Compromised Internals

Overview Specs Highlights Characteristics

Overview

The Hillman Avenger — later known as the Chrysler Avenger — was a small family saloon that unexpectedly carved out a respectable rally career during the 1970s. While not a factory-backed heavyweight in Europe’s WRC scene, it found consistent success in the British Rally Championship and in the Southern Hemisphere, especially Australia. With its strong construction, nimble handling, and ease of maintenance, the Avenger became a favorite among privateers and teams like the Chrysler Dealer Team. Its most famous ambassador was Andrew Cowan, who used it to dominate the Southern Cross Rally for several years in a row.

Technical Specs & Innovations

The Avenger wasn't groundbreaking in its engineering, but it proved to be a robust and responsive platform that adapted well to long-distance and rough-terrain rallies.

🏆 Competitive Highlights

1972–1976 Southern Cross Rally (Australia): Multiple consecutive wins by Andrew Cowan cemented the Avenger’s place in rally lore.
British Rally Championship events: Regular top finishes, especially on gravel and mixed-surface stages.
Global presence: The Avenger was rallied across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South America, becoming a versatile international contender.

The Avenger punched well above its weight — especially in endurance events where reliability and handling counted as much as horsepower.

Driving Characteristics

The Avenger offered light steering, good chassis feedback, and dependable traction on loose surfaces. Its short wheelbase made it agile through tight corners, while the robust suspension setup helped it handle rougher terrain without breaking rhythm. Drivers appreciated its predictability and ease of setup.

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Hillman Avenger (Chrysler Avenger)