353 Hillman Swallow Prototype (1964)
Hillman Swallow Prototype (1964) Engine 1250cc S4 OHV Production 1
HILLMAN SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623789458598...
Developed as a rear engined family car. in 1964, with a rear boot albeit a narrow one and a more spacious frony luggage compartment. The engine a newly developed 1200cc,
was transversely mounted in between the rear boot and the back seat. Front suspension is by McPherson struts with the rear more resembling the suspension of the Imp. The spark plugs were accessed from within the car, after the rear seat was removed. For the most, access to the engine wasn't bad at all, only unusual.
The styling does bear a passing resembleance to that of the later Hillman Hunter, and was overseen by Rex Fleming, The front mounted radiator made for quite an overhang and it was one of the reasons it didn't look very stylish. But it was roomy and had four doors.
The engine was designed by Coventry Climax and it was envisaged that engines of 1250cc, 1500 and 1750cc versions would be used in the production model.
But by now Rootes were feeling the financial fall out from the Linwood Plant and profitability of the Imp was below expectations, more importantly Ford had announced their Cortina which was a game changer in the mid-sized car sector. Rootes canned the Swallow project in November 1963 instead deciding to go with the smaller, cheaper Arrow project (which ran concurrently with the Swallow since late 1962)
But by now Pressed Steel had already built this one prototype, which first ran in 1964
Shot at The Coventry Transport Museum and Reserve Collection 18:05:2013 Ref: 91-353
353 Hillman Swallow Prototype (1964)
Hillman Swallow Prototype (1964) Engine 1250cc S4 OHV Production 1
HILLMAN SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623789458598...
Developed as a rear engined family car. in 1964, with a rear boot albeit a narrow one and a more spacious frony luggage compartment. The engine a newly developed 1200cc,
was transversely mounted in between the rear boot and the back seat. Front suspension is by McPherson struts with the rear more resembling the suspension of the Imp. The spark plugs were accessed from within the car, after the rear seat was removed. For the most, access to the engine wasn't bad at all, only unusual.
The styling does bear a passing resembleance to that of the later Hillman Hunter, and was overseen by Rex Fleming, The front mounted radiator made for quite an overhang and it was one of the reasons it didn't look very stylish. But it was roomy and had four doors.
The engine was designed by Coventry Climax and it was envisaged that engines of 1250cc, 1500 and 1750cc versions would be used in the production model.
But by now Rootes were feeling the financial fall out from the Linwood Plant and profitability of the Imp was below expectations, more importantly Ford had announced their Cortina which was a game changer in the mid-sized car sector. Rootes canned the Swallow project in November 1963 instead deciding to go with the smaller, cheaper Arrow project (which ran concurrently with the Swallow since late 1962)
But by now Pressed Steel had already built this one prototype, which first ran in 1964
Shot at The Coventry Transport Museum and Reserve Collection 18:05:2013 Ref: 91-353