CHASING CARS
ASKING £9750 PRICE
ENGINE 1725cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 79bhp@5200rpm TORQUE 91lb ft@3800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 97mph 0-60MPH 13sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual with o/d MoT Exempt ODOMETER 259,652
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Even though it’s edging on its third time around the clock, it’s a relaxing drive thanks to a more powerful Humber Sceptre 1725cc engine with overdrive ‘box. It’s easy to get into gear but the clutch has quite a high biting point so it’s easy to misjudge from a standstill and stall. At speed, seamless gearchanges take practice. Once it gets going it’s a very quiet cruiser, even with the roof down. The brakes have quite a lot of travel but, if you anticipate your next move, the vehicle will slow down enough. Steering is a tad vague but offers enough feedback and is free from excessive play.
BODYWORK CHECK
This Hillman has been sitting for a while so the convertible roof is a bit stiff, but operable. The exterior chrome is all present and has some minor pitting on the wing mirrors and front bumper, but all things considered, it’s survived remarkably well. The Hillman badge on the bonnet is missing; a painted red rectangle with a gold cross replaces it. Panel gaps are good and the paint is consistent throughout. The previous owner had a tow bar fitted and the car comes with its original registration plates.
EXTERIOR Lovely paint Chrome has only minor pitting
INTERIOR Tidy dash Some worn areas
MECHANICALS Sceptre engine
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The blue-pleated leather is in good condition and the front seats seem to have been covered separately, as they’re a slightly different shade of blue. There are a couple of minor rips in the door cards and the dash has split in the middle and been taped over. All the dials work, and wear on the dash is limited to key scratches around the ignition barrel. Some DIY jobs are more evident; the tops of both door trims are pain
