Rootes Arrow

Rootes Arrow was the manufacturer's name for a range of cars produced under several badge-engineered marques by the Rootes Group (later Chrysler Europe) from 1966 to 1979. It is amongst the last Rootes designs, developed with no influence from future owner Chrysler. The range is sometimes referred to by the name of the most prolific model, the Hillman Hunter.

A substantial number of separate marque and model names applied to this single car platform. Some were given different model names to justify trim differences (Hillman GT, Hillman Estate) and that from time to time all models were sold in some European markets under the Sunbeam marque (Sunbeam Sceptre for instance), and at other times used UK marque/model names. To add complication, Singer Gazelle/Vogue models were also sold in the UK for one season badged as Sunbeams after the Singer brand was withdrawn.

The models sold – not all concurrently – were, alphabetically by marque:

  • Chrysler Hunter
  • Dodge Husky
  • Hillman Arrow, Hillman Break de Chasse, Hillman GT, Hillman Hunter, Hillman Hustler and Hillman Minx
  • Humber Sceptre
  • Singer Gazelle and Singer Vogue
  • Sunbeam Alpine and Sunbeam Rapier fastback coupés
  • Sunbeam Arrow, Sunbeam Break de Chasse, Sunbeam Hunter, Sunbeam Minx, Sunbeam Sceptre, and Sunbeam Vogue

The most prolific model within the Arrow range, the Hillman Hunter, was the Coventry-based company's major competitor in the medium family car segment. In its 13-year production run, its UK market contemporaries included the Ford Cortina, Morris Marina and Vauxhall Victor, although model positioning within the range meant competition with some larger cars as well, including the BMC ADO17 (that is, in plain English, the Austin (etc.) 1800).

The Arrow range extended to several body styles: saloon, estate, fastback coupé and a pick-up (sold mainly in South Africa as the Dodge Husky). Depending on the model, they had two doors or four doors. Not all marques were represented in all body styles, with the coupés being reserved for Sunbeam.

Read more about Rootes Arrow:  Development, Models and Market Positions

Famous quotes containing the words rootes and/or arrow:

    No other man-made device since the shields and lances of the ancient knights fulfills a man’s ego like an automobile.
    —Sir William Rootes (1894–1964)

    O Russia! O my wife! Our long and narrow Road lies clear though distressed.
    Our road with an old Tatar freedom’s arrow Has deeply pierced our breast.
    Alexander Blok (1880–1921)