4c169a79.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0560_zpsca03a32a.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0560_zpsca03a32a.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0561_zps632da1a2.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0561_zps632da1a2.jpg.html)
Well if it was one of Mr Vizards GT's....
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''..Few people realise...'' Yes, exactly the problem! Ford gave every TV show or movie that included even a slight car chase cars to be used for free.
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Awesome!! I love my Charger. I didn't even know they sold them in the UK until recently.

Are you able to take another photo of that Charger article so I can read it, you cut a bit off the left so I can't quite read it.

Not much mention of the Charger just that it was imported to plug the gap after the Humbers were finished and the C180 didn't get a V6.

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What it would have cost you. April 1973.
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Quite a fierce article.
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Musical factories
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They really did not like the (Simca based) Alipne and Horizon although as he says, ''...British sheet metal design and French engines..'' were not a good combo!
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Then the end.
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http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-CHRYSLER-AVENGER-2DOOR-1600-SPECIAL-EDITION-LS-COUPE-RED-/221251134538?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item338398644a (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-CHRYSLER-AVENGER-2DOOR-1600-SPECIAL-EDITION-LS-COUPE-RED-/221251134538?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item338398644a)

The Avenger Special 2-door. So they were not series 7's. Series 8's - electronic spark. See what else this guy has!

And another!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/chrysler-avenger-1-6-gl-estate-11m-mot-5m-tax-only-60000-from-new-hillman-nr-/141011874536?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20d4f672e8 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/chrysler-avenger-1-6-gl-estate-11m-mot-5m-tax-only-60000-from-new-hillman-nr-/141011874536?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20d4f672e8)

Tiger again this one is being auctioned

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C402824 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C402824)

Janey freakin mack!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-CHROME-BUMPER-OVERRIDERS-WITH-RUBBER-GASKETS-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1970s-ROOTES-/271231530893?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f26a8b78d&nma=true&si=ZnVFdYz0%252BAK8NgsFfn9q5Y0kE1Q%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-CHROME-BUMPER-OVERRIDERS-WITH-RUBBER-GASKETS-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1970s-ROOTES-/271231530893?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f26a8b78d&nma=true&si=ZnVFdYz0%252BAK8NgsFfn9q5Y0kE1Q%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

See how much they went for!!!! I thought maybe about 30 quid or something!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-ROOTES-HILLMAN-AVENGER-SPEEDOMETER-/200940805050?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2ec9015bba (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-ROOTES-HILLMAN-AVENGER-SPEEDOMETER-/200940805050?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2ec9015bba)
The 1974 on AC Delco speedo, the Smits have the odo' and trip the other way around.

Oho! Some amount of bids on this! Must be people concerting a strip dash to round clocks or changing a MK2 dash altogether. Nothing wrong with the strip dash, not a thing.

What is it with 'Rootes' those speedometers were 10/'73 on long after Rootes was renamed Chrysler UK.
I got a new strip speedo head for ?1 and a 100mph GL 1970-3 Delco speedo for ?5 with no bids to fit on Davids cluster for his dashboard upgrade, the old one was working but at a fiver I thought he'd be happy enough paying that for a spare so I fitted the new head to the cluster. Funnily enough because I had his cluster in mine for a 2 or 3 days when the new reskinned GL dash went into his 1975 1600DL there was... 75 miles on the odometer!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1600-DELUXE-RED-/261248943132?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd3a6841c (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1600-DELUXE-RED-/261248943132?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd3a6841c)

Nice, a Series 6 wagon. Looks like a good solid one, I see DL square seat pattern so that means a strip dashboard. If I was after an Avenger lugger that one would be it, looks well in orange too.

The price, ?1k that will sell quick.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/talbot-sunbeam-lotus-/271243893922?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f27655ca2 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/talbot-sunbeam-lotus-/271243893922?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f27655ca2)

A Lotus Sunbeam. An Avon Lotus. DAC10Y there were only 100 of these made with the same plate DAC 1-99 Y a guy around here has DAC 3 Y.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AVENGER-TIGER-MK2-TALBOT-CHRYSLER-HILLMAN-VERY-RARE-/330972436494?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d0f7e980e (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AVENGER-TIGER-MK2-TALBOT-CHRYSLER-HILLMAN-VERY-RARE-/330972436494?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d0f7e980e)

A Tiger, oh hang on....!!

?4k? For a re-jigged MK2 (nothing at all wrong with a MK2 BTW) tarted up to look like a Tiger, I don't think so! If someone does pay 4k for it, I hope its an escort nut with plenty of money! Its worth about ?1,800 assuming no rust. A Tiger with Veglia clocks, well now I've seen it all.

Maybe...hahaha...maybe its the thing where people talk about a 'Tiger mark two' the Tiger2 which was based on the GL spec' so it has the round lights.
I wonder... did someone confuse Tiger2 with Avenger mark 2!!!!!

Looks like it Paddy...just a Chrysler with a GLS front...and that cut down Chrysler bumper looks so wrong!
You don't see these cars with a Hillman rear end...heard it's a major operation...looks easy to put the L tail lights in, but the boot lid and rear panel are very different.

It says it has independent rear suspension, Avengers never had IRS, they have a live axle.

Right enough he is on about IRS, possible an Escort harrier thinking about the whole trailing link thing maybe, yeh I'd bet the seller is into 'scorts.

Anyhow an unregistered S1 Sunbeam, oh watch this one fly!
Some say Sunbeams were the best 2wd rally car base there was I can see their point.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sunbeam-Talbot-Horizon-21-miles-Unregistered-No-Reserve-Rally-Lotus-Race-/221262121453?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item33844009ed (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sunbeam-Talbot-Horizon-21-miles-Unregistered-No-Reserve-Rally-Lotus-Race-/221262121453?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item33844009ed)

As for me its last week with the Avenger before storage. Hopefully two good dry days this week to get the chassis & sills done, tank out etc, plenty of rust eater then waxoil.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-avenger-1972-/330985460322?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d10455262 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-avenger-1972-/330985460322?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d10455262)

That is a pre S4 Super, silver strip dashboard and stainless window surrounds. The seller says its a 1500DL but I'd reckon its a Super unless of course the dash was changed.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1974-Hillman-Avenger-1600-Super-Turbo-conversion-retro-show-rally-/300947157155?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4611d930a3 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1974-Hillman-Avenger-1600-Super-Turbo-conversion-retro-show-rally-/300947157155?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4611d930a3)

Oh that's a good Avenger daily driver, an Isuzu diesel engine mated to a Sierra gearbag assuming it was a 1600 means a 3.9 diff so can cruse at 80mph on the motorways.

I'm intrested, see? Satin black on the bumpers works with a red car!

The dieselized '74 is flicking me switches. Spoke to the seller, if he can store it for a few months I will be driving an Avenger all the time.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-AVENGER-1-6-LS-1-lady-owner-29-500-miles-/231032009357?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35ca94b28d (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-AVENGER-1-6-LS-1-lady-owner-29-500-miles-/231032009357?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35ca94b28d)

Looks good. A showroom re-badged Talbot or the front badge was replaced ''..runs extremely well..'' they generally do!

Quote from: Paddy75 on August 13, 2013, 08:22:25 PM
The dieselized '74 is flicking me switches. Spoke to the seller, if he can store it for a few months I will be driving an Avenger all the time.

that looks good paddy you will fit in with the boy racers perfect with that,those auld 1.7 isuzu engines are bomp proof to will return around 50mpg they were used in the vectra a they werent that slow either.will take more boosht for the road too.

Its heading my way AvengerTiger and so far the seller is happy enough to store it for me, I'm in Switzerland (the French part - they are actually friendly! - I was worried about L'attitude problem) for work so the seller would have to hold on to it for a while.

God help me, two MK1 Avengers, both round clock Supers! Oh its true you do fall deeply madly in love with them!

The seller says the tranny tunnel has been properly modified to take the Sierra gearbag as has the propshaft. Avenger transmissions have a good rep' (hypoid gear diff) so I guess the ton of torque the TD throws out will do no harm. I'd be a bit concerned about the front suspenders though.
While the Isuzu diesel is a bit lighter than most diesels of the time combined with the heavy Ford gearbox that's a fair amount more weight over the front wheels, although I'm probably, as usual, worrying about nothing.

A good strut brace which also ties into the bulkhead would be necessary I guess.

As I have meandered on about before, all PSA had to do was drop their very good XUD9 (1905cc) diesel lump into the Avenger and Sunbeam and the 'Talbot Avenger' would have sold strongly well into the era of the Renault 18 and Peugeot 305/9. However the British factories were uneconomic so Linwood got the chop and Ryton became a Peugeot assembly plant.

Yes you are right AvengerTiger about the toughness of those pre-electronic injector 1.7 Isuzu engines. I seen a Vectra Taxi TD clock up 550,000 miles the owner told me the starter was changed, as was the clutch a couple of times - fair enough, and there never was so much as a spanner or socket on the head bolts!!!

Compare this to the GM 'family OHC' engine which in later form was also a 1.7D, pure dung, they were soft enough as a petrol engine and I remember well the diesel version 1.6D, you got about 40,000 miles until the heads warped. I even seen an Astra van 1.6D which had cracked its head because the heater plugs has shorted out! It cracked its head before even starting.

