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1970

Hillman Avenger

A brand-new family saloon for a brand-new decade.

AVG 70H
Hillman Avenger
Photo: Toquehusk, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

The Avenger was the first car Rootes developed from scratch under Chrysler ownership. It was conventional but well thought out, and it sold steadily against the Escort and Viva. It later wore Chrysler and Talbot badges.

Inside

A simple plastic dash and vinyl seats, in the bright colours of the day. The rear lamps are shaped like hockey sticks.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Sunset
Did you know?

It was sold in America as the Plymouth Cricket.

Meanwhile, in 1970

The Beatles split up, and eighteen-year-olds voted in a general election for the first time.

Best-selling single of 1970: In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry

Buying and running

Before you buy a 1970s car

  • Rust is common in sills, wheel arches, front panels and the bottom of the doors.
  • Check the wiring and electrics carefully, as they age badly.
  • Many volume-selling cars still have good parts support, but badge-engineered and low-volume models can be harder to source.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.

Flat out 020406080100120 MPH
91 mph
First builtFebruary 1970
Age today56 years since launch
Built atRyton, near Coventry, later Linwood
On sale1970–1981
Years in production11 years
Number madeAbout 790,000 at Ryton and Linwood
Kerb weight900 kg (approx.)
Fuel economy32 mpg combined (approx.)
Engine1.5-litre four
Power63 bhp
Top speed91 mph
Speed rankingJoint 143rd fastest of 164
0–60 mph15 seconds
Price when newFrom about £770
In today's moneyAbout £15,500
Designed byRoy Axe

Today's money: the launch price adjusted for inflation to 2026, using the Office for National Statistics price index.