Vanguards VA10410 Hillman Avenger Tiger II, Sundance Yellow, ‘County Classics Motor Museum’

The Avenger modelled was first registered on 15th February 1973, by Phil Read Ltd, Borough Garage, St Marychurch Road, Plainmoor, Torquay. It was then a Chrysler main dealer and had been trading in the area since before the Second World War when it represented Thornycroft commercial vehicles. 

The first owner, Mr T. A. Elliot, paid £1,453.27 for the car, which included £11.50 for seatbelts and £4.50 for number plates, both of which were legal requirements. 

He looked after it scrupulously and retained it until 2005, by which time it had covered 30,687 miles. It was then purchased by local collector Nick Davidson, who carefully dry stored it but never registered it for road use. 

In 2016 it was purchased by enthusiast Pat Hawkins who recommissioned it, removing the engine so it could be refreshed and repainting the engine bay while it was accessible. He also fitted a new clutch and re-chromed the front bumpers. 

Pat has worked in the motor trade all his life and kept the Avenger in his personal collection because it is such a rare and original example, which has still only covered 31,453 miles. In November 2023, he created the County Classics Car Museum in the centre of Taunton, which was opened by well-known TV personality, Richard Hammond. The Avenger Tiger II was driven to the museum to be exhibited and has proven to be one of its most popular cars.

You can now purchase your own example of this unique car, perfectly replicated in 1:43 scale die-cast model form.