Yep in the 1990's if you were phoning a guy selling his diesel Astra or Vectra, ''..are you sure she has the Isuzu engine...the injectors are at the back?...''

Congrats on the new Avenger Paddy.

I run a Sierra gearbox in my 1500. They are really good boxes, if you connect a Sierra box up to a standard Avenger engine then you don't need to modify the tranny tunnel at all, maybe it is mounted differently with the diesel.

Having 5 speeds plus a diesel then it should be very cheap to run.

Wee bit early to say she is all mine just yet, hope so and the seller knows I am ASOC so that's good for trust. Kinda wish it was a strip dashboard, wonder has the oil clock been connected to the Isuzu engine, hey I know!
Rig the unused 'Brake' warning light to the heater plug circuit I must show you guys a sign I se on the streets everywhere here in Lausanne, looks like the pattern of the Avenger round clocks! Driving me a bit mad (and that wouldn't be too difficult!) every time I see it!

I hope I will me making a PayPal deposit shortly..... A S4 Diesel Avenger, oh yes oh yessss! Bye-bye Shitroen Xsara! Hello difficult to find insurance cover! The Avenger is still registred as a petrol 1600 hmmmm......
Right back to work, Avengers don't pay for themselves. Isuzu eh? Oh I like diesels and I like Avengers.

hows the bidding going paddy,will she be swimming the Irish Sea,i see an add on donedeal  for lots of sunbeam and avenger spares in donegal.you the one who is good with electrics i need  few bits done to the tiger tidying up the wiring and tracing the original spotlight loom its in wicklow do you know of any good auto electricians down that way who would be mobile dont want to bother the brother trailoring it around.

The latest is the seller reckons it won't reach his reserve and so far he is happy to store it for a few months. Again I am taking a big gamble but ''..was oiled a couple of times..'' is the Ace of diamonds, lets say.
Another GB Avenger heads towards Hibernia where they get an ideal Avenger afterlife, treated with stone chip and driven on fun wee narra' lumpy roads. Being in the wee North she can keep her English reg'.
An autospark in Wicklow, well I know a few guys around there so I can find out. At work at the moment so can't converse but I'll get on to that at the weekend. Actually I DO know the very guy! Pat Collins from Rathcoole Co Dublin, the wickla' side of Dublin.
I should still have his number.
BTW I'm in double good form today, a (properly?) dieselized Avenger heading my way and I got a good room in a flat in Lausanne for good money, normally its this weirdo cowardly (grrr!!) European system, you have to hand over four months rent afore ye get the keys, but Irish charm! One months deposit and I'm housed. Its very hard to get digs here, you would not believe! Just need to spy a Sunbeam Avenger (or a Sunbeam) and I'm on cloud nine. The Swiss are well coined though so classic cars are all expensive David Niven type things but I seen a Fiat 500 this morning!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-/221271165988?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3384ca0c24 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-/221271165988?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3384ca0c24)

Vroom Vroom. Properly restored, not so keen on the stripes on the boot lid but if that's all the buyer has to not like about it, a damn good Avenger to start a rally project with. 1981, would have been one of the last.

Yes those Mal Stuart Mudflaps are a nice finishing touch...I've never heard of performance mudflaps...lol
That could be a 'V' for Victory stripe on the back Paddy?!
Hope he's upgraded from the Lucas alternator to power those spotlights...otherwise it'll have a meltdown!
And why the spotlight on the rear??
Is that hooked up to the reversing lights, so you can see your way out of the scrub after spinning out on a corner during a night stage?!

Yeh the old 17ACR Joe Lucas alternators were not known for taking much abuse! Before I upgraded to an LRA360 every time she hit a puddle the No Charge warning light came on.
A good start for somebody that rally Avenger. I even managed to extract a bit of begrudging respect from a couple of Escort harriers about rallying Avengers & Sunbeams, for some reason a lot of spectators like seeing AveBeams rally, ''..they are very entertaining to watch..''
I wish I could weld! Make a field buggy out of the ditched 1250 I found.

Talking to a couple of guys that rallied Avengers and/or Sunbeams (the guy whos MK2 2-door I got sparking for him) the Avenger could corner well but they had a habit of nose-diving apparently. The guy who did the skilled bits during me respray was into them for road and rallying.
He told me he built a 1600 that could rev right around the clock, the MK2 rev-counter needle went right the way around to zero again!
Balanced, decked, polished con-rods and he drilled indentations into the piston skirts for oil retention. I never heard of that before and he says he built a 5 speed gearbox using an Avenger gearbox. A 125mph 1980 GLS, the cops couldn't catch it!

Anyhow tales tall and short.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/chrysler-Avenger-/330998232834?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d11083702 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/chrysler-Avenger-/330998232834?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d11083702)

That looks like a Series8, cable operated throttle and as a GL rather than a GLS I think means 3.5 diff rather than 3.7. Yep the Bosch 'lekky dizzy its a S8 with the longer TCA's.

I know I've slagged off brown before but in this case I'd make an exception. GB 'S' registration is 1977/8 so its one of the first S8 on Avengers.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-AVENGER-GL-/190891260621 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-AVENGER-GL-/190891260621)

The black one again.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-1972-super-auto-only-2-left-on-the-road-very-rare-44-000-miles-/151108565023?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item232ec5b81f (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-1972-super-auto-only-2-left-on-the-road-very-rare-44-000-miles-/151108565023?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item232ec5b81f)

A 1500 Automatic with a vinyl roof that is for a later Avenger (I could be wrong about that) going by the break line at the rear. The reg! LUV 609 K, oh come on! That's asking for jokes!

Looks like its just been resprayed with 2-pack going by the mirror finish. 2-pack is used because its easy to work with I believe, however back in the day it was cellulose/synthetic/acrylic that they were painted with - yes that is an excuse for me being cheap and respraying mine with cellulose!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C417894 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C417894)

There is the 1250 Super that has been for sale a long while. Looks well and sure the front wings have been replaced. Originally at that age (1970 at launch) there would have been a badge on the ditch side wing. ''..only 14 1250 Supers remain in the UK..'' Well, depends on how you search, that's 14 that were or are registered as 1250 Super rather than just 'Avenger' then capacity '1248' also Avengers that ended up in either side of Ireland go off the UK statistics list. When I registered the 1300 Super to the DVLNI in Coleraine it would have caused the list in 'howmanyleft.co.uk' to drop by one however it still uses its GB plates.

See the two handed seatbelts? They were outlawed about 1972/3 so static belts after that had to be 'single handed' which are a right pain in the ass because the full length of the belt is on your left hand so the steering wheel gets chipped over years of the latch bouncing off the wheel as you remove the belt, or the tail hangs out of the bottom of the door!
Inertia reel was a good advancement, if you must use a static belt try to get the earlier two handed type.

Looks like the correct Hillman vinyl roof Paddy, no vinyl on the B pillar and boot lid like the Chryslers had.
Many people prefer the BW35 auto as it stays in top gear longer, the 4 speed BW45 changes down to 3rd on the slightest hill...lol
Those two handed belts are rare now..had them in Scarlet. The buckle belt was inside a thick plastic sleeve to protect it from the seat rail I guess.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-BLUE-TAX-EXEMPT-/121168125111?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c362edcb7 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-BLUE-TAX-EXEMPT-/121168125111?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c362edcb7)

A 1500 Super which has had a GL dashboard fitted. The seats and trim are pre Oct'73 Super pattern. Groovy carpet and whats with the steering wheel boss? Is that a cocaine centre or boss thing that has been chopped?
A bendix drive starter and does it have a genny? I don't see the regulator box and the heater by-pass Z is at the front which was later - OKokokok woha! Whatever! A 40 year old car will have 40 years of mod's!

Seems like everybody is spraying the rear vents!

Anyhow the main thing is it sounds like a good dose of waxoil was applied at some point. The reg rings a bell NEK 980K

A showroom Sunbeam. Check out the green trim!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Sunbeam-1-6-S-excellent-condition-classic-car-show-winner-/130984062592?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e7f422e80 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Sunbeam-1-6-S-excellent-condition-classic-car-show-winner-/130984062592?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e7f422e80)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-CHRYSLER-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1300-SUPER-YELLOW-/161106745061?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2582b5d6e5 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-CHRYSLER-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1300-SUPER-YELLOW-/161106745061?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2582b5d6e5)

That series 7 load lugger again.

Has an electric fan, that must have been an upgrade. Looks like a waterboard Avenger and the rust could be bad around the jack boxes.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/talbot-sunbeam-ti-/251339809505?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a850522e1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/talbot-sunbeam-ti-/251339809505?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a850522e1)

Ti is it!

1981, I guess the seller modified the front to the series 1 or did they still have the Avenger headlights on the Ti? Anyhow the Ti's were a wanted car then and now. Pity PSA closed Linwood, both the Avenger & Sunbeam had a few years left in them.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C423713 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C423713)

(might be repost but I dont look in this section often)

(http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/hillman/4043944.jpg)

QuoteThis specialist car was originally built by team Hartwell in Bournemouth in 1970 as a demonstrator for their sprint conversion clubman's competition cars. This included big valve head, highlift cam, twin 40 webbers, exhaust manifold & system, lightened & balance bottom end, Koni suspension with team Hartwell springs front & rear, minilite magnesium alloys & Goodyear Rally specials, competition seat.

Car is rebuilt to exactly the same original specification except for an upgraded 1600 engine also lightened & balanced, cam, TI pistons, ported & polished big valve head & 40's etc. etc.

