Mention the name “Hillman Hunter” to a North American, and you might elicit visions of a character from an obscure English film series. However, for Britons and Australians, this model evokes nostalgic memories of one of the most popular family sedans in the Eastern Hemisphere during the mid-20th century.
Enter SAKAZ Customs, a renowned workshop in Bundamba, Queensland, Australia, specializing in vehicle modifications. Their latest project involved a 1970 Hillman Hunter, a car deeply ingrained in Australia’s automotive culture since its introduction by Chrysler Australia Ltd. in the late ’60s.
Though significant historically, the Hillman Hunter had an incredible metamorphosis in the hands of SAKAZ Customs. Taking cues from the high-powered JDM scene, the crew decided to switch the car’s engine for a Honda K24, greatly increasing its performance potential.
Equipped with a single Aeroflow turbocharger, larger fuel injectors, and controlled by an Elite 2500 ECU from Haltech, the K24 engine now generates an impressive 404 horsepower, a substantial improvement over its original power output.
To ensure this newfound power reaches the road efficiently, SAKAZ Customs replaced the stock transmission with a BMW five-speed manual gearbox, complemented by a BorgWarner nine-bolt rear end for improved traction.
Despite these substantial mechanical upgrades, the Hillman Hunter retains its understated appearance, featuring a classic baby blue paint scheme, period-correct hubcaps, and a tastefully appointed blue vinyl interior.
In essence, SAKAZ Customs has transformed the Hillman Hunter into a sleeper powerhouse, blending classic aesthetics with modern performance enhancements, exemplifying the best of Australia’s custom car culture.