Hillman 20
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1907 |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Parent | Rootes Group |
The Hillman Wizard 75, Hillman Twenty 70, Hillman Hawk, along with their extended wheelbase versions, the Hillman Seven Seater and Hillman 80, comprised a range of mid-priced executive automobiles from the 1930s. These vehicles, rated at 20 horsepower (RAC), accommodated between five and seven passengers and were manufactured by Hillman.
During a period when car bodies and chassis were built separately, Hillman offered its 20 horsepower chassis in three unique body styles over a span of five years. These models were sold under five different names, including the long wheelbase editions. Similar chassis and body configurations were also utilized for Hillman's 16 horsepower variants; however, the smaller engine was not available in the extended wheelbase versions.
Towards the end of the 1930s, the Rootes brothers rebranded these models under the Humber Snipe badge.
1931: Introducing a completely redesigned Hillman
Conceived by the Rootes brothers to enhance export opportunities and compete with American automobiles, the Hillman Wizard debuted in April 1931 as "a completely new Hillman." Alongside it, a smaller 16 horsepower variant was aimed primarily at the UK market where lower power sufficed. This marked only Hillman’s second six-cylinder offering since the 1907 Hillman 40, which featured a 9.7L engine. Notable characteristics included a pressed steel body, silent third gear mechanism, front and rear bumpers, chromium-plated fittings, and draught-free ventilation.
The six-cylinder powerplant employed side-by-side valves actuated by a gear-driven camshaft, steel-skirted pistons paired with aluminum cylinder heads, and a crankshaft supported by four main bearings. Enhancements to carburation addressed previous shortcomings by integrating an engine-exhaust-heated hot-spot system.
The chassis incorporated five cross members to ensure structural strength, an H-section front axle engineered to resist torsional forces, and Bendix Duo-Servo brakes on all four wheels featuring 11-inch drums. Suspension utilized half-elliptical leaf springs coupled with hydraulic shock absorbers. Steering was managed through a worm and nut mechanism. Standard wheels were of artillery style, while wire wheels and sunshine roofs were offered as extras.
Headlamps included dip-and-switch capabilities.
A road test conducted in 1931 highlighted the vehicle’s comfortable seating for five occupants, broad field of vision, smooth and quiet engine operation capable of reaching up to 65 mph, effective braking performance (except when reversing), and light yet stable steering. Equipment featured a safety glass windscreen with a single electric wiper, stoplight, luggage grid, and spare wheel mounted on the front wing.
In January 1932, a de luxe edition was introduced featuring new color options, a rear luggage trunk, walnut dashboard and window surrounds, special hide upholstery, deluxe carpeting and headlining with parcel netting, indirect lighting for instruments, an enlarged steering wheel, double-barred bumpers, and three ashtrays.
March 1933 saw the addition of "Cyclonic Induction" to the Wizard’s carburetor system aimed at increasing power output. A review in July 1933 of the four-light deluxe sports saloon version reported a top speed of 70 mph achievable without ideal conditions and commended its acceleration and refinement relative to similarly sized transatlantic competitors.
By September 1933, Hillman announced that the Wizard would be succeeded by the Hillman 20/70 model featuring all-steel bodies and electric direction indicators.
1934 Updated Body
Due to the Wizard's disappointing sales figures, the expenses for Pressed Steel's tooling were transferred to the newly introduced Twenty 70 model. While the body largely retained its previous form, it incorporated refreshed elements such as redesigned grilles, wings, and a modified rear valance.
Launched in September 1933, the all-steel Twenty 70 showcased a more aerodynamic silhouette, featuring an elongated, outswept tail with long skirts that replaced the earlier D-shaped design. The front seating arrangement consisted of individual seats except in the Family saloon variant, which offered a three-seat bench. Triplex safety glass was fitted as standard throughout the vehicle. Equipment highlights included twin windscreen wipers, an interior roof lamp, a rear window blind controlled by the driver, door locks, a driving mirror, and uniquely styled bumpers. The deluxe saloons were further enhanced with amenities such as a sunroof, ashtrays, cigar lighter, overhead parcel netting, pillar handles, and a rear luggage rack.
The radiator grille was angled backward to align with the car’s streamlined bodywork, featuring chromium-plated shutters regulated by a thermostat. Electric turn indicators were integrated into the body sides and operated via controls on the steering wheel; these also featured an automatic canceling mechanism. Each saloon came equipped with a wireless aerial, while a Philco Transitone radio was available as an optional extra. The Hillman range of smaller vehicles was complemented by the introduction of the Melody Minx.
Beyond saloon models, the lineup included a sports saloon, a four-seat drophead coupé, and a five-passenger open tourer. The Seven Seater variant offered an extended wheelbase and came in saloon, limousine, or landaulette forms—all fitted with occasional rear seats; notably, the limousine version was suitable for use as a funeral vehicle.