This original demonstrator has been used mainly, as such, for demonstrations in its early years. It was featured as a test car in Motor Magazine under the heading of 112mph In An Avenger !!

It was hibernated for approx 18 years and with only 4 loving owners after Hartwell days to present day it shows in the condition.

You will not be disappointed !

The Maconochies car shown won the first ever car event a Rally Cross at Knockhill back in 1975 as featured in the book History of East Ayrshire Car Club. It was 8th overall in the Circuit of Ireland in 1975 drove by Ian G, 3rd in group 1 in the British Rally Championship behind 2 "works drivers" also in 1975.

The car was driven by a young Colin McRae on his first ever rally held at Kames. He was given a loan of the car for which at the time he had to supply a gearbox which had to stay with the car after the event as a payment for the loan of the car. This car is now up for sale ?POA, please ask for full details on spec.
Price:    ?14500 Or near offer
Advert Type:    For Sale
Category:    Classic Cars
Make:    Hillman
Model:    Avenger
Model (alt):    Hartwell Avenger
Year:    1970
Country:    UK
Region:    Scotland
Town:    Netherburn
Telephone:    07043 241854  (Privacy Service)
Status:    Private
E-mail:    Contact Advertiser via Email
Listing Date:    14-Sep-2013
Ref:    C423713

He's a red 'Tiger' on eBay at a reasonable price...low back seats and no rev counter is a bit unusual, along with the later grille badge!
It doesn't have the remote brake booster either, maybe it's been rebodied or was a GLS?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MKII-Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-/221286097607?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3385ade2c7 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MKII-Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-/221286097607?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3385ade2c7)

Yeh the wardance Tiger2 looks a bit wrong here and there has been heavily restored but its at a brave price already. That Hartwell Avenger looks to be some piece of kit, a Tiger before Tigers.

This Tiger1 in sundance seems to be the real McCoy though.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-Mk-1-/130996233425?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e7ffbe4d1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-Mk-1-/130996233425?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e7ffbe4d1)

And back down to earth with a good resto project.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-BEIGE-/281172263168?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item41772c4100 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-BEIGE-/281172263168?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item41772c4100)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/classic-hillman-avenger-car-1600-deluxe-/300973122997?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item46136565b5#ht_102wt_1311 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/classic-hillman-avenger-car-1600-deluxe-/300973122997?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item46136565b5#ht_102wt_1311)

A series 6, the strutmounts are the later type. Looks good and a load of spares. I see he has fixed a strenghening plate to the bulkhead/firewall for the clutch cable.
One of Grandas Avengers had a pair of vise grips doing that job!

& BTW this is the grille badge for the square plinth blue thing the 1250/1500's had.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-small-chrome-badge-/161113037000?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item258315d8c8#ht_769wt_1091 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-small-chrome-badge-/161113037000?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item258315d8c8#ht_769wt_1091)

Looks good on the ditch side wing id you line the 'A' up with the wheel ring.

Needs a strengthening plate in the roof too Paddy...that sunroof has halved it's value!

Me Escort rally nut uncle-in-law told me the MK2 Avenger had roof bars, aves are a wee bit on the light side and I noticed the MK2 feels more solid. If it was me I'd try to fill the sunroof hole and brace/bar the roof. Could even be worth the while reskinning the roof but while respraying mine I seen that the front windshield pillars are brazed, which makes for a very strong weld but breaking that weld means a lot of bother.

Mind you that Series 6, which means 3.7 diff and better strut mounting would be a good practical driver. Looks like the owner was thinking of putting a round clock dashboard into it, that I have experience of and it requires a grinder. Nothing wrong with a strip dashboard. Oh and see the lack of a temperature gauge?! They really tried to price the DL as low as possible! So thats why there are so many strip clocks temperature gauges floating about on Ebay and Speedys.
There are two types, Smiths and later on Veglia, that looks like a Veglia which had no voltage regulator using a more expensive double coil blahblahblah me and 1pound ebay madness!

http://www.nettiauto.com/sunbeam/1600/5962031 (http://www.nettiauto.com/sunbeam/1600/5962031)

(http://image.nettiauto.com/extra/carimg/5962001_5962100/sunbeam-1600-5962031_jt_9f63a0a06f5cda61.jpg)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-TALBOT-AVENGER-GL-RED-/300990618523#ht_82wt_1091 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-TALBOT-AVENGER-GL-RED-/300990618523#ht_82wt_1091)

One of the Talbot wagons with the roof rails, looks like a good one.

BTW, ''..very very rare..'' aye right, I have three of them I got for a pound! Gave one of them to the guy with the three Avengers.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Badge-new-Genuine-Chrysler-/370919174876?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item565c8172dc#ht_367wt_1328 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Badge-new-Genuine-Chrysler-/370919174876?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item565c8172dc#ht_367wt_1328)

ABTW, never seen these wheel rings, turbo slot I think this pattern is called must be an aftermarket design I guess.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-NOS-Wheel-Trim-x-4-Reduced-to-Clear-/331045270245?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d13d5f2e5#ht_1871wt_1207 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-NOS-Wheel-Trim-x-4-Reduced-to-Clear-/331045270245?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d13d5f2e5#ht_1871wt_1207)

There is always a Tiger around! This one looks like its seen a good few races in its time.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-/321230346594?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4acad21962#ht_222wt_1328 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-/321230346594?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4acad21962#ht_222wt_1328)

Whats with the colour of the grille? They were either black or matte black (GLS) I believe.

Looks like it has an early GLS grey grille fitted Paddy, can see a photo here....

http://www.simoncars.co.uk/hillman/slides/Hillman%20Avenger%201973%20GLS%20front.jpg (http://www.simoncars.co.uk/hillman/slides/Hillman%20Avenger%201973%20GLS%20front.jpg)

Oh no! Sweet fekin' temptation!

I told myself if I bought another Avenger it should be a MK2 to dieselize and use as a daily driver. Oh s**** a MK1 GL, the pull of the round lights! If this yoke was manual, hmmm I have a pedal box from a Sunbeam, and David has a couple of gearboxes, as well as every wee bit you'd need to manual-ize the GL.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1500-G-LUXE-BRONZE-/181241640537?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a32d7f659#ht_22wt_1141 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1500-G-LUXE-BRONZE-/181241640537?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a32d7f659#ht_22wt_1141)

Strange colour, ASOC reckons that was an option at the time just that metallic maroon/bronze was not so popular in the early '70s while manys a late MK2 was that colour.
Are the seats GL seats? Looks like the DL pattern to me and the seller is a wee bit shy about showing the interior.
EDIT: Sold for L2,000 (not me) looks like a good buy for someone.

BTW so the grille on the Tiger2 was as was, never seen a MK1 round front with that sorta shiny grille before.

Quote from: Paddy75 on October 19, 2013, 02:08:18 AM
There is always a Tiger around! This one looks like its seen a good few races in its time.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-/321230346594?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4acad21962#ht_222wt_1328 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-/321230346594?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4acad21962#ht_222wt_1328)

Whats with the colour of the grille? They were either black or matte black (GLS) I believe.

Sold for 4.5k pretty cheap for a genuine Tiger?!

Hunter

A very rare Hunter in the UK that could do with saving.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1969-hillman-hunter-auto-royal-project-/221301392766?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item338697457e (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1969-hillman-hunter-auto-royal-project-/221301392766?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item338697457e)

Here's a tidy Avenger 1500 on eBay with Capri mags and the dreaded sunroof!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1500-SUPER-BROWN-/181255121218?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a33a5a942 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1500-SUPER-BROWN-/181255121218?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a33a5a942)

http://www.rally.ie/classifieds/131113-213543 (http://www.rally.ie/classifieds/131113-213543)

(http://www.rally.ie/uploads/resized/2013/11/14/29a413994d28a5c6b654f81339eb6c2fc77728c7.jpg)

QuoteThe car was loaned to a young Colin McRae to enter his first rally in which he finished 13th overall.

It's Tiger Time in the UK again....they aren't getting any cheaper...still better value than a rally Avenger...lol

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-II-CONCOURSE-CONDITION-/231102304289?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35cec55021 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-II-CONCOURSE-CONDITION-/231102304289?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35cec55021)

Here's a nice wagon going cheap in Kent...looks like it's had a repaint at some stage.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1500-SUPER-BLUE-/331070212195?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d15528863 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1500-SUPER-BLUE-/331070212195?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d15528863)

How about this cheap Avenger Wagon on eBay.....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-ESTATE-1974-1600-DELUXE-RED-/291045572801?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43c3ab00c1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-ESTATE-1974-1600-DELUXE-RED-/291045572801?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43c3ab00c1)

Yeh looks like a good project for someone although when I see that black spray high on the body it usually means rust and lots of it, sure I could be wrong about that.

Imperial Red Avengers seem to be in at the moment, a MK1 2-door shell was on ebay and it looked solid.

And into Talbotization Imperial red became 'Rouge Amarate' here is a decent 1600GL and needing a bit of bodywork will make someone a good buy.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-AVENGER-1600-GL-RED-1979-/111246707348?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19e6d20a94 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-AVENGER-1600-GL-RED-1979-/111246707348?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19e6d20a94)

When I went to get the paint mixed for my yoke last July the guys computer came up with 'Talbot 1973-77' 'Rouge Amarate' as listed for Chrysler paint code 165, says I to him, ''..dare you write Rouge Amarate on that tin!..'' 'Chrys 165' it was.

