end of australian car manufacturing

venice532

Gold forum user
CAT Member
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461
This is a bummer of an article, I didn't realize that Rootes built some cars in Australia.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/a...o-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

"Chrysler also became a significant contender before it sold out to Mitsubishi. And given Australia’s strong cultural links to the nation that colonized it, British cars were also popular — though they never challenged American cars on the sales charts.

The Rootes Group of Britain made Hillmans and Humbers in Melbourne until that operation was absorbed by Chrysler. The British Motor Corporation fielded Austin and Morris automobiles."


Bob J.
 

michael-king

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CAT Member
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4,132
Yes the port Melbourne factory was quite busy. We also spawned unique Australian models oh Hillman's and Humber's generally with avmire sporting edge .. Alloy headed variants to compete in local production touring car racing.

One of our forum members might chime in.. He has been interviewing ex Rootes Australia employees
 

moonstone SIV

Bronze forum user
Messages
29
Oh...yeah....that'd be me.

Makes a nice change from having to explain the circumstances behind the worlds most over exposed Turquoise SV Alpine huh...

Rootes started producing cars here just prior to WW2 from UK sourced CKD packs. Local production included the Hillman Minx, Super Minx, Husky, and Imp, Humber Snipe and Hawk, Singer Gazelle and Commer and Karrier trucks. Sunbeam Talbots, Alpines, Rapiers and the early Humber Sceptres could all be ordered but arrived fully imported. Pretty sure you could order a Tiger the same way.

Australia only models included the Humber Vogue Sports, (SIV Rapier drivetrain in a Singer Vogue body), and the Hillman Gazelle, (SV Rapier drivetrain in a Singer Gazelle body). By mid 1967 it was all over with the arrival of Chrysler Australia, the introduction of the Hillman Hunter and it went steadily down hill from there. Sigh......
 
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