Hillman Avenger Tiger heads to auction

A rare Hillman Avenger Tiger - one of just 25 surviving examples - is heading to auction. The manual Mk1 could make up to £22,000 when it goes under the hammer at Classic Car Auctions' December sale.

The sporty variant was created to boost the appeal of the standard Avenger range – and it comes with a host of distinctive features, including Sundance Yellow paintwork, matt black bonnet bulge, side stripes, rear spoiler, Lucas fog lamps and ‘Avenger Tiger’ lettering on the rear quarter.

But despite its humble underpinnings, the car wasn’t a sheep in wolf’s clothing. Under the bonnet is a 1500 GT engine with twin carbs and 92bhp – that’s more than a Ford Escort Mexico. Chrysler Competitions Centre only built 200, with many succumbing to rust.

Richard Greenhalgh, Classic Car Auctions classic car specialist, said, ‘So few of the Mk1s were made that it’s no surprise that today they are so sought after worldwide, and this particular example is one of the best documented Series 1 Tigers left.’

Over the past nine years the car has been carefully maintained with the front seats revived, new headlining and carpets, as well as a mechanical overhaul that included new Bilstein rear suspension, carburettors, brake pads and a battery. The original rev counter is not fitted but available with the car. It has covered just 1000 miles since the refresh.

With just five owners from new, the car is accompanied by an extensive history file, original bill of sale, every MoT test and tax disc, as well as a new MoT until June 2018.

To find out more about the 1972 Hillman Avenger Tiger in the 2 December sale at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre visit classiccarauctions.co.uk.