Here's another Tiger for sale on eBay...in the Movie Props section...lol

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-MK11-1973-very-rare-car-one-of-the-last-ever-made-/151197779316?pt=UK_DVD_Film_TV_Film_Memorabilia_LE&hash=item2334170574 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-MK11-1973-very-rare-car-one-of-the-last-ever-made-/151197779316?pt=UK_DVD_Film_TV_Film_Memorabilia_LE&hash=item2334170574)

The Tiger2 is still looking for a buyer.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-II-CONCOURSE-CONDITION-/231140859232?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35d1119d60 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-HILLMAN-AVENGER-TIGER-II-CONCOURSE-CONDITION-/231140859232?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35d1119d60)

The Sunseeker is up for auction.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C465181 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C465181)

Now with overiders!

And a Sunbeam Lotus, although this looks built from a standard Sunbeam. Series1 front. Thought the Lotus S1 'beams were all black and silver then the S2 in moonstone or was that just the Avon's. 180 hoss, that's a lot!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C398921 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C398921)

Around and round they go..

Good job this, would seriously need a back axle! 3,000rpm at 40mph a 1250cc had 4.4:1.
Looks like a Super by the seats and someone has put a 1500GL dashboard into it with Delco clocks. Tidy Avenger, maybe heavy on the filler around the rear wheel arch front by the picture. I see the throttle linkage looks new, somebody did a dedicated job to this Avenger.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tax-exempt-hillman-avenger-/191079200314?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c7d35363a (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tax-exempt-hillman-avenger-/191079200314?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c7d35363a)

A 4-door GT, with an intake manifold from a MK2.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-gt-/111285630799?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19e923f74f (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-gt-/111285630799?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19e923f74f)

Rust is getting nasty for ?2,200! The carbie problem could be remedied by..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-TWIN-STROMBURG-CARBS-CD150S-/360867258607?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item54055d60ef (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-TWIN-STROMBURG-CARBS-CD150S-/360867258607?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item54055d60ef)

Hooray, the CDS fixed needle type!

Then the best MK1 you could ever find that is registred. The Sunseeker is still doing the rounds and the 2,500 miles and from new rustproofing is apparently genuine.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-DL-Automatic-Timewarp-find-2500-miles-from-new-/161230401572?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item258a14b024 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-DL-Automatic-Timewarp-find-2500-miles-from-new-/161230401572?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item258a14b024)

The clocks in this one are the Veglia type, no regulator double coiled gauges, very sturdy. For sale here and no, I am not the bidder.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Speedometer-/251453180001?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a8bc70861 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Speedometer-/251453180001?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a8bc70861)

I see that Sunseeker has been relisted for 4950 or offer Paddy.
Looks mint and they might get their price...if you don't mind the no frills DL spec...an auto without boosted brakes has to be a bit scary!
It looks like someone has painted under the bonnet matt black...should be the body colour and it also has the old style grill badge and no 'auto' badge on the boot lid!
I see it has indicator repeaters on the front guards too, weren't they just for USA models?

They were available in the options catalogue along with the fender mirrors,I had an options catalogue once must see can I dig it out.

Yeh the repeaters were an option I believe. You can still see the flasher units listed as 6FL or 8FL depending on how many watts were going through them, or in other words if you had repeaters or not. I don't remember Avengers with them and the protruding shape of the front lens' means you get sideways indication of well, indication!

Looks like the Sunseeker was a limited edition which had all the extras fitted and the red square grille badge was on them too by the looks of this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Sunseeker-Limited-Edition-1974-UK-Market-Sales-Brochure-/170897290519?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item27ca45b517 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Sunseeker-Limited-Edition-1974-UK-Market-Sales-Brochure-/170897290519?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item27ca45b517)

Oh how bad is it when you notice things like that! Hard to say if the car is worth ?5,000 or not, I suppose so and no matter how well 'proofed a 1970's car is there will still be something to repair or clean up. ?5k? If you like automatics and its too original to convert to manual I guess. A 3.54:1 axle to the BW 4 speed self-shifter is what I'd likely do to it seeing as I've convinced myself MK1's were way too low geared!

From the accessories page of the '74 Avengers brochure.
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/001_zps8a3a705f.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/001_zps8a3a705f.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/002_zpsd684532a.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/002_zpsd684532a.jpg.html)

Good point about the brakes BTW, with autos you are on the brakes more than a manual. Mean and nasty Dom asbesdos brake pads would be needed!

See the way they mention, ''..ideal transmission for caravan and trailer towing..'' The Avenger was low geared compared to about everything else. MK1 Escort 1300's were 3.9:1 as were Marinas and Vivas. 4.4:1 on a light bodied car! No wonder the Avenger got a drinker reputation! They basically threw away all the effort made in optimizing the body weight by gearing them for towing
Must have been all those photos of an Avenger laden with a family towing a boat that made Chrysler gear them like a van (Escort van was 4.1:1 BTW.)

I see the 1976 MK1 1600 got 3.7:1 and Autocar reported a marked improvement in top speed and consumption.
MK2 Avengers had a better consumption rep' because the 1300 got 3.9:1, standard performance 1600 went to 3.54:1 with 3.7:1 on the high performance models. Yes there were also differences in the camshafts and crt, but its really this simple.
When a car seems to have really good engine braking, well guess what, 50-60mph means its just throwing the fuel through them!

Okok I'll get off me hobby-horse and keep looking for a 3.7 axle! Sheesh! If my 1300 was a few months older it would have been at 4.4:1! The 4.1:1 is bad enough running 3,000rpm at 45mph.

Me big theory is that a 1500 with a 3.7 diff would make the easiest run Avenger, the 1500 had a good consumption reputation, oh and just one more thing ma'am.

Autocar also reported that the '76 1600 Super (3.7:1) was recording the speed exactly accurate while a 1974 1600GL (3.9:1) was showing the speed about 2mph fast. The speedo cog for 3.9, 3.7 and 3.5:1 is the same. I assume the speedo head on a standard MK2 1600 compensated for the 3.5 diff.

So if you put a 3.7 axle into a 1500 or 1600 MK1 there should be no speed error problems.
Finally, the diff ratio for a MK2 Escort 1600 was? 3.77:1 and the crossflow was not a torquey engine.
Somebody really dropped the ball when gearing the Avenger! That mistake sold more Marinas!

Towing is it? The Hunter was the absolute business for pulling a cattle trailer and well proven for it by the amount of them I used to see doing just that! Farmer with a brown Hunter heading for the cattle mart and sometimes with a CB antenna on the roof!

Wow that was a Monday morning rant!

From a Series 6 handbook.
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/003_zps6f2fb358.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/003_zps6f2fb358.jpg.html)
The earlier handbook shows 3.9:1 in the 1600 and 1500.

The Series 6 also had the torsional strut mounts so its likely the NZ built late MK1's had the 3.7 if you guys see a MK1 with the torsional mounts it could be worth the while checking the diff ratio.

The Service code would be T7xx (or T8xx if automatic) something else to think about in the scrapyard or a scrapper in the ditch.

Yes we can rave on for hours about Avenger diff ratios and fuel economy Paddy!!
Owning both the Chrysler and Hillman 1600 manuals, I've found the Hillman to be more economical up to 80 km/h while the Chrysler is better at 100 km/h providing the roads are reasonably flat.
With its 'pussy' camshaft and higher diff, the Chrysler needs to change down on hills sooner than the Hillman, affecting its fuel economy.
A 3.89 in your 1300 would be ideal I reckon. A 3.7 might be too high as it's a bit hilly around your way!

Putting the Sierra 5 speed in my twin carb 3.89 Hillman Alpine I get the best of both worlds!
The only downside is the 'agricultural' Ford gear change...the hillman box is much smoother...noticed by road testers back in the day!
I shouldn't be too hard on Ford...after all their gearbox expertise came from Fordson tractors...haha

Another interesting aside is my insurance company refusing to insure my Alpine as the 5 speed gearbox wasn't a factory option and fitting the Ford one is a 'modification' not allowed under my policy!
Comprehensive insurance costs me a whole $81 per year, so I wasn't having any of that!
I pointed out that Avengers in Argentina had factory 5 speeds, however they weren't available on NZ models and importing one from Argentina wasn't practical, so they relented!!

Another advantage of the Sierra box is the speedo reads fast...I was cruising along the motorway at 110km/h (limit is 100 km/h) when a cop crept up behind me...I thought oh..oh...but he overtook me and kept going...LMAO!!

One of the things people used to say about cars in the 1970's, the one with the bigger engine was easier on fuel - because they are geared higher, what a relevation! If I keep the Hillman 1300 at 40-45mph it runs very easy on the fuel but over this and you can notice the needle dropping.

The 4.4:1 diff on the 1250/S4 1300cc, even by cross-ply standards was just too low. The consumption figures of the 1250 tested at launch in sunny Malta was 23mpg overall! Then by the time of the 2-door launch (March'73) it was 30mpg upwards on a 1500cc 2-door. The MK2 was apparently giving 33-35mpg in 1600cc form.
As you say the MK2 required a gear drop to climb a hill, I assume the 3.5 diff there.

