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If you owned a Hillman Avenger 1500 GLS back in 1973, it was obvious you were the kind of person who was ‘going places’. The quad headlamps and the vinyl roof denoted Bognor Regis’s answer to “The Jet Set” while owners of lesser Escorts, Toledos and Vivas stared in amazement at the Ro-Style wheels.

Chrysler UK introduced the GLS in late 1972 as a successor to the original Avenger GT. Motor thought it would ‘appeal to those drivers who want a refined, comfortable car that is well-mannered and not too big’. Today Robert Nutter owns one of the very few examples left on the road – ‘I had an Avenger GLS in the same colour (Metallic Violet) back in the 70s, and it has always been my favourite car. Very few were made as this colour was specific for the GLS model only, and only one year (the 1973 model - 1,500cc) Most including, that one, had the matching mauve interior'.

And so Robert looked for another GLS in that same colour ‘for nearly 25 years before finding the current one in 2013. I believe it to be the only one remaining in this colour in the UK (there are a couple in New Zealand though). The current car had been hidden away in a garage since 1991. It was very original but quite tatty so has needed a complete restoration’.

WER 742 L now receives ‘a great reaction from most people who in general really love the colour, and the GLS is the most desirable model, Tiger apart - and I have one of those as well’. This almost legendary vehicle debuted in March 1972 and Chrysler informed the potential customer that here was ‘the hottest Avenger yet’. 

The Tiger was the creation of Des O’Dell, who was in charge of the firm’s Competitions Department. Ryton ordered an initial run of 150 cars, all of which would add lustre to the Avenger range. The new model was derived from the Super (rather than the more expensive GL) and sported a 107bhp 1.5-litre engine with twin Weber carburettors. The suspension was uprated, and the specification included two driving lamps, two fog lamps, Minilite alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler,. Inside there was a tachometer mounted atop the dashboard and “Restall” front bucket seats. As for the colour choice – any shade you wished, so long as it was Sundance Yellow.

The top speed of the Tiger was 108mph, with 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds. It also offered 7bhp more than a Ford Escort Mexico, as your friendly Chrysler dealer would probably have told you. The Competitions Department produced approximately 200 examples, and from October 1972 onwards Series II featured the GLS four headlamps, a matt black bonnet and even a second colour option – Wardance Red.

Chrysler made some 400 Tiger IIs, but any version is now a more exclusive sight than your average Bentley Flying Spur. Robert has owned his early model for 14 years – ‘it is a very genuine car and by far the lowest mileage one known to the club.’  And both Avengers are reminders of the many joys of the last car designed by the Rootes Group.

WITH THANK TO: ROBERT NUTTER AND THE AVENGER SUNBEAM OWNERS’ CLUB

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