Hillman Avenger Tiger MkII

Named to evoke memories of the fabulous Sunbeam Tiger of the 1960s, the Avenger Tiger was a hot rod version of the Hillman Avenger and was built by Des O’Dell’s team of engineers in the Chrysler Competitions Centre.

Launched in 1972 it was based on the four-door Avenger Super but with a modified 1500GT engine with higher compression, revised cylinder head and twin Weber carbs. Producing 93bhp it could sprint to 60mph in 8.9 seconds with a top speed of 110mph – faster than the rival Ford Escort Mexico. Suspension, brakes, gearbox and back axle were also uprated.

At first just 100 cars were made (all in Sundance Yellow) but such was the demand that a second batch of 100 were also produced. Later in the year a revised Mk2 version was produced with quad headlamps, a revised interior and alloy wheels. A second colour, Wardance Red, was also available and all cars now had matt black bonnets, Tiger side-stripes and a boot spoiler.

Exact production figures are vague but it is probable that no more than 400 Mk2 models were made up to 1973 of which only around 30 are now thought to survive. The Avenger Tiger enjoyed considerable competition success, including winning the British Touring Car Championship in 1974 with works driver Bernard Unett at the wheel.

As an accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this particular Tiger Mk2 dates from 1972 and comes in the classic Sundance Yellow and matt black colour scheme. Between 2009 and 2011 the car was treated to a total nut-and-bolt restoration which is fully documented by a stack of bills and photographs in the history file.

In reasonably sound condition at the outset, the car is said to remain highly original in terms of its chassis and bodywork with the original inner wings still date stamped and intact. Mechanically it has been somewhat upgraded but always using parts that were available in period. The engine was built around a genuine ‘new old stock’ factory 1600 block to Group N specification with Skip Brown polished con rods, +30 flat top pistons and an MSM fast road cam.

Other upgrades include a factory competition 4036 head, Aldon distributor, Skip Brown competition manifolds, Ashley exhaust and rebuilt Weber 70/71 carbs. A brand new quick shift 5-speed competition gearbox with a Skip Brown alloy bellhousing has also been fitted although the original gearbox is available if desired. Other features include uprated brakes and suspension, competition steering rack and limited slip differential.

Inside the car benefits from a Springalex steering wheel, Butlers map light and high back sports seats. Since the restoration was completed the car has only covered some 2,400 miles (the odometer being re-set to zero) while the Skip Brown engine has only done some 600 miles.

The car comes with a large history file from new including various original sales brochures, handbooks and servicing literature. In outstanding condition throughout, this exceptionally rare car is far more exclusive than a comparable Ford Escort RS or Mexico and looks huge value at the guide price suggested.