Mechanically akin to the Wizard’s chassis, this model featured an engine mounted using Cushioned Power technology—flexible rubber mountings positioned at three points supporting the engine, clutch, and gearbox assembly. The four-speed transmission incorporated synchromesh on third and top gears along with a freewheel mechanism—except on the base "Family" model—which could be locked via dashboard controls. An optional Startix automatic starter system was also offered.
A road test conducted by The Times on the Seven Seater limousine (equipped with a smaller engine and lower axle ratio) reported comfortable handling with responsive controls and precise steering. The vehicle could reach speeds up to 70 mph (113 km/h). However, it was observed that the rear springs were overly stiff when unladen and might benefit from adjustable damping. Overall, the car was commended as "a remarkable job for the money."
1935
For 1935 models, changes included a radiator shell painted to match the vehicle body color, relocation of the radiator filler cap beneath the bonnet, and addition of a chromium-plated emblem above the bonnet. A thermostatically controlled cut-out valve ensured that engine coolant circulated to the radiator only after the engine had reached optimal operating temperature.
In road tests conducted by The Times, the 1935 sports saloon received praise for its engine performance and noted speed capabilities. The braking system required minimal pedal effort but exhibited some grabbing tendencies that affected steering—possibly attributable to that specific test car. The synchromesh gearbox functioned smoothly throughout testing. The vehicle’s compact build was emphasized, weighing approximately 29½ cwt (around 1,500 kg).
Despite promotional efforts led by William Rootes and his sales team, both the Twenty 70 and 16 models struggled to achieve strong market success as consumers continued to associate them with the earlier Wizard series.
1936: Redesigned body and enhanced 20 horsepower engine
In October 1935, Hillman unveiled the Hawk, a new streamlined body style. The chassis was developed under the guidance of William Haynes and Alec Issigonis. The all-steel semi-monocoque body, produced by Thrupp & Maberly—London-based coachbuilders owned by the Rootes Group—featured an integrated spare wheel in the rear and sleek contours extending from the radiator to the trunk. A single-piece sloping windscreen, which could be opened to improve visibility in fog, completed the design.
The Hawk’s Superpower engine saw a 13% increase in displacement, growing from 2810 cc to 3181 cc by extending the stroke length by 14 mm. This adjustment did not affect the British tax classification, as stroke length is excluded from calculations. Engine enhancements included hardened steel valve seats that were replaceable and upgraded steel-backed main bearings. The dashboard incorporated a rheostat switch for adjustable lighting control.
| Key advancements in the chassis featured Rootes Group’s Evenkeel independent front suspension utilizing transverse leaf springs, which improved handling, steering precision, and ride comfort. The track width expanded from 56 in (1,422 mm) to 58 in (1,473 mm) at the front and 59.5 in (1,511 mm) at the rear.
To support the independent suspension system, the chassis frame was strengthened: traditional channel section members were replaced with box section members, resulting in a frame promoted as "seven times stronger." Longitudinal members were converted into box girders supported by four cross-members also constructed from box sections. |
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The highest specification Hawk was the Wingham convertible cabriolet priced at £435, compared to £295 for the family saloon model. A review in The Times highlighted its versatile five-seat layout combined with a driver-operated folding roof and four-door windows. The spare wheel was mounted horizontally inside the boot, which limited luggage capacity despite a fold-out platform attached to the boot lid. The vehicle was commended for its quietness during operation; testers felt confident cruising comfortably at 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) and capable of reaching speeds up to 75 miles per hour (121 km/h) without strain. After testing, production modifications included polishing of front spring leaves to enhance smoothness at low speeds. |
1937
The models remained unchanged mechanically; however, there were notable price reductions. A new Safety saloon equipped with Triplex safety glass replaced the previous Family saloon variant. These cars were heavily promoted with endorsements from His Majesty's War Office, Royal Air Force, and various police and public service organizations both domestically and internationally.
During a test drive of the 80 enclosed limousine by The Times, it was praised for its well-balanced and smooth-running engine aided by rubber mounting, described as lively yet quiet and refined. The vehicle was capable of achieving top gear speeds comfortably.
1938: Introduction of Humber Snipe
At the October 1937 Earls Court Motor Show, what had been known as the Hawk was rebranded as the Humber Snipe. Simultaneously, the Hillman Sixteen was renamed Humber Sixteen; both models were exhibited on Humber’s stand without additional promotional detail.
Production
Production figures estimate around 700 Hillman "16"s manufactured between 1936 and 1937, approximately 5,000 Hillman "Hawk"s during the same timeframe, and about 300 Hillman "80"s produced from 1936 to 1938. These vehicles were offered in standard and deluxe saloon versions, with some allocated to military, police, and government fleets. Limited editions of sports tourers, cabriolets, and coupes were also produced by coachbuilders Thrupp & Maberly and Wingham (Martin Walter).
Surviving Examples
Today, only a limited number of these vehicles remain within the United Kingdom. A portion of them was shipped overseas, particularly to Australia and New Zealand, where certain "Hawk" and "80" variants are still preserved.