Sunbeam 1300

Rootes Group

Industry	Automotive
Founded	1913 (1913)
Fate	Acquired by Chrysler Europe in 1967
Headquarters	Coventry , United Kingdom
Products	Automobiles, including Hillman Avenger

The Hillman Avenger is a subcompact automobile designed to accommodate five passengers, featuring a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. Developed and produced by the Rootes Group in the United Kingdom, it was available worldwide from 1970 to 1978 in both two- and four-door sedan variants as well as a five-door estate model.

As an innovative design, the Avenger emphasized cost-effective engineering solutions—offering four doors, seating positioned at chair height, a four-link coil spring rear suspension, and unique J-shaped "hockey stick" rear light clusters.

The concept originated in 1963, with Design Director Roy Axe receiving his styling instructions in 1965; while engineering work commenced in 1966. Notably, it was one of the earliest vehicles to utilize computer-aided design (CAD) techniques for its unibody frame, integrating safety elements such as a reinforced passenger compartment with front crumple zones and a padded dashboard.

Production started at Rootes’ Ryton-on-Dunsmore facility near Coventry following an £8 million upgrade, with body shells supplied from Linwood, Scotland, and engines manufactured in Stoke; by 1976, full assembly was transferred to Linwood.

Rootes sold the model under the Hillman Avenger badge between 1970 and 1975. After Chrysler Europe acquired Rootes, the vehicle was rebranded as the Chrysler Avenger from 1976 until 1978. Subsequently, following PSA Peugeot Citroën’s takeover of Chrysler Europe, it was marketed as the Talbot Avenger from 1979 through 1981.

The Avenger also gave rise to several internationally badge-engineered versions, including North America’s Plymouth Cricket (1971–1973), Brazil’s Dodge 1800 and later Dodge Polara under Chrysler Brazil, and Argentina’s VW 1800 produced by Volkswagen Argentina.

Although based on traditional mechanical architecture, the Avenger enjoyed notable motorsport achievements—clinching victory at the Press-on-Regardless Rally (as Plymouth Cricket) in 1971; securing British Group 1 Rally Championships in both 1975 and 1976; winning multiple British Saloon Car Championships; and triumphing at the Rally of New Zealand in 1976.

Upon its release, the Avenger became a crucial element of Rootes’ lineup, with UK production numbers reaching nearly 790,000 units by the end of its run in 1981. Despite its popularity in Britain throughout the 1970s, fewer than 260 examples remained registered there by 2016.

1970: Hillman Avenger

Launched in February 1970, the Avenger represented both the first and final model developed by Rootes following Chrysler’s acquisition in 1967. Its styling combined traditional three-box and two-box forms with an American-inspired "Coke Bottle" waistline and a semi-fastback rear profile; later on, a station wagon version was introduced.

Constructed with unibody architecture, it featured a four-cylinder all-iron overhead valve engine available in either 1250 cc or 1500 cc displacements, powering a live rear axle suspended by coil springs. The car earned praise for its handling characteristics and overall driving capability.

Initially offered exclusively as a four-door saloon across DL, Super, and GL trim levels with both engine sizes available. The DL trim included rubber floor mats and a basic dashboard; Super added enhancements such as carpeting, armrests, dual horns, and reversing lights; while GL models boasted four round headlights, an internal bonnet release mechanism, two-speed windshield wipers, brushed nylon upholstery with reclining front seats, plus additional instrumentation. To reduce costs during its first two years on sale, only the curb side displayed the Avenger badge.

Both engine and transmission were specifically engineered for this model. The front grille was made from plastic—the first of its kind in Britain—and measured approximately 4 ft 6 in wide, reportedly making it Europe’s largest mass-produced plastic automotive component at that time. Throughout the 1970s, the Avenger maintained steady sales figures competing alongside rivals like the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Viva. Chrysler also promoted it internationally, including an unsuccessful attempt to market it as the Plymouth Cricket within the United States.

