Hillman Avenger GLS Restoration
Discussion
Leaving school in 1970, I went to work for a Rootes Main Dealer in Aldershot soon after the launch of the Hillman Avenger. In 1972 they launched the GLS model (basically the GT with a few more luxury items fitted as standard) The launch colour was a dark purple metallic called Violet, and the majority in this colour also had a matching purple interior. It was the car I wanted, but as a 19 year old there was no way that I could afford one. However, I did buy one in the late 70's, and it was always my favourite car.
About 27 years ago, I promised myself, that if ever I found another Violet GLS, I would buy and restore it. However, Violet was only available for a year from 1972, and only on the top of the range GLS, and I soon found that there weren't any around. I looked for nearly 25 years and was then offered WER742L, a car that had been parked up in a garage since 1991. The car was very solid with nothing more than surface rust showing through, however the paint had faded and had micro blistering on most surfaces, the interior was in a poor state, Mechanically, the engine, gearbox and axle were all OK, even though it had done well over 100000 miles. The following pictures show the restoration over the last three years.
I have several Avengers, including a couple of Avenger Tigers, but this is certainly my favourite.
About 27 years ago, I promised myself, that if ever I found another Violet GLS, I would buy and restore it. However, Violet was only available for a year from 1972, and only on the top of the range GLS, and I soon found that there weren't any around. I looked for nearly 25 years and was then offered WER742L, a car that had been parked up in a garage since 1991. The car was very solid with nothing more than surface rust showing through, however the paint had faded and had micro blistering on most surfaces, the interior was in a poor state, Mechanically, the engine, gearbox and axle were all OK, even though it had done well over 100000 miles. The following pictures show the restoration over the last three years.
I have several Avengers, including a couple of Avenger Tigers, but this is certainly my favourite.
Edited by Pitcombe on Thursday 9th February 19:26
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Great! Originally registered in Cambridge or thereabouts
Originally supplied in Cambridge on 2nd January 1973. I think the dealer at that time was Herbert Robinson Ltd, but it was about the same time that the Hillman franchise was taken on by Tom Brinton Ltd of Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge. The first three owners had Cambridge Address's, one of which was in the Cherry Hinton district, so I am assuming that Tom Brinton would have supplied this car at some stage in it's life, even if they weren't the original supplying dealer. The forth owner, who purchased the car in 1979 with 65000 miles on the clock, lived in Sudbury, Suffolk, and that's where the car remained until 2013, although it was last used on the road in 1991.Huff said:
Lovely post OP! Rootes cars, even the Avenger all seem very rare these days, and a quite, quite different thing.
That is a fabulous colour!
ETA: I've just spotted your other great thread; and you are obviously geographically nearby; and that Wardance Red Tiger possibly being f/s is prompting weird irrational thoughts in my head...
The Wardance Red Tiger is sold and will be heading to Northern Ireland next month. I will not be selling the Sundance Yellow Tiger or the Violet GLS however.That is a fabulous colour!
ETA: I've just spotted your other great thread; and you are obviously geographically nearby; and that Wardance Red Tiger possibly being f/s is prompting weird irrational thoughts in my head...
Edited by Huff on Friday 10th February 21:53
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