1971 Hillman Hunter royal 1.7 petrol (super)

Summary:

A classic piece of motoring history

Faults:

Over the last 5 years I have changed all the front suspension bushes and rubbers, the starter motor, alternator, battery, rear springs (upgrade), rear bushes, shocks, some minor rust (rear quarter) and general service components such as spark plugs, points etc.

General Comments:

The car does 500 miles each week.

It goes really well and has its own temperament.

It turns heads especially from people who remember or owned one.

It is not quick and some say uncomfortable, but it is mine and that's the way I like it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th April, 2003

8th Aug 2009, 08:09

I have a 1971 Hillman Hunter HE model. I am in the middle of doing a restoration on it one bit at a time.

I have painted it white with red interior, and have redone the suspension (springs and rear shocks).

I am having trouble chasing down the front strut inserts though, any help would be greatly appreciated (I have been trying for months) as the contacts I seem to have are way too expensive.

1971 Hillman Hunter GT 1.7 OHV

Summary:

My first restoration

Faults:

Recently replaced my second head gasket after one year.

Loud tappet noise from the cam followers, there may be a problem with my cam timing.

Twin SU Carburettors have been replaced with a single 45 DCOE Weber.

This was due to massive flat spots under load and fuel leaks from the float chambers.

Front end fell apart 2000 k's after restoration.

This was rectified with a new Pittman Arm.

Rear end still needs new springs and shock absorbers.

General Comments:

After being given this car on my 16th birthday, I decided to restore it ready for my 18th birthday.

What started out as a simple re-spray ended up involving a total "body-off" restoration.

There was minimal rust in the panels, and what was a white car was re-sprayed red in late 1999.

The engine was bored 40 thou and flat top pistons were added. This as a result has increased my compression to 11.5:1. The head was worked, ported and polished.

Extractors were made and fitted to the car with a 2" exhaust system to finish it off.

And finally after sorting out the shocking Lucas electrics setup, I was able to replace the dash with a custom made wood veneer dash complete with white-faced VDO instruments and Sunbeam Alpine light switches.

The car has just clocked over 30000 k's after nearly 2 years on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th October, 2002

11th Jan 2006, 09:46

I bought a red Hillman Hunter GT in about 1968 (After the London-Sydney marathon). I had the car for many years, pent a lot of money on it after purchase because everything that was on the car broke down at some stage. It was a lot of trouble, but worth the effort to sort out the bugs and problems. My patience resulted in a tight, well presented and comfortable car and I miss it dearly. One day, you will be very proud of your restoration efforts also...

In reply to 11th Jan 2006, 09:46

3rd Apr 2017, 03:30

I bought my Hillman Hunter (1725 cc) in 1971 after graduating and getting a job. It was a pretty bare car, but took to accessories very well. Its body style was unique for the time. The bucket seats and stick shift gave it a very special feel for a four door sedan. And, though it wasn't very quick in its stock state, I was able to tune the engine to at least a comfortable stage 1.5 or so.

I kept it for 14 years and regretted selling it from shortly after selling it. The new owner crashed it about 2 months after buying it. It was a very endearing car. I still miss it and have always wished I hadn't sold it. I do have an Austin Mini 1000 (now about 37 years old) which I bought on the rebound - and, am not selling it!!