FORGOTTEN TREASURE
Countless visitors ignored various exotica to inspect his more humble offering, often lured by that distinctive Limelight paint finish
One of the undoubted stars of last year’s Silverstone Classic was not a Ferrari 365 GTB/4, a Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster or a Lamborghini Miura P400, but Peter Okonski’s 1973 Hillman Hunter. Throughout the weekend, countless visitors ignored various exotica to inspect his more humble offering, often lured by that distinctive Limelight paint finish. Others were fascinated to see an example of the Rootes/Chrysler UK Arrow series in the metal, cars that were once as ubiquitous as the Watney’s Red Barrel logo. Sadly time has not been kind to them and RAU 416M is now believed to be one of just 12 roadworthy GLS survivors, which I think is one of the most intriguing sports saloons of its era.
Ryton commenced work on the Arrow in 1963, and the new car made its bow at the 1966 London Motor Show. The Hunter’s smart lines and technical specification attracted much attention, with its MacPherson strut front suspension and all-synchromesh gearbox. Compared with its Super Minx predecessor, the new Hillman looked up to the minute and definitely a car with which to