The 3.7 diff would seem to be at the sweet spot for a 1600 and at least theoretically a 1500 with a 3.7 diff when the car usually has only one or two sitting in it could be the most economical Avenger possible without putting a modern engine into it or a 5 speed box. For sure another gear is a great help on cars of this era. 1950/60's cars by their suspension, build and shape just could not do higher speeds while the coke-bottle cars had the ability to sit at 80mph but without the 5th gear its a noisy thirsty experience.

I guess 3.9:1 would be about right for a 1300 and yes its is hilly around here with mad cambered 'roads' which are great roads for an Avenger and I can see why, ''..they were the one to have..''

What would the MK2 8.8:1 pistons do to a Hillman 1300 with the wilder cam? Or how would a 1500 run with the 1300/1600 twin downpipe manifolds? For sure you start to think.

The NZ fuzz would book you for 10km/h over the limit on a motorway? Here the limit is 120km/h on the new southern motorways but you'd need to be over 85mph to annoy them. Generally its 80mph as long as you are belted and not apparently drunk. I drove on the German autobhans a few times and boy do you check that mirror three times before overtaking!

Accessories, here is another brochure in ebayland.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Accessories-1974-75-UK-Market-Sales-Brochure-/171251524666?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item27df62e43a (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Accessories-1974-75-UK-Market-Sales-Brochure-/171251524666?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item27df62e43a)

Look at the fog lights on the MK1 GLS! They'd fairly catch the stones!
Rubber floor mats eh? Try sprayed rubber exactly below where those mats were placed and seal the damp and battery acid out of the front floorpan seams. I should be getting the drivers side jack-box replaced today or tomorrow - I-phone by my side, yer gonna get tortured!

Quote from: oldschool on February 25, 2014, 10:20:58 AM
Another interesting aside is my insurance company refusing to insure my Alpine as the 5 speed gearbox wasn't a factory option and fitting the Ford one is a 'modification' not allowed under my policy!
Comprehensive insurance costs me a whole $81 per year, so I wasn't having any of that!

I am with Swann insurance and they fine with insuring my massively modified Panther for $25k so they should insure your 5 speed Alpine no probs. Costs $220 per year but it would be much cheaper for yours.

A 2-door 1250 Super (likely drum braked) and a '79 1.6 LS.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-avenger-1250-super-barn-find-repair-rally-track-project-/251474927836?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a8d12e0dc (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-avenger-1250-super-barn-find-repair-rally-track-project-/251474927836?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a8d12e0dc)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-1-6-LS-Exellent-Condition-1979-/191099911987?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c7e713f33 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-1-6-LS-Exellent-Condition-1979-/191099911987?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c7e713f33)

Stainless exhaust looks good.

Hi i am maltese and i live in Malta and i want to buy an avenger 2 door.can some one here help me please where can i find one,if its in uk better and easier for me , even if the car needs work on it.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

There is a 2 door for sale on the forum but it is in New Zealand so it wouldn't be worth it.

There one for sale here http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C467570 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C467570)

You would probably have to keep an eye on ebay UK. They pop up every now and then.

Hi thanks,i saw this one you gave me,but its too modified i wish to make it a bit more like original

Hi i bought 1 today from Malta

Awesome! Post some pictures if you can.

ok i will but for now i dont have any because i have to go and tow it this week, but before i tow it i have to take some pictures because it is full of dirt,because the owner was an old man it had been garaged for about 10 years said his family

Here's a nice 1600 wagon for sale in Birmingham...just needs a wash and air in the tyres!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1600-Super-N-Reg-Spares-Repairs-Non-Runner-inc-Haynes-Manual-/351029357276?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item51bafaeadc (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1600-Super-N-Reg-Spares-Repairs-Non-Runner-inc-Haynes-Manual-/351029357276?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item51bafaeadc)

 this my new new 1970 Hillman Avenger i just bought

here are some other pictures

A 1300 2-door, looks pretty solid and is a Series 6 alright by those strutmounts.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROPER-BARN-FIND-HILLMAN-AVENGER-2DOOR-NO-SUNROOF-1300-DELUXE-ORIGINAL-CAR-/321361301586?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ad2a05052 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROPER-BARN-FIND-HILLMAN-AVENGER-2DOOR-NO-SUNROOF-1300-DELUXE-ORIGINAL-CAR-/321361301586?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ad2a05052)

Doesn't your heart kinda stop when you see the 'sunroof' word then realize no sunroof!

Its a 1300 MK1 and not a GL or an estate wagon = Drum Brakes (they are not that bad, just whenever dirt gets onto the n/s drum, or water, or they go slightly out of adjustment, or they take a notion on you - no no they are fine, you never quite know what is going to happen about every time you go for the brakes. Either massive overbraking on the n/s thanks to dirt or solid even braking with a nice light pedal load then the next time after that the brakes feel dull.)
In 1973 when the 2-door was launched they started to give the 1250 (then 1300) front drums. For ?7 when ordering your new Avenger at the time, seven freakin' quid got you front discs.

Good Avenger 414 BTW.

How about this Tiger replica on eBay...1600 Sunbeam Ti motor, Sierra 5 speed box, 4.4 LSD....NICE!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-recreation-historic-Rally-car-Race-not-Escort-may-p-x-/111315544572?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19eaec69fc (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-recreation-historic-Rally-car-Race-not-Escort-may-p-x-/111315544572?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19eaec69fc)

And a repainted 1500 Super with 205/50-15 tyres...beats me how they fit under standard guards??

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-1972-1500-super-/271441897380?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f3332a7a4 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-1972-1500-super-/271441897380?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f3332a7a4)

Hey Avenger414...check out this DUSTY Avenger in Malta...!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillmann-Avenger-/221415563279?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item338d65600f (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillmann-Avenger-/221415563279?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item338d65600f)

yes i already called him but we are in agrement if we arrange i will buy it too

The Tahiti blue Avenger in Malta is a bargain for you Avenger414 I see it has the very early stripes on top of the wing and up around the vents, its a DL spec by the pattern of its seats and the dashboard. Your first is a Super with the door pockets and the silver insert on the dashboard.

The Avenger was launched in Malta in early 1970 with the pictures in the launch brochures taken in Malta. Maybe you know where these places are?
Hehe note the big crossply tyres on this!

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0678_zpse3be956d.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0678_zpse3be956d.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0308_zps76375067.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0308_zps76375067.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0306_zpse2c92e6c.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0306_zpse2c92e6c.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0304_zpscbc39ff9.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0304_zpscbc39ff9.jpg.html)

2-door MK1 Avengers are a scary price, this went for ?3,000!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROPER-BARN-FIND-HILLMAN-AVENGER-2DOOR-NO-SUNROOF-1300-DELUXE-ORIGINAL-CAR-/321361301586?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ad2a05052 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROPER-BARN-FIND-HILLMAN-AVENGER-2DOOR-NO-SUNROOF-1300-DELUXE-ORIGINAL-CAR-/321361301586?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ad2a05052)

Right, I'm going to get a MK2 2-door started, should have been running again on Saturday but a cracked fuel pipe halted progress, damn Christine!

Oh there is that wee woman standing at the rear of the Super again. There you are lads! If you are good and go to heaven!
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/PICT0617_zps86172ba3.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/PICT0617_zps86172ba3.jpg.html)

yes i am trying to make a deal with the owner even i haven't started the first 1 i bought but if we agree i buy it anyway

This is some toy, looks like he made the dashboard top himself and that's what to do with the blank circle in the round clocks set! (That's a later Smiths set he has BTW.)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1971-1600-TARMAC-RALLY-CAR-COMPLETE-BARE-SHELL-REBUILD-/191147486547?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c81472d53 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1971-1600-TARMAC-RALLY-CAR-COMPLETE-BARE-SHELL-REBUILD-/191147486547?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c81472d53)

another Tiger replica, I see he is showing the lynx crossover manifold

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-rep-Rally-Car-Race-not-Escort-may-p-x-Elise-rs-boxster-/111315544572?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19eaec69fc (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-rep-Rally-Car-Race-not-Escort-may-p-x-Elise-rs-boxster-/111315544572?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19eaec69fc)

Some say twin CD175's or HS6's do the same, I don't know.

Okay who is this? Anyone going to own up?!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHRYSLER-AVENGER-CAR-BROCHURE-New-Zealand-advertising-1970s-/151285749896?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2339555888 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHRYSLER-AVENGER-CAR-BROCHURE-New-Zealand-advertising-1970s-/151285749896?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2339555888)

Watch these fly!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/72250103-N-S-HEADLIGHT-PANEL-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GL-GT-GLS-TIGER-NOS-LOOK-/181387545707?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a3b8a4c6b (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/72250103-N-S-HEADLIGHT-PANEL-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GL-GT-GLS-TIGER-NOS-LOOK-/181387545707?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a3b8a4c6b)

Is this a Ti gearbox?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/72250103-N-S-HEADLIGHT-PANEL-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GL-GT-GLS-TIGER-NOS-LOOK-/181387545707?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a3b8a4c6b (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/72250103-N-S-HEADLIGHT-PANEL-HILLMAN-AVENGER-GL-GT-GLS-TIGER-NOS-LOOK-/181387545707?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a3b8a4c6b)

The 1250/1300 Avengers had a good motor, just let down by low gearing affecting economy.
I don't know about the UK in the 1970's but in NZ the speed limit was 80 km/h because of the oil shocks, so car manufacturers had no reason to fit 5 speeds or higher ratio diffs in 'family' cars.
Autos were even worse than manuals with their 5 to 10% slippage!
When I was an apprentice mechanic my boss had an Austin 1300 auto for his missus to run around in and he complained she was only getting 25 mpg...the woman didn't know how to drive!
So he used it for a while and managed to get 26 mpg...LOL
My Mini 1000 manual would easily get 50 mpg on an economy run by leaning out the carby!