Variations in Body and Trim

The Avenger GT debuted in October 1970, equipped with a twin-carburettor 1500 cc engine and offered with either a four-speed manual gearbox or an optional three-speed automatic transmission, the latter also available on other 1500 variants. Distinctive features of the GT included dual round headlights, door striping, and "dustbin lid" style wheel covers reminiscent of those found on 1970s Datsun and Toyota models.

In February 1972, a basic fleet version was introduced, available with both engine sizes (the 1500 model offering an automatic option). This version was stripped down to essentials, featuring only a driver’s sun visor and a single-speed heater blower. By October 1972, the Avenger GT was succeeded by the Avenger GLS, which added enhancements such as a vinyl roof and Rostyle sports wheels.

March 1972 marked the arrival of five-door estate models in DL and Super trims, available with both engine displacements. These estates maintained the specifications of their saloon counterparts but incorporated reinforced springs to support a maximum payload of 1040 lb, compared to 840 lb for the saloon versions.

Additionally, a two-door saloon variant was launched in March 1973 across all engine and trim categories.

In continental Europe, the car was heavily marketed under the Sunbeam or Sunbeam-Talbot names—known as Sunbeam 1250/1500 (later updated to 1300/1600) in France, while some northern European markets used the Sunbeam Avenger badge.

By October 1973, both engines were upgraded: the 1250 cc grew to 1300 cc, and the 1500 cc increased to 1600 cc. Most trim levels persisted except for the basic fleet model, which was discontinued. The automatic transmission was improved to a four-speed Borg Warner 45 unit, replacing the previous three-speed version. The GL and GT trims were offered with the new 1300 cc engine and two-door body style.

1972: Hillman Avenger Tiger

The Avenger Tiger, named as a nod to the Sunbeam Tiger, originated as a publicity project by Chrysler Competitions Centre under Des O'Dell and was launched in March 1972. It featured a tuned 1500 GT engine equipped with an enhanced cylinder head, larger valves, twin Weber carburetors, and a compression ratio of 9.4:1, delivering at 6,100 rpm. Suspension components were upgraded while brakes, rear axle, and gearbox remained shared with the GT model.

Standard equipment included a striking yellow "Sundance" paint finish, bonnet bulge, rear spoiler, side graphics, and "Avenger Tiger" decals on the rear quarters.

Performance evaluations recorded acceleration from 0–60 mph in 8.9 seconds with a top speed surpassing , outperforming competitors such as the Ford Escort Mexico, albeit with relatively high fuel consumption. Approximately 200 Mark 1 units were assembled by the Chrysler Competitions Centre.

In October 1972, a more production-ready Mark 2 Tiger model was released using the Avenger GL body shell featuring four round headlights. Mechanically similar but offering improved performance and fuel economy, it replaced the bonnet bulge with a matt black bonnet and introduced updated wheels and seating. Priced at £1,350, around 400 units were produced. New paint options included red ("Wardance") and yellow ("Sundance") with black trim accents.

1976–1979: Chrysler Avenger

In September 1976, the Avenger underwent rebadging as a Chrysler model accompanied by an extensive facelift that introduced a redesigned front end and dashboard inspired by the Chrysler Alpine. The rear saloons abandoned their signature "hockey-stick" tail lamps in favor of a continuous straight "light-bar," while metal panels covered previous lamp locations. Additionally, the fuel filler cap was relocated from the rear to the right-hand side.

Available trim levels comprised LS, GL (marketed as 'Super' in select markets), and GLS—the latter exclusively paired with a high-compression 1.6 L engine.

Throughout its production starting in 1970, body shells were manufactured at Linwood before being transported to Ryton for final assembly. Following the discontinuation of the Hillman Imp in 1976, production of the Avenger moved entirely to Linwood until UK manufacturing ceased. Subsequently, Ryton shifted focus to producing the Simca-based Chrysler Alpine and later the Talbot Solara models.

1977: Launch of the Chrysler Sunbeam Hatchback

In 1977, Chrysler unveiled the Sunbeam hatchback, which utilized a shortened version of the Avenger's chassis to enter the supermini category. This model shared its doors with the two-door Avenger and was initially equipped with three engine options: a 928 cc unit derived from the Hillman Imp, alongside 1300 and 1600 cc engines borrowed from the Avenger. Shortly thereafter, a sportier "Ti" variant featuring the 1600 cc engine was introduced.

