Hillman 14

Hillman 14
Overview
Manufacturer Hillman Motor Car Co Ltd
Production 1925–30
11,000 approx produced[1]
Body and chassis
Body style saloon, tourer, drophead coupé, van
Powertrain
Engine 1954 cc Straight-4
Dimensions
Wheelbase 112 in (2,800 mm)[2]
114 in (2,900 mm) from 1928
Length 162 in (4,100 mm)[2]
Width 64 in (1,600 mm)[2]
Chronology
Predecessor Hillman 11
Successor Hillman Wizard

The Hillman 14 is a medium-sized car introduced by the Hillman Motor Car Co Ltd in 1925 continuing in production until 1930. Some cars were still being sold new into 1931.[3] During this time it was the main product of the company.

In the early 1920s Hillman had concentrated on smaller cars with the 10 and 11 hp models but with the 14 they entered the larger sized class taking on the Austin 12 hp and Humber 14/40. The new Hillman was priced at £345 for the saloon, undercutting the Austin which sold for £455, it was advertised as "the car that costs less than it should".[1] The engineering was largely conventional with a long stroke, monobloc, side-valve 1954 cc, four-cylinder engine built in-unit with a four-speed gearbox and spiral bevel geared rear axle. Four wheel, cable operated, drum brakes were fitted from the start but unusually a vacuum servo was an option. The handbrake had its own set of shoes on the rear brakes. The steel section chassis had semi-elliptic leaf springs all round.

In a test by The Autocar magazine, the top speed was around 55 miles per hour (89 km/h) and fuel consumption 23-24 mpg.

A range of bodies were offered including saloons and tourers. A V-windscreened landaulette was advertised in 1927. The cars were well fitted out and spacious, with a right-hand gear change by the driver's door, a feature regarded as up-market at the time. Safety glass was fitted in the windows of the 1928 Safety Saloon. Wire spoked or artillery wheels could be specified.

A range of improvements were introduced in 1928 when the wheelbase was lengthened by 2 in (51 mm). Safety glass was fitted in the windows of the 1928 Safety Saloon and a Segrave 2-door coupé and fabric bodied saloon joined the range. The artillery wheel option was dropped. Dipping headlights were a new feature and separate front seats replaced the bench seat previously fitted. There were also changes to the mudguards and running boards.

For 1929 there were major changes to the chassis with improved ground clearance and an increase in the track from 52 in (1,300 mm) to 56 in (1,400 mm). Externally a new radiator appeared and larger headlamps. The body range was rationalised to a standard saloon, fabric saloon, Segrave coupé, tourer and Husky fabric-bodied sports tourer, the latter name being resurrected in the 1950s for a small utility vehicle.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hillman Fourteen.
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Baldwin, N. (1994). A-Z of Cars of the 1920s. Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-53-2.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
  3. ↑ Sedgwick, M. (1989). A-Z of Cars of the 1930s. Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-38-9.