Nobody out hustles

Hustler

In 1970 Chrysler Australia released the HE Model Hillman Hunter. Missing from the ranks was the GT. There was new kid on the block and its name was

HUSTLER.

In 1975 I bought a Hustler that was in mint condition. Low miles and well looked after.  I have owned many cars over the years (Probably around 30 or more) but that car was unforgetable. Unfortunatly some little <insert expletive here> decided he would like it more than I did and when finished with it - torched it! A sad day !

There were many things happening in the late 60's and early 70's in Australia. Muscle cars and powerful GT's were appearing from most makers and as a result insurance premiums for any vehicle with a GT badge went through the roof. It was also a time of rising fuel prices and vehicles sporting a GT badge were viewed as gas gusslers.

The folk at Chrysler decided to drop the GT. Instead they introduced 2 sports versions but neither wore a GT badge. There was the upmarket 660 with its 1725 motor with 2 twin carbs and alloy head and woodgrain dash and carpets and all those things you expect in a top of the range performance vehicle. 

Then there was the Hustler. From the outside it was a standard hunter. It came in different colours , had black out patches on the bonnet and the word Hustler on the side.

It had no badges and a painted out grille (Similar to the Valiant pacer). Inside it was given what some called the poverty pack. No woodgrain or carpets here. You got a standard dashboard with a speedo, temp and fuel gauge. Rubber floor mats were the order of the day and you did not even get a radio or even a heater / demister. They were both  an optional extra !

But under the blandish outside there were a few tricks . Lowered suspension and the GT engine from the 660  made this thing a pocket rocket (for its day).

So what did $2350 buy you. It got you a car that could keep up with the best of them but was more than happy to plod along at the speed limit with the wife and kids on board. Here are some specs.

Body / Chassis number begins with HE7 - S - 41
Cyls                         4
Valves                     OHV with pushrods        
Carbs                     2 x Zenith Stromberg 150 CDS
Compression            9.2:1
Horsepower            94 BHP at 5200rpm ( approx 75kw)
Transmission            4 Speed manual
Drive                         Rear wheels
Final drive                3.89:1

Top Speed             96MPH (at 5500 rpm) (155kmh)
Standing Quarter Mile 18.2 secs @ 95mph

Front suspension         McPherson strut
Rear suspension         Semi elliptic leaf spring

So what makes the Hustler different to other Hunters.

FRONT SUSPENSION;

Front sway bar diameter     .875"   (STD .75")
Spring length (Laden).        6.7"  (STD 7.2") 

DISTRIBUTOR               

Lucas 29D4 on all models.

Centrifical advance 

Hustler and 660 12 - 14 degrees @ 1800 rpm
All other models 16 - 18 degrees @ 3000 rpm

ENGINE     

Compression ratio        9.2:1   (8.4:1 STD)
Inlet Valves                     1.503"   (1.473 STD)
Exhaust Valves                1.204"  (1.174 STD)
Valve springs                 Dual   (Single Std)
 

Not a huge difference but enough to make these little cars boogie. Some reviewers of the day commented on the excellent handling and available power. We have all heard of the giant killing Mini cooper S ...the Hustler was often compared to these . The only bad thing I heard or read was that they should have fitted the brake booster from the 660 (You really had to stand on the brakes ) and the black outs on the bonnet, sides and boot were actually stickers (decals) and were prone to peel off. I can vouch for the decals problem. I was always sticking a corner back down somewhere on mine.

On todays roads the Hustler would be considered fairly sedate in the horsepower department but for driving pleasure these cars would still rank among the best.

Comments to vintageparts@iinet.net.net.au    
Back to main site