The Sunbeam nameplate marked the revival of the Rootes brand, which had recently been discontinued along with its last Sunbeam model, the Rapier.

At the 1979 Geneva Motor Show, Chrysler presented the Sunbeam Lotus, developed in collaboration with Lotus for rally competition. This version was powered by a 2200 cc Lotus engine. Following Peugeot’s acquisition of Chrysler Europe, the production road car was launched as the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. Early editions showcased Lotus’ tobacco-sponsored black and silver paint scheme, while later models adopted a turquoise and silver color combination.

1979–1981: Talbot Avenger

Following the dissolution of Chrysler Europe in 1978 and its subsequent acquisition by PSA Peugeot Citroën, the Avenger was rebranded under Talbot. It continued production alongside the hatchback-only Horizon to satisfy market demand for conventional saloons and estate cars. Unlike newer Talbot vehicles such as the Horizon, the Avenger retained Chrysler’s "Pentastar" emblem because Chrysler retained ownership rights to this particular model; PSA only acquired rights to Simca-based cars like the Alpine and Horizon.

In Autumn 1980, the Sunbeam underwent a minor update featuring revised headlights and a grille adorned with Talbot’s circular logo. Production ended in mid-1981 when PSA shut down the Linwood factory and centralized British manufacturing at Ryton. The Avenger was discontinued without a direct successor; instead, its market segment was covered by PSA’s Peugeot 305 and the slightly larger Talbot Solara.

Chrysler maintained ownership of the "Avenger" trademark, later applying it to the Dodge Avenger (produced from 2007 to 2014) and to Jeep’s first electric vehicle introduced in Australia in 2024.

Global Production

Globally, Chrysler marketed and occasionally assembled the Avenger through its international subsidiaries. In the United States, it was sold under the Plymouth brand. In South Africa, similar to the larger locally assembled Hunter model, Avengers were equipped with Peugeot engines and branded as Dodges rather than Hillmans. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, assembly was carried out from CKD kits with initial offerings including a four-door version followed later by a five-door estate.

United States

During the early 1970s, Chrysler Corporation repeatedly announced intentions to develop a small domestic car aimed at competing with models like the Chevrolet Vega, Ford Pinto, and AMC Gremlin. This initiative, known as Project R-429, experienced multiple delays before coming to fruition.

In parallel, after increasing its stake in Simca to 77% in 1963 and gaining control of Rootes Group by mid-1964, Chrysler marketed several Simca and Rootes vehicles—including the Simca 1204 and Sunbeam Arrow—through its Simca-Rootes Division established in 1966. This division operated with approximately 850 dealers selling four Simca models and about 400 dealers offering four Rootes models. Despite these efforts, sales underperformed, prompting Chrysler in late 1969 to announce that Rootes and Simca products would be distributed through its Chrysler-Plymouth Division instead.

Launch

The Ryton plant located in Coventry manufactured and shipped a rebranded Hillman Avenger to the North American markets under the name Plymouth Cricket for the 1971 model year. Initially available as a 4-door sedan, it was later expanded to include a 5-door station wagon for MY 1972. Distributed through Plymouth dealerships, both the Cricket and the concurrently sold Dodge Colt served as temporary offerings until Chrysler could introduce a small car produced domestically.

A Plymouth announcement dated June 30, 1970, revealed plans for the Cricket’s official launch in November 1970, with an initial batch of 280 units arriving in the United States on November 20, 1970. Sales officially commenced on January 20, 1971. The Cricket’s marketing utilized a playful font and mascot, accompanied by the slogan The Little Car That Can, Chirp, Chirp, embodying the lighthearted promotional style common among compact cars such as the Volkswagen Beetle and AMC Gremlin.

Regulatory Compliance

In order to satisfy US DOT regulations, Rootes adapted the Avenger by installing side marker lights, head restraints, and round headlights sourced from GL and GT variants. For the 1972 model year, additional features included a seat-belt warning indicator and rubber-capped bumper guards designed to comply with impact safety standards.

