Hillman Husky
| Company type | Car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Hillman Minx "Mark VIII" estate (related) |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Defunct | 1970 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Compact estate car |
Original Hillman Husky ("Mark 1")
Launched in 1954, the initial Hillman Husky was a compact two-door estate derived from the "Mark VIII" Hillman Minx. It featured a wheelbase shorter than the Minx estate and utilized a single side-hinged rear door instead of a hatchback design. While the Mark VIII Minx introduced a new OHV engine, the Husky retained the older sidevalve unit producing , which was also used in the Minx "Special" variants. Unlike the Minx’s column-mounted gear selector, the Husky employed a floor-mounted gearshift.
Inside, the vehicle came with separate front seats and a rear bench seat that folded flat to increase cargo volume, all trimmed in leathercloth. Options included heater and radio. The 1954 color palette comprised blue, grey, green, and sand tones.
Around 42,000 examples were sold before this model was discontinued in 1958, a year following the Minx's redesign.
The Motor magazine’s 1954 test recorded a maximum speed of , acceleration from 0- in 24.3 seconds, and fuel efficiency of . The tested model cost £564 including taxes.
Series I
Debuting in 1958, the "Series I" Husky was based on the contemporary Hillman Minx "Audax" platform. It came equipped with a 1390 cc overhead-valve engine tuned down to 51 hp and maintained the two-door layout with a side-hinged rear door. Its wheelbase was shortened by 8 inches relative to the Minx estate but measured 2 inches longer than its predecessor. Commer offered a panel van version marketed as the Commer Cob.
Series II
The 1960 "Series II" Husky introduced a four-speed transmission, lowered roofline, deeper windscreen, and redesigned seats. Engine compression rose to 8:1 paired with a Zenith 30 VIG carburettor. Performance testing indicated a top speed of 73.4 mph, 0-60 mph acceleration in 26.9 seconds, and fuel consumption of 30.8 mpg (imperial). The retail price stood at £674 including taxes.
Series III
Released in 1963 alongside an update to the Minx range, the "Series III" Husky received refreshed body styling but retained larger 15-inch wheels to maintain ground clearance and continued using four-wheel drum brakes rather than switching to disc brakes as found on the Minx. The standard powerplant remained the 1390 cc unit except for models sold in the U.S., which employed a larger 1592 cc engine. Starting in 1964, an all-synchromesh gearbox was introduced along with clutch and suspension enhancements before production concluded in 1965.
Hillman Imp van derivative
No Huskys were produced again until April 1967 when a new version based on the Hillman Imp was launched. This iteration shared the Imp’s rear-mounted overhead camshaft engine, delivering somewhat improved performance due to its approximately lighter weight. The same engine was also utilized by the Bond 875.
The "Imp estate" preserved the two-door configuration but featured a roof raised by 4 inches (100 mm) to provide ample cargo space above the engine compartment, resulting in a distinctive boxy appearance. The flat roof incorporated stiffening ribs and was lined internally with synthetic foam for sound insulation. Compared with Commer’s panel van variant, this Husky had extra reinforcement around the rear window openings.
Loading access was made easier by a vertical top-hinged rear tailgate opening at floor level for convenient cargo handling. Sliding rear windows allowed ventilation and rear-seat visibility. The rear bench seat squab folded forward to create a flat loading surface with ribbed rubber covering, offering of cargo capacity. To accommodate heavier loads, this marked Hillman’s first derivative fitted with radial-ply tyres, upgraded rear shock absorbers, reinforced rear springs, and strengthened suspension—providing sportier handling despite its taller stance compared to the standard Imp.
From 1965, Commer sold a commercial van version of this vehicle equipped with a low-compression engine variant.
Production of the Hillman Husky ended in 1970 when new owner Chrysler Europe undertook extensive product rationalisation across Rootes Group models.
Scale models
- The Hillman Husky "Mk I" was replicated by Corgi Toys as model No. 206, produced between 1956 and 1960, featuring an approximate O scale ratio of 1:44.
- Another version, the Hillman Husky "Mk I" with friction drive, was released by Corgi Toys as model No. 206M from 1956 to 1959, also at O scale (1:44).