Avengers in New Zealand
To celebrate the opening of Todd Motor’s Todd Park car plant at Porirua, Wellington, the December 1974 issue of NZ Motor World ran a large feature of Todds and their operations. Within the feature was a full page glossy colour spread of a car on their production lines, a yellow Hillman Avenger Super 1600.
Assembly at Todd Park, 1974
Within the next few photos, we follow this car’s creation, from a set of pre-pressed bare steel panels, to the finished product.
All photos and quote text from ‘New Zealand AA Motor World’ – December 1974. Story by Shannon Stevenson.
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In Australia if not also in NZ & South Africa, this sort of assembly was known as CKD – Completely Knocked Down. A complete set of parts imported minus stuff that could be sourced locally, e.g. tyres, batteries, often also window-glass & upholstery. Re the story in question, all significant parts for the Valiant NZ ‘Regal’ would have been ex-Chrysler Australia. In Oz, we never saw the Alpine, but the Hillman Hunter was a small-car contender before succumbing to Mitsubishi product via Chrysler’s co-operations of the time. Around 1980 Chrysler Oz was totally taken-over by Mitsubishi. The local ‘Valiant’ cars continued for less than a couple of years. Chrysler has reappeared as an importer in it’s own right in the 2000’s.
Mitusbishi continued as a manufacturer in Oz until maybe 3-4yrs ago with adapted-to-Oz product. Nissan departed a few years before that so we’re left with Holden (GM), Ford & Toyota operations. The situation is precariously balanced – if one futher manufacturer leaves the supplier base is likely to fail. Hoping it doesn’t happen….
tax jap imports
Mr Scot those Japanese manufacturers produce the majority of the British built new cars today.
In New Zealand, the Hillman range was replaced by Mitsubishis. Some NZ sales I found (hopefully accurate) that shows the effect: In 1975 Hillman sales 8,950, Mitsi 1,425. By 1978, Hillman 1,225, Mitsi 6,100. I think 1978 was the year Todd Motors finished Hillman assembly in NZ.