Specifications

The Cricket maintained the Avenger’s 1500 cc overhead camshaft engine delivering 70 gross horsepower, with compression reduced from 9.2 to 8.0:1. It came equipped with a fully synchronized four-speed manual gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering, front disc brakes measuring 9.5 inches, rear drum brakes of 8 inches, radial tires, MacPherson strut front suspension, and a four-link live rear axle supported by coil springs with front anti-roll bars. The vehicle’s design prioritized straightforward maintenance.

With a base price of $1915 in 1971, standard equipment included seating at chair height, pivoting front vent windows, rear windows capable of full lowering, flow-through ventilation aided by rear pillar extractors, recessed door handles on the exterior, radial tires, power-assisted front disc brakes, child safety locks on rear doors, trunk space around 12–14 cubic feet, padded dashboard surface, two-speed ventilation fan, impact-absorbing steering wheel, electro-dip corrosion protection treatment, acrylic enamel paint available in nine shades, bolt-on front fenders, and a tight turning circle measuring 31.75 feet.

Optional upgrades featured a three-speed automatic transmission priced at $178, air conditioning costing $338, a fully transistorized AM radio with an antenna mounted on the fender, whitewall tires, twin carburetors, and a Decor Package that included dual horns, center console with rear ashtray, illuminated and lockable glove box, cigarette lighter, oil pressure and alternator gauges, storage pockets on front doors, day/night adjustable mirror, rear seat armrests, color-matched carpeting along with window chrome trim. Upholstery choices encompassed blue, olive green, tan, vellum fabric and black. From 1972 onwards, options also offered combinations of single carburetor with automatic choke and air conditioning.

Station Wagon

On February 23, 1972, a press release announced the upcoming introduction of a station wagon version scheduled for early spring that year and officially presented at the 1972 Chicago Auto Show.

This wagon was powered by a 70bhp engine featuring an increased compression ratio of 8.5:1 coupled with dual carburetors. It offered three different rear seat arrangements allowing configurations for passenger seating, cargo loading or an extended sleeping area measuring 80 inches in length. Additional features included a counterbalanced tailgate at the rear; a liftover height of 24 inches; cargo capacity totaling approximately 60 cubic feet; and an overall length exceeding that of the sedans by four inches. The spare tire was stored beneath the rear load floor externally to the vehicle and could be lowered using a hex nut mechanism.

Yearly revisions

In the 1971 model year, an optional twin-carburetor setup was introduced on August 23, boosting the four-cylinder engine's output by 15 horsepower, while the base engine was upgraded with an automatic choke feature.

The Cricket's production spanned just two full model years, 1971 and 1972. Although Chrysler released promotional materials for 1973 Crickets, no units were imported after January 1, 1973; the vehicles marketed as 1973 models actually bore 1972 VINs.

Market performance and feedback

The Cricket offered several advantages such as a multi-link rear suspension, commendable ride quality and handling, a practical four-door layout, standard radial tires, elevated seating for comfort, effective ventilation, safety equipment, and fuel efficiency competitive with rivals like the Volkswagen Beetle, Chevrolet Vega, Ford Pinto, and AMC Gremlin. Despite these qualities, it was criticized for its reliability issues and limited dealer support. Over two years, total sales reached approximately 41,000 units—about half of what was anticipated. In 1971 alone, Plymouth sold 27,682 Crickets compared to Chevrolet’s 275,000 Vegas and Ford’s 352,000 Pintos. Sales for the combined 1972-73 period amounted to 13,882.

Due to sluggish sales and fierce competition, Chrysler concluded that redesigning the Cricket to comply with the stricter safety and emissions regulations of 1974 in the U.S. would not be financially viable. The model was discontinued after dealers cleared out remaining 1972 inventory early in 1973—just before the fuel crisis dramatically increased demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Chrysler’s limited presence in the economy car segment contributed to a record $170 million loss by 1974.

