Hillman Husky
| Hillman Husky (Minx based) | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Hillman (Rootes Group) |
| Production | 1954-1957 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | three-door estate |
| Related |
Hillman Minx Commer Cob |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1265 cc straight-4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 84 in (2,134 mm) |
| Length | 148 in (3,759 mm) |
| Width | 63.25 in (1,607 mm) |
| Height | 61 in (1,549 mm) |
| Curb weight | 1,904 lb (864 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Hillman Husky (Audax based) |
| Hillman Husky (Minx "Audax" based) | |
|---|---|
Hillman Husky Series I
|
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Hillman (Rootes Group) |
| Production | 1958-1965 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | three-door estate |
| Related |
Hillman Minx Commer Cob |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1390 cc straight-4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 86 in (2,184 mm) |
| Length | 149.5 in (3,797 mm) |
| Width | 60.5 in (1,537 mm) |
| Height | 60 in (1,524 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,072 lb (940 kg) (Ser I & III) (2,100 lb (953 kg) (Ser II) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Hillman Husky (Minx based) |
| Successor | Hillman Husky (Imp based) |
| Hillman Husky (Imp based) | |
|---|---|
Hillman Husky (1967-1970)
|
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Hillman (Rootes Group) |
| Production | 1967-1970 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | three-door estate |
| Related |
Hillman Imp Commer Imp Van |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 875 cc straight-4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual all-synchromesh |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 82 in (2,083 mm) |
| Length | 141 in (3,581 mm) |
| Width | 60.25 in (1,530 mm) |
| Height | 58 in (1,473 mm) |
| Curb weight | 1,652 lb (749 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Hillman Husky |
| Successor | None |
The Hillman Husky was a line of British passenger vehicles manufactured between 1954 and 1970 by Hillman.
The first (or "Mark 1") Hillman Husky, introduced in 1954, was a small estate based on the contemporary "Mark VIII" Hillman Minx. The two-door Husky entered the range alongside an existing Minx estate car, which had a 9-inch (230 mm) longer wheelbase. The Husky was not a hatchback, having instead a single side-hinged rear door. While the new Mark VIII Minx DeLuxe saloon, convertible and "Californian" hardtop used a new OHV 1390 cc engine, the Husky continued to use the older 1265 cc 35 bhp (26 kW) sidevalve engine with single Zenith carburettor which it shared with the Minx "Special" saloon and estate. Unlike the Minx with its column change, the gear lever for the Husky was floor mounted.
There were individual seats in front and a bench seat in the rear which would fold flat to increase load area. The trim material was leathercloth. Both the heater and radio were optional extras. The car was available in blue, grey, green or sand paint (1954 colours).
42,000 of this Husky were sold until the model was replaced in 1958 (a year after the "parent" Minx was itself replaced).
The Motor magazine tested a Husky in 1954 and found it to have a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h) and acceleration from 0-50 mph (80 km/h) in 24.3 seconds. A fuel consumption of 33.4 miles per imperial gallon (8.5 L/100 km; 27.8 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £564 including taxes.
In 1958 the new "Series I" Husky was introduced. It followed the same formula as its predecessor, but was based on the new "Audax" or "Series" Hillman Minx. This time the engine was the new Minx's 1390 cc overhead-valve unit but de-rated to an output of 51 hp (38 kW; 52 PS). As before, there was also a four-door "Minx estate", and the Husky had two doors (plus the side-hinged rear door) and a shorter wheelbase (by 8 inches (200 mm)). It was, however 2 inches (51 mm) longer than its predecessor.
Again Commer sold a panel van version of the same vehicle as the Commer Cob.
side-opening rear door
Husky evolves S2
Series II rear
Series III
A "Series II" Husky followed in 1960 with a four-speed gearbox, slightly lowered roof, a deeper windscreen, and altered seats. The engine compression ratio was raised to 8:1 and the carburettor changed to a Zenith 30 VIG type.
Testing the Husky in 1960 The Motor magazine recorded a top speed of 73.4 mph (118.1 km/h), acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) of 26.9 seconds and a fuel consumption of 30.8 miles per imperial gallon (9.2 L/100 km; 25.6 mpg‑US). The test car cost £674 including taxes.
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Wikipedia