They did that in Belgium and Netherlands (trying to resist 'Zeeland' jokes here!) during the oil shock where the motorways were restricted to 80kph as you say. For a while here petrol was rationed and to get more petrol anybody with an old Ferguson TE20 TVO tractor taxed the old Fergie to get more coupons, probably why so many of the wee grey Fergies escaped the scrap-yard. Often you'd see a Fergie with a 1974 tax disc still on it ten years later.

You are right about leaning off the HS4 on a Mini, that was an old trick many people did. Funnily enough I got a guys Mini started for him recently, some genius had reversed the polarity of the coil which confused everyone - there is spark when I put a screwdriver over the points but when cranking how come the spark is so weak? What the hell!!!
I noticed the piston in the Mini carburettor seems to rise more than on the Avenger, probably the spring but its a red (light, 4oz) spring in the Avenger HS4C as well, oh well! Could be driven mad playing with them!

Anyhow, there was an economy carburettor listed for the MK1 Avenger. The Stromberg CD3 tag number 3607, B5DK needle with a Blue spring (Blue is the light spring on a Stromberg, Red the heavy and Natural the standard, with SU Red is light then Blue then Green heavier.) 3607 Same spec for both the 1300 and 1600 and there was this very carburettor listed on Ebay a while back showing the rod-link connector of course.

Oh hey, here is the listing found in the Pitmans OWM, this refers to the MK1:

CD3 Stromberg CD150.
1300 std, 3625 B5DM/Natural
1300 & 1600 econ, 3607 B5DK/Blue
1500 std, 3377,3609 & 3635 B6BJ/Red
1500 econ, B5CD/Blue
1600 std, 3625 B5DM/Natural

175CD
1300 high performance, B1EB/No spring
1600 high performance, B1EC/No spring

SU HS4C
1300 & 1600, ABR/Yellow
However for Series 5 the 1300 with the SU had ACA/Red as on mine. Tempted to fit the ABR/Yellow to se what happens but it will torture me!

Then the MK2 got a milder cam so the specs changed again (I guess) but for the first year of Chrysler Avenger the throttle linkage was still rod and not yet cable operated so you have things like this out there:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1600cc-1976-77-RECONDITIONED-CARBURETTOR-ZENITH-STROMBERG-150CD3-/121322402881?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c3f60f441 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-1600cc-1976-77-RECONDITIONED-CARBURETTOR-ZENITH-STROMBERG-150CD3-/121322402881?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c3f60f441)

?150?!! Hah! Good luck with that!
Seems to be confusion about with Series 7 and Series 8. Some call all MK2's S7 but wasn't until S8 the Ave got the longer TCA's - as per Sunbeam. Careful now when ordering suspension parts!

Two tidy looking MK2 1.6 LS's. A candidate for an Isuzu diesel conversion. The Talbots all had the vinyl roof it seems.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-1-6-LS-Exellent-Condition-1979-/191149171015?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c8160e147 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-1-6-LS-Exellent-Condition-1979-/191149171015?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c8160e147)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-/321392935304?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ad4830188 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Avenger-/321392935304?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ad4830188)

Tempted, this could be a wee bargain have spoken to a guy about going halfers on a MK2 and this one looks like the rust is showing that it was made with a good batch of steel.
1300 means cheap tax and this is a Series 7 short TCA's and rod-linked throttle as per the MK1.
Respray in Carrib or Tahiti blue to go with the vellum interior? 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Avenger-Hillman-Avenger-/271482038440?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f359728a8&clk_rvr_id=632102747355 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Avenger-Hillman-Avenger-/271482038440?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f359728a8&clk_rvr_id=632102747355)

Yep that's a Series 7, no ballast or electronic module. I guess the brake booster means its disc braked!

A 1300DL I reckon.

That's the 'poverty spec' Chrysler model...basic instruments, no console, no door pockets and no armrests in the rear...plus it's got Hillman rod accelerator linkage, points ignition, a narrow track and probably a Hillman diff ratio...hardly a good score...apart from the boosted disc brakes I guess!?
A later 1600 Chrysler would be much better Paddy. 

You are right but the price of half-decent Avengers are starting to rocket and it being a 1300 means ?130 to tax for the full year - who the heck in a shiny cap knows whats the difference between SB and LB these days?!
I'd guess its a 3.9 diff from what I've found about the progression of diff ratios and I see the rally 2-door I've been doing a bit to was born a 1300 with a 3.7. That could have been because its a 1981 2-door Avenger which apparently had to be special ordered as the 2-door after the end of 1978 or so was only sent to dealers without a buyer in the Scandanavian countries - so they had the taller European gearing.

Remember the 1976 MK1 1300DL 2-door barn find with the rotten headlights? It bid to ?3,000 and probably the buyer got a good few hundred on top of that. That 1300 DID have drum brakes! 3k+ for a set of drum brakes, damn but I remember climbing over a solid MK1 2-door the same colour as mine in a junkyard about 1990!

I think the flattering articles in Fast Ford magazine about Sunbeams and Avengers are waking up that terrible monster, Escort nuts! (...uuuhhh the Avenger had an atlas type axle as standard?...Whats that about that indestructible engine they had?...)

Yes Oldschool you are right, a 1600 is the business as are the better seats but try to get a decent Avenger with low miles for under ?1,000 in the UK or even more expensive Ireland. As for the naked looking bumpers well you don't have the rubber strip cracking or crazing. Besides the guy I'm trying to go half with me with it, possibly, has a set of MK2 bumpers!

?800 or walk I reckon. I wouldn't modify a MK1 Hillman further than electronic points conversion but a MK2 Chrysler/Talbot particularly because of their roof bars I would take further, very likely add an Isuzu 1.7TD.

I think the Hillmans have roof bars too Paddy. If you push up on the roof lining stitching it's solid indicating there's a bar there.
If you push down on the roof directly above that...it's springy, so the bar doesn't extend to the roof skin.
Both my Chrysler and Hillman do that and there maybe 3 bars...would need to remove the roof lining to check for sure.
A Hillman will always be valued at double a Chrysler, so worth upgrades like electronic ignition, wide track, disc brakes and a Chrysler diff to make them a bit more modern, while still looking standard.

Their are no roof bar in Avengers, what you are feeling are the Headlining bows, they are 3/16"? spring steel rods that fit into a pocket sewn on the top of the Headlining and hold the headlining up...

A rally car builder told me the MK2 had roof bars but maybe he was thinking of a Sunbeam.
As for the early MK2 the buddy spoke to the seller and he is after ?1,000 for it which is a bit on the steep side. Then transporting, filling, colour change respray it would become a ?1,500 spend before you know it. The 1300cc on the tax book is whats making people interested. Also a bad time of year to be a buyer.
The search is on for a shell, enquiries are being put about.

Going to O'Kanes on Sunday for a meet which I'm looking forward to and I've finally got the carburation right (jet I got off Ebay is a 1974 spec, longer than the one I replaced correct needle and spring to match the jet and no flatting on the hills at light throttle.) Gonna stick with the SU because the engine feels more torquey probably due to the smaller throat the SU has.
If any of you guys are running on an SU HS4C and are looking to rebuild the carbie, go with the pre-emissions 1974 spec'. ABR needle and Yellow spring. This is a heavy spring for a 1300 capacity so the tuning method is slightly different than usual. Fast idle for five minutes, rev for 2,500 for 30 secs allow to idle and lean off until the idle drops, then just back to regain the correct speed.

All four plugs are tan and tan/slight black if left to idle. That was a saga!

Hey Paddy...here's a 1.6GL for you...selling cheap on eBay...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/classic-avenger-/321410252089?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ad58b3d39 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/classic-avenger-/321410252089?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ad58b3d39)

Seller is after ?400 and its going to bid higher than that.

On we go.

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/vintagecars-for-sale/1973-hillman-avenger/6857034 (http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/vintagecars-for-sale/1973-hillman-avenger/6857034)

Pricey for a car needing a set of sills. Note the early Hunter 'Hillman' badge!

Coming soon. Have had this cwp a couple of years now, unused just needing a clean.
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/IMG_0475_zps8659eea3.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/IMG_0475_zps8659eea3.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/IMG_0476_zps830ba833.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/IMG_0476_zps830ba833.jpg.html)

The SU (with the correct needle and spring) has made the engine pretty torquey and during the long run it had on Sunday I noticed the transmission noise is getting louder. Also the car shunted a couple of times suggesting a diff is on its last legs.

Slowed down a bit taking this! You would not fall asleep!

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/IMG_0470_zpse10bb16d.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/IMG_0470_zpse10bb16d.jpg.html)

When the speed is up to this its a bag full of revs and noise. Gave me about 34mpg overall I reckon and there is a new temperature sender in the head which has made the gauge swing more along its scale.

The temp reading high might be the wrong sender unit Paddy? Hillman's use a black one and Chrysler's a white one.