Chrysler’s approach to introducing the Cricket in the American market was inadequate. Although advertising claimed extensive global testing—from Norway’s frigid climates to Spain’s heat—the company launched the vehicle without thorough U.S.-specific road and environmental assessments. A December 1970 test by Car and Driver resulted in a reviewer being stranded on the roadside; meanwhile, Consumer Reports recommended opting for a Plymouth Valiant instead. Noted deficiencies included the Stromberg carburetor system and Lucas electrical components; corrosion problems emerged after replacing traditional undercoating with an electrolyzed paint process; additionally, the vehicle’s MSRP was close to that of Plymouth Dart/Valiant models.

Complications arose from dealership arrangements. In 1966, Chrysler established a separate Simca-Rootes Division with exclusive dealerships dedicated to Simca imports but excluded the Cricket from these outlets, asserting it was not a Rootes product. Dealers successfully litigated to have Chrysler distribute Crickets through their existing Plymouth channels. Subsequently, Chrysler disbanded the Simca-Rootes Division and confined captive imports exclusively to Plymouth dealerships. Confusingly, during the 1971 model year Chrysler continued selling the Simca 1204 alongside the Cricket through Plymouth dealers.

At the same time, Chrysler executives publicly expressed skepticism toward subcompact cars. Chairman Lynn A. Townsend remarked that subcompacts were "too small" and believed American consumers would reject them due to compromised comfort levels. This viewpoint hindered efforts to promote models like the Colt and Cricket amidst intensifying competition from Chevrolet Vega and Ford Pinto. Chrysler postponed developing its own subcompact until officially entering this segment in 1978 with the Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon pair.

Canada

Alongside U.S. exports starting in late 1970, the Cricket was also introduced into Canada but discontinued in 1973 due to poor sales and perceptions of substandard build quality and performance. Nevertheless, Chrysler Canada retained the Cricket name when it replaced the rebadged Avenger with the Mitsubishi Galant, marketed in the U.S. as the Dodge Colt. A sportier GT version was sold under the name Plymouth Cricket Formula S.

For model year 1975, Canadian Plymouth Crickets were rebranded as Plymouth Colts—essentially rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles—reflecting Chrysler’s Canadian strategy of marketing Mitsubishi products under both Dodge and Plymouth badges; for example, the 1975 Lancer Celeste hatchback appeared as the Dodge Arrow in Canada.

Denmark and Europe

In Denmark, the available variants included:

• 1300 (offered as 2-door, 4-door saloon, and 5-door estate)
• 1300 GL (same body configurations)
• 1600 GL (same body configurations)
• 1600 GLS (available as 4-door saloon and 5-door estate)
• 1600 GT (offered in 2-door and 4-door saloon forms)

Following their discontinuation in the UK in 1979, some two-door models were occasionally re-exported there. However, the Hillman Avenger name was abandoned; instead, these vehicles carried the Sunbeam badge accompanied by engine displacement and trim designation (for example, Sunbeam 1600 GLS).

Throughout most European countries, the Sunbeam branding was adopted except in the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain.

Argentina

The Avenger was manufactured in Argentina from 1971 until 1990, initially marketed as the Dodge 1500 (or Dodge 1500M with a 1.8L engine) four-door sedan. Production was handled by Chrysler Fevre Argentina until Volkswagen took over the company in 1980. Under Volkswagen Argentina’s management, manufacturing persisted until 1986 under the name Volkswagen 1500, followed by a collaboration with Autolatina from 1986 to 1989.

Production

Production of the Dodge 1500 commenced in August 1971 through Chrysler Fevre Argentina. In 1974, the sporty "GT90" model was introduced, equipped with a tuned 1500 cc engine generating 90 HP, complemented by features such as a sports exhaust system and twin carburettors. That same year saw the release of the "SP" edition, characterized by its orange paintwork and availability with both manual and automatic gearboxes.

A performance enhancement arrived in 1975 with the introduction of a 1.8L engine variant named the GT100, offered exclusively in blue with white stripes or black with gold accents. This model gained traction among racing enthusiasts and competed in the Turismo Competencia 2000 series.

