Alright some people wanted some more pics of the hillman when i went to go pull it out of the dirt so here they are, we are ganna strip the unibody part from under it so we can build a new frame for it and throw a nice little motor in there, anybody have any thoughts on a motor? definetly a v8, lookin for somthing thats ganna have some umph and still be easily upgradable and reliable. i was tossin around the ideas of a 327 or 350 but what do yall think. also if anyone has anymore info on these little buggars let me know ive done a good bit of searching and they are hard to get parts for, at least the ones i need, it does have some good dents and some cancer sections but we will really see after i send it off the to blaster. im really lookin for body parts, rubbers/seals, some glass, and trim peices. enjoy, and ill post pics of the progress over time! Thanks, Robert That dodge back there has been this little guys companion for as long as i can remember, feel bad for splitin the buddys up.
it should make a neet project,might try a search, i think ive seen some stuff, also so check escort i guess that car is really simular to yours! later cobey
Great cars in there day and ahead of there time in some respects compared to other English cars, but I am surprised anybody would both added so much horsepower to such a short wheel based car when ther must be heaps of others to choose from. Ive owned 3 of the early Hillmans but never thought of doing that kind of stuff to 'em.
My friend,Craig Wise,had an older brother,Gary,who had a bright yellow one he drove every day to work. He used to hang out with Fritz Voight,way back when. I think his son got it when he passed away. They used to take their quarter Midget to the tracks on the top of it,of one just like it. I know my buddy has a pic of one with the Midget on the top. I'll see if I can get a copy of it.
mazooma1, that one is straight up gasser sick!!! thanks for the pic! bad bob, that would be awesome if you could get that pic lol so where these things sold in the states at one point or just brought over here?
Crap, now I gotta go see if that old Hillman is still there. Looks like the beginnings of a great money pit, er... I mean project.
How about a 215 all alum. Buick with a straight shift? I just happen to have the complete set-up. There's a ton of hop up parts for these engines. I even had a cross ram set up for it at one time. These are very cool engines. Kevin Ooltewah Speed Shop
The Rover V8 is based on the old Buick 215 ally motor. look for one in aRange Rover. Half the rods in Britain seem to use them so if you contact the UK NSRA - www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/ they'll probably be able to offer you loads of advice
I had the earlier model to your Hillman, mine was a 1955 model. It came with a flathead 4 (1270 cc,not ci !!!!!!, read TINY). I drove it around stock for a while, but the engine just wasn't up to modern day driving around here, not quick enough to enter roundabouts, exit junctions etc. I pulled the flathead and fitted a pinto and 5 speed manual, that really transformed the little thing. Sure it was no v8, but hell did it go. I kept it looking stock apart from a slight lowering job, fooled many unsuspecting people. They are getting quite rare over here now, definately more of the later 60s ones about, not so many earlier 50s ones though. Mine shared the same body as a Commer Cob,was basically a badge engineered Husky. I will resize some pics later and load them up for you too see. Paul.
This one has been doing the race/show scene for a couple of seasons over here. Its superb. I think (but don't quote me, I can't remember the details now ) it runs a small block. Definately a v8 though.
As someone said before - these cars are supposed to be very similar underneath to a Sunbeam Tiger. The 302 Ford may well be an easier transplant than you think. Worth considering before you hack the floor out!
Man, I REALLY dig that little wagon! Especially the stock Mustang shifter, that's slick! And that's basically what I was going to suggest- crate SBF with a new rack in the front. You could subframe it and put a solid front under it if you want the whole '70s street freak look and to have it handle like a tractor but I guarantee you'll have a hell of a lot more fun with it if you set it up as Mr. Lyle did.
ya ive seen that build and i love it! kinda basing some of my stuff on his car. Wensum Valley Rods, ya post pics when you can!
What I like about them is that they are so small you can put a normal tire on the back and it looks prosteeted.
that thing is just too cool! ha.[/quote] haha i know! i kinda wish mine was the year with those bubbled rear fenders
The Jalopy Journal