Its a red one, was listed for Avenger '70-76 and I notice on Davids 1600 with the older Delco clocks fitted the temp needle swings a bit high too. With the old sender the thermostat opened at the dot between C and N.
Thermostat open where the picture shows the needle and if you push the 1300 mill on to about 70mph the needle goes to the dot between N and H then the heater runs cold so I guess that means the thermostat is fully open.

Anyhow, the owner of this Tiger replica must have had a lot of interest, if they are worth as much as he is looking for it now you might as well buy the 1500GLS.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-rep-Rally-Car-Race-not-Escort-may-p-x-more-pics-added-/111347952478?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19ecdaeb5e (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-rep-Rally-Car-Race-not-Escort-may-p-x-more-pics-added-/111347952478?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19ecdaeb5e)

Kermit is still about.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C483546 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C483546)

Too much money.

Something's wrong if your thermostat doesn't fully open until 70mph Paddy!!
More likely the massive fan rpm and airflow through the radiator is making it more efficient.
Something I've recently learned is that manual NZ Avengers only have a 2 row radiator while autos have a 3 row...same in the UK?!
Always wondered why my manual (with an electric fan) gets hot quickly in traffic.
A 3 row would be the way to go when it needs replacing.

There is a difference in the radiator for a 1250 and the 1500 I read somewhere in a OWM I have. As for the 1300/1600 I don't know. The thermostat not fully opening until the engine is really getting fuel pumped through it, is that not how they mean't to work? Only when the engine gets to a high temperature the thermo expands the full way and cuts off the feed to the heater.
What it may be is the thickness of the waterpump gasket. Pitmans OWM goes on about it being important the proper Chrysler gasket is used otherwise the pump rotor is too close to the housing or something.

Here is the radiator I got from the 1250 field find, there is a difference in the density of the fins compared to the one on mine.

A 1250 rad.
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/IMG_0478_zps103f6ab4.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/IMG_0478_zps103f6ab4.jpg.html)
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/IMG_0479_zps5ab4d896.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/IMG_0479_zps5ab4d896.jpg.html)

Then the radiator on mine.
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/IMG_0480_zps45487e54.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/IMG_0480_zps45487e54.jpg.html)

Wonder is the gasket too thin?
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g379/Paddy075/IMG_0481_zps78eb1603.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/Paddy075/media/IMG_0481_zps78eb1603.jpg.html)
Both have two rows.
Or is it that the thermostat on mine has a jiggle pin? I have an Avenger thermostat without a pin and its hole - was cheap I was a right madman with Ebay Avenger parts. If it was cheap with no bids and for an Avenger it got bought. Recently I got an ignition switch ?3 (although recently postage has gotten pricey so maybe I was right buying a couple of years ago.) Seller thought it was broken probably. WD40 and oil cured that!

Anyhow! ''..only two left..'' No, only two registered as 'Avenger GLS' usually a car was not registered with its trim level and then as half of them would have been registered as Talbots also.

I see where rain water has been left to cause destruction!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1978-CHRYSLER-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1600-GLS-AUTO-GENUINE-54-000-MILES-FROM-NEW-/141295574716?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20e5df5ebc (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1978-CHRYSLER-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1600-GLS-AUTO-GENUINE-54-000-MILES-FROM-NEW-/141295574716?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20e5df5ebc)

Extremely rare my heel, in the 1980's there were two MK2 GLS's different neighbours of mine had, both red, both 1979 people called them the twins. One had Chrysler on the lid and the other Talbot - how I wish I bought one of them! The Chrysler one (LIJ 5668 or something like that) was literally only used to go to Church on a Sunday! Mind you the man that had it also worked on cars of the evening and had a few Avenger bits left, including an unused oil pump.

I tried to find it but it was sold to a Bricklayer, got tortured to death.

A well restored '79. By the cables on the Battery +ve its a Series 9 as far as I know so it would have that oil level and pressure brain in the drivers door footwell pillar. GB 'T' registration (1978/9) means its a Chrysler and it looks like a 1.6LS with stainless door bits added. Has also 1/4 of the front trim added.

The sill looks new on it and I see the roof gutter trim is the same replacement I put on mine, looks a bit thick with no foot formed on the ends. Maybe its my imagination but the line around the quarter rear panel bottom looks a bit soft.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Car-Chrysler-Avenger-/261489053052?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3ce1f64d7c (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Car-Chrysler-Avenger-/261489053052?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3ce1f64d7c)

A bit pricey, but its not five years ago anymore.

I see a heated rear screen on eBay...pretty rare to find a working one these days and a great upgrade for older Hillmans!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Rear-Windscreen-heated-/251545373105?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a9145c9b1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Rear-Windscreen-heated-/251545373105?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a9145c9b1)

I see that restored blue '79 has been re-listed Paddy...in the 'carpets and floor mats' category again...it might take a while to sell...lol

Here's a mint Sunbeam Avenger GLS for sale in Greece...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNBEAM-1976-in-excellent-condition-/181439796634?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a3ea7959a (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNBEAM-1976-in-excellent-condition-/181439796634?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a3ea7959a)

Parts from UK

Kinda keen if anyone wants to get a few posted over

(https://scontent-b-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t1.0-9/q87/s720x720/10527887_10152556751288669_1093209009729554459_n.jpg)

Matthew Ollman‎Rootes Group
23 mins ?

In the Archive we have a bunch of duplicate Owners Instructions and Owners Handbooks. All never been used just stored for 40 odd years.
Anyone interested in any of those pictured get in touch. matthewollman@rootesarchivecentre.org.uk

not sure if this has been here yet or not

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-TALBOT-AVENGER-1-6-RED-FULL-MOT-TAX-TO-NOV-2014-READY-TO-USE-BARGAIN-/161365597227?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2592239c2b (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-TALBOT-AVENGER-1-6-RED-FULL-MOT-TAX-TO-NOV-2014-READY-TO-USE-BARGAIN-/161365597227?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2592239c2b)

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/bA4AAOSwirZTwsy0/$_57.JPG)

when someone describes a car as "mint" this is what I expect!

Sold yesterday for 1295 pounds...cheap cheap.

I seen this one a couple of weeks ago, while on my way to free up the rear wheel cylinders on another MK1 funnily enough. Stopped and had a chat with the owner and its in pretty good shape. Apart from a rotten bonnet its a sound enough body. Its September 1975 which is emissions exempt (just, anything registered after October 1st '75 os CO and NOx tested.)
The brakes need freed up and that's about it, a 1300 with the SU carburettor. Looks like it was re-sprayed with a metallic mix at some time and as the sills, valences and legs are fine I guess its innards got a squirt of Waxoil.

Dashboard is of course cracked and it has the Veglia clocks.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-1300-dl-/331283624347?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d220af19b (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-avenger-1300-dl-/331283624347?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d220af19b)

As for the orange May 1975 1600 I've been doing a bit with I just don't know how to tell its owner that the liners have washed out of it - Weber downdraught was on it too long. Here comes a piston ring change job.

http://www.njuskalo.hr/auti/chrysler-avenger-oglas-2755052 (http://www.njuskalo.hr/auti/chrysler-avenger-oglas-2755052)

(http://www.njuskalo.hr/auti/chrysler-avenger-oglas-2755052)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Chyrsler-Sunbeam-Rally-car-1978-and-spares-package-/221525319574?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3393f01f96 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Talbot-Chyrsler-Sunbeam-Rally-car-1978-and-spares-package-/221525319574?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3393f01f96)

Good Sunbeam for robbing a bank, was it a Sunbeam or an Avenger?!

Hi paddy how's things.
I'm not feeling that at all I like both cars but this just doesn't sit well.
Nicely done though.

Hi Dave hope all is well with you. I'm working around manys a mountain on radios so kept busy.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-2-Door-/171447141586?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27eb0bc4d2 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-2-Door-/171447141586?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27eb0bc4d2)

Dammit, where are five numbers on a lotto ticket when you need it! A Series 6 MK1 with the torsional strut mounts (or was that a mod'?) you can see it had the round clocks dashboard by the size of the hole on the back panel. Looks good and I guess somebody has had trouble with the heater by the description and the pictures.
Its a 1300 Super by the seats and dashboard as well as the damp-catching insulation on the bulge in the engine bay. From April 1976 the GL was dropped and re-badged as a Super so you got a GL for the price of a Super and going by the date of registration (04/08/1976) assuming that's 4th August and not April 4th then this 2-door should be twin round headlights, hard to see in the pictures. Although maybe the 2-door Super still had single square headlamps, I don't know. The description says it was round headlight so probably it is.

Ziebarted from new, during the long hot summer of '76! This is going to reach ?3k I'd reckon. The last 1300 2-door on Ebay which was a real barn-find with rotten headlights went for 3k (the owner/finder probably got another 500.)

It looks saveable Paddy...much more valuable than a 4 door of course.
It's a 4 headlight model...you can see the headlight buckets on close inspection.
Also the dash is the 4 round dial one...it has the instrument light dimmer in the end of the headlight switch..that wasn't fitted in the strip speedo models.
Yes it has the later 9/16" struts but the chassis number starts with 'R4....' that means it was built in Ryton in 1974...maybe not sold until 1976?
I see it also has the seat belts on the B pillar...indicating it's a later (1300) 2 door.
No brake booster, so will have the mighty drum brakes too!!