By 1977, the Dodge 1500 GT-100 was equipped with an engine featuring two Stromberg carburettors and a high-performance manifold. Available only in dark blue or black with sporty striping, it played a significant role in driver Jorge Omar del Río’s TC2000 championship victories from 1980 to 1982.

In 1978, Chrysler launched the Dodge 1500 Rural station wagon, initially offered with multiple engine options but eventually limited to the 1.8L unit while keeping the "1500" designation.

Volkswagen acquired Chrysler’s remaining Argentinian assets early in 1980, including tooling for the Dodge 1500. Despite discontinuing Chrysler-branded models, production of this vehicle continued under Volkswagen as part of the "Serie W" lineup before being renamed Volkswagen 1500 in 1982—not to be confused with an earlier unrelated Volkswagen Type 3 model also identified as "1500."

Under Volkswagen’s stewardship, the car underwent a final facelift featuring a slanted front grille and replaced chrome components on rearview mirrors and door handles with black plastic versions. Production ceased in 1990 after nearly twenty years and more than 262,000 units sold. The model remained popular among taxi operators until regulatory changes phased them out by late 1998. It also preserved a strong presence in motorsport due to its early ’80s success in TC2000 racing events.

Technical Details

Variant	Engine	Output@rpm	Torque@rpm	0–100 km/h Acceleration	Top Speed	Gearbox	Fuel Efficiency
1.5 STD y SPL	1498 cc inline-4 8V OHV	72 hp at 5400 rpm	122 Nm at 3200 rpm	16 seconds	143.7 km/h	4-speed manual	8.8 km/l
1.5 SPL AT	1498 cc inline-4 8V OHV	72 hp at 5400 rpm	122 Nm at 3200 rpm	18 seconds	143.7 km/h	4-speed automatic	8 km/l
1.5 GT90	1498 cc inline-4 8V OHV	90 hp at 5600 rpm	135 Nm at 3800 rpm	13.6 seconds	156.6 km/h	4-speed manual	8 km/l
1.8 M	1798 cc inline-4 8V OHV	92 hp at 4900 rpm	160 Nm at 3400 rpm	14 seconds	157.5 km/h	4-speed manual	8.8 km/l
1.8 GT100	1798 cc inline-4 8V OHV	120 hp at 5300 rpm	165 Nm at 4200 rpm	11.5 seconds	169.8 km/h	4-speed manual	9.6 km/l

Brazil

Between 1973 and 1981, the Avenger was manufactured in Brazil as a two-door sedan, initially marketed under the name Dodge 1800 with an enlarged 1.8-liter engine derived from the original design. Its appearance notably differed from the British Avenger, showcasing distinct rear body styling, larger bumpers, a unique four-headlamp grille unlike other models, and conventional tail lights replacing the "hockeystick" design seen on the Hillman Avenger. The model was first unveiled at the São Paulo International Motor Show in November 1972.

In 1975, it became Brazil’s pioneer vehicle adapted to run on alcohol fuel, supporting national efforts to utilize sugar cane as an energy source.

The car was renamed Dodge Polara in 1976—a designation previously used for larger Dodge models in the U.S. and Argentina—and underwent a facelift in 1978 which incorporated Chrysler Avenger front-end styling and dashboard enhancements while maintaining uniquely Brazilian bumpers and tail light designs. GLS and GL trim levels were introduced in 1980, bringing the first factory-installed automatic transmission available in Brazilian-produced vehicles. A minor update followed before production ceased in 1981 due to Chrysler's withdrawal from the South American market.

After Chrysler’s exit, Volkswagen took over assembly of the Brazilian Avenger under license, labeling the final units (1980–81) as “Dodge 1500 made by Volkswagen Argentina,” identifiable by specific stickers or plates. In 1982, Volkswagen implemented its own facelift—similar to changes made in Argentina—and rebranded the model as the Volkswagen 1500.