I guess it being a 1300 it has the front drums but the 1300GL had discs as standard, the last Supers were GL's with a Super badge so maybe its disc braked. Well, the last time mine went for the test the front brakes registered 80% efficiency which made the tester say, ''..wow..'' I thought the 80% mean't 80% of the ideal - No! That's 80% of the power of the rolling road machine! A new car would struggle to reach 60% apparently. The huge contact area of drums I suppose and from a wee bit of research the 8x1.75'' width front drum is about as big as car front drums went.
The manual adjusting at the rear is a good job, the automatic adjusters never really worked on any car.
After the rolling road brake and suspension test  the tester didn't even lift the lid and just handed me the test certificate.

Good point though, the 2-door is probably disc braked, its at ?2,100 with still 19 bids - somebody is taking a chance on a hefty ?2,500 bid or something. Its an easy fix of course, the dashboard is still likely with the car. Blow three grand on it?! If I was sure of the work situation over the next year maybe. Its for somebody else and a MK1 is too rare to make a bashable hot-rod out of.

As far as I know all MK1's were built in Ryton then the Avenger tracks were moved To Linwood in August 1976 to start MK2 production. Some say the MK2 was not as well built as the MK1 as the Linwood workforce were led by commie shop-stewards who had plans for Chrysler UK to become a manufacturer of agricultural machinery for the third world!
If they knew Chrysler UK would be asset stripped by PSA maybe they would have had a different attitude but anyhow.

Spoke to a guy with a Lotus Sunbeam recently who has, as it happens, a 1975 2-door 1600 GL Avenger rally prepped (I have a round headlight grille for him) and he said the MK2's were rotten compared to the MK1, anyhow in the 70's a new car of whatever make had to be rustproofed from new, some dealers or owners did so, while most did not.
Ryton from September '76 on became the assembly plant for the re-badged French Chryslers (Alpines, Solaras, Horizons and the P104 with a Simca engine, the Talbot Samba.) It is said the Ryton workforce then hated the cars they were making which did not do the build quality any good so by the 80's Talbot = Tinny, tappity rusty shite. ''..A short lives tinny tappity affair ending in a visit to the crushers..''
In Ireland the old Rootes Santry assembly plant still made Avengers and Hunters with the same flakey build quality just at a slower pace so some people say the Irish ones were less rusty, but...

Oh and finally folks! Your MK2 1300 in the very same colour won the most sexy Avenger award at the ASOC National Weekend 2014 awards. That colour really suits a MK2 indeed.

Well the 2-door sold for ?3,800 so this has flushed out a couple of others.

Another MK1 1300 2-door needing welding and a DL so strip dashboard and see where someone has added door pockets!
A series 6 and with drum brakes. Also for some reason the series 5 & 6 has the washer bottle on the n/s rather than hung from the battery. They went back to the battery bag.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1300-DELUXE-RED-2-DOOR-NO-SUNROOF-IDEAL-HISTORIC-MOTORSPORT-/321526097422?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4adc72e60e (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1976-HILLMAN-AVENGER-1300-DELUXE-RED-2-DOOR-NO-SUNROOF-IDEAL-HISTORIC-MOTORSPORT-/321526097422?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4adc72e60e)

Looks like a GT and probably is.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-GT-1500-4-door-1972-project-/161424188490?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2595a1a44a (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-GT-1500-4-door-1972-project-/161424188490?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2595a1a44a)

Fair amount of work done to it new front panels a good project for someone.

A series 7 in cop-car blue this still has the MK1 TCA's and points badged as 1300 Super so while the registration date is a bit late for 1976/77 build it is a series 7. Maybe the O'Sweeney decided to drop the 1300's and it got stuck in a distributors yard for six months, anyhow tidy enough looking bar a wheel arch.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Avenger-1295-Super-/111464331475?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19f3cab8d3 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrysler-Avenger-1295-Super-/111464331475?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19f3cab8d3)

always the way with ebay one comes along then 2 appear outta nowehere!
like the look of the yellow gt paddy,he,s a asoc member and I believe its a original car, what kind of money will it make?
its still needs a fair amount of work but all easy repairs from the looks of things.....eamon

Hard to say what that 4-door GT is worth, ?1500? I guess you have all the panels if necessary Eamon.
I suppose a single 175CD in place of the twins does the same job with less hassles. It looks like a solid Avenger, sure the jack boxes are probably rotten but they don't tend to spread rot to the sill or legs. The front o/s leg below the brake master cylinder looks okay and that's where the rot usually starts to get serious as far as I have seen with them.
Depends on how bad the rear arches, or rather the inner rear frame is, looks advanced by the pictures.
Hard to say and being a GT there will be a good few willing to take a chance on it.

Here is a 1500GL that looks like a great buy for someone with a lot of spares.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mk2-Hillman-Avenger-Not-Tiger-Barn-Find-Spares-or-Repairs-/331322384976?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d245a6250 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mk2-Hillman-Avenger-Not-Tiger-Barn-Find-Spares-or-Repairs-/331322384976?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d245a6250)

Is missing the throttle link and other bits and pieces, has the SU carbie, why?

MK2? Seems that a lot of people call a Hillman with the round headlights a MK2 Avenger, probably because of the Tiger2.

At ?6-800 this would be a good buy. Got a Series 8 or Sunbeam front cradle Eamon? That GL could make a good back road basher with a 1600 GLS engine in it. Hey its not 1990 anymore! They cost!

Hey guys, Recently my Hillman Avenger Alpine 1973 failed its WOF and has been off the road for a couple of weeks now. The only part i need is a LEFT FRONT SHOCK as its leaking.
please let me know if you can help :)
i appreciate it

Here's that 1980 1.3 LS up for sale again...in Torquay. It's the low spec version of my 1.3 GL! The later 1300's cruise well on the motorway with their 3.89 diff.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980-TALBOT-AVENGER-1-3-LS-IN-BLUE-35-000-MILES-/291257805851?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43d0516c1b (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980-TALBOT-AVENGER-1-3-LS-IN-BLUE-35-000-MILES-/291257805851?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43d0516c1b)

Yeh nice 1300 in Torquay and its been forsale a good while now.

Here is a Series 6 GLS. The 175CD in place of the twins was a Series 6 thing as is the strut mounts. Looks like a new carbie and manifold, the way the insulation on the bulge is in place would suggest its 39k miles is genuine.

Not bad, not bad at all.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1600-GLS-Auto-/161416038453?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2595254835 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-1600-GLS-Auto-/161416038453?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2595254835)

It's Tiger Time again...here's a Mk2 for 20,000 pounds...am sure we've seen it for sale before quite a bit cheaper??

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C560707 (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C560707)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-BLUE-Rally-project-/261974423544?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILLMAN-AVENGER-BLUE-Rally-project-/261974423544?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276)

Well nice try, '1970.' I guess the tag is 1970 and the rest of it is at least 1974. Someone has sawed through the DL (no bin) door trims to fit the bins! 8 fuse electrics on a 1970 Avenger, perfortated headlining, no badge holes in the boot for the '1500 Super' or whatever badge, the Simca window handles and so-on.
The 1970 Avenger of the future! I reckon its a Series 5 by the washer bottle on the bulkhead. Good enough for ?5-800. You'd want the actual tag for it though and 1975 & 6 cars are about to become tax exempt anyway. You can even see where someone has removed the later type tags from the slam panel!

(https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-xal1/v/t1.0-1/p50x50/11990620_10208086061134745_9034668714991286668_n.jpg?oh=5db34fe29ab8b244fa32952032f586cb&oe=5758B99F&__gda__=1462581687_2c6b8a1e6bcbd8df384a3756d79cedbc)

‎Jason T Shaw (https://www.facebook.com/jason.shaw.754?fref=nf)‎ to Talbot sunbeam and avengers parts group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/606004279514602/?fref=nf)

[/color]1 hr (https://www.facebook.com/groups/606004279514602/permalink/912001715581522/) ?

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(https://fbexternal-a.akamaihd.net/safe_image.php?d=AQCfCnNYXmZk4Cu4&w=470&h=246&url=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2Fimages%2Fi%2F281935559138-0-1%2Fs-l1000.jpg&cfs=1&upscale=1&ext=png2jpg)

Hillman Avenger Fully Modified. 2L Pinto On Bike Carbs, Escort, tiger, Drift car (http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fitm%2F281935559138&h=xAQFUQHc2&enc=AZNQt4jeIzV-rhJSQ4bBRW6VL4ItipuV2nT-LrheohKDyLwP0MwEOakqlFhlzBuCqNUguBLIqbocTHu8mp6iOgki5tfOJr6Bo_Bnb0JSMALprWCD2E7vNn0OWTtjh8d5jcsjpk-_Wz-IZJA07MDoV1GMtvAQWL_ZxmowD1hPYcW2FdidpOWPK4gX45v5AcDnr1M&s=1)
Hillman Avenger Fully Modified. 2L Pinto On Bike Carbs, Escort, tiger, Drift car in Cars, Motorcycles & Vehicles, Cars, Other Cars | eBay

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Avenger Fully Modified. 2L Pinto On Bike Carbs, Escort, tiger, Drift car[/url]
Hillman Avenger Fully Modified. 2L Pinto On Bike Carbs, Escort, tiger, Drift car in Cars, Motorcycles & Vehicles, Cars, Other Cars | eBay