New Zealand

From 1970 until 1980, Todd Motors offered the Avenger in New Zealand as four-door sedans and, beginning in 1975, five-door station wagons. Todd Motors operated assembly plants first in Petone and later Porirua, producing models from Chrysler Australia and Mitsubishi. Their production lines included various vehicles such as the Hillman Hunter, Chrysler Valiant, Chrysler Alpine, multiple Mitsubishi models, and the Datsun 180B, reflecting local contracts and market preferences.

Initially matching the UK specifications, New Zealand’s Avenger launched with a single 'Super' trim featuring a 1.5-liter single-carburettor engine paired with a manual transmission. In 1971, Todd introduced a distinctive sporty 'TC' variant equipped with a twin-carburettor setup on a 1.5-liter engine, complemented by unique interior finishes, a tachometer, side striping, and special paintwork—loosely inspired by the UK GT but fitted with locally produced pressed aluminium wheel trims instead of 'Rostyle' wheels.

The 'TC' model was replaced in 1973 by the more upscale Avenger Alpine, based on the UK 'GL' specification, which included quad headlights, enhanced interior trim, twin carburettors, vinyl roof covering, and an upgraded engine displacement increased to 1.6 liters that same year. The Alpine also marked the introduction of an automatic transmission option. Concurrently, the Super sedan received upgrades including the larger engine and an automatic gearbox choice. Responding to fuel shortages in 1975, Todd expanded their lineup with new 1.3-liter variants alongside manual or automatic 'Super' wagons powered by the 1.6-liter engine.

In 1978, Todd refreshed the Avenger adopting Simca-inspired front styling and dashboard updates along with redesigned tail lights while introducing a premium GLS trim that replaced the Alpine under the Chrysler Avenger badge. The limited range featured a base-level 1.3 GL sedan, a 1.6 LS wagon marketed as Avenger Estate, plus both manual and automatic transmission versions of the upscale 1.6 GLS sedan. The economical base model found popularity among rental companies such as Avis until production ended in 1980.

Unlike European markets where Avengers were rebranded as Talbots during this period, New Zealand retained Chrysler badging through to the final models of 1980 which were distinguished by blacked-out grilles, body side moldings, window trims painted black, and steel wheels.

A distinctive New Zealand-specific variant was a van derived from the manual wagon version featuring a flat rear floor and fixed rear door windows—introduced around 1975 to exploit lenient hire purchase regulations favoring light commercial vehicles that offered lower deposits and extended payment terms during the oil crisis.

From model year 1973 onward, all Avengers sold in New Zealand were equipped with metric instrumentation.

Within Todd Motors' portfolio alongside British imports like Vauxhall Viva, Victor, Chevette ranges, Austin Allegro, Maxi, and Leyland Princess—which were sold locally but not offered in Australia—the Avenger coexisted with both the Hillman Hunter and Mitsubishi Galant coupe (available between 1972–1977). Although initially intended to replace the Australian Hunter model domestically through Chrysler Australia, economic considerations led Chrysler to select the Mitsubishi Galant for Australia; however, both models were assembled locally in New Zealand alongside the Mitsubishi Lancer introduced in 1975.

South Africa

In South Africa, the vehicle was produced and marketed as the Dodge Avenger. To comply with local content regulations, it was equipped with a 1.6 L engine manufactured domestically by Peugeot, the same powerplant used in the locally assembled Peugeot 404. This model was available between 1975 and 1976 before being rebranded under the Chrysler name. Subsequently, Chrysler ZA merged into Sigma Motor Corporation, which ended Avenger production to allocate manufacturing capacity for the Mazda 323 within SIGMA.

Iran

Between 1978 and 1980, Iran Khodro Co. produced a two-door version of the Avenger featuring an engine based on the locally manufactured Hillman Hunter, known in Iran as the Paykan. Prior to this, starting in 1975, the four-door Avenger was imported into the Iranian market.

Uruguay

In Uruguay, a coupe utility variant derived from the Avenger was built and marketed as the Dodge 1500 Pickup. However, due to structural weaknesses that caused the vehicles to disintegrate, this model ultimately did not succeed.

External links

• Avenger/Cricket/Sunbeam page at Allpar.com
• Avenger web page
• Brief history, with illustration, of the Sunbeam Lotus