The Humber Sceptre MKIII

Ok... If you were searching for the origin of "Bling", your search is over my friends! Here it is!... The Granddaddy of it All... The Humber Sceptre MKIII, by Rootes. I really don't know what those Rootes executives were thinking, or smoking for that matter, back then when they decided to make a "Posh" version of Hillman Hunter. But they did think of some demographic buyers for the Sceptre MKIII. The Sceptre MKIII was never produced nor was available in Iran, I guess they thought that probably even the Iranians would laugh at it ;)

Humber Sceptre MKIII did carry the engine configuration from the Hunter GLS, and it also had an overdrive gear on the transmission. I found it really the odd child in the Hunter range, but nevertheless still quite fascinating, and collectible now.

You can read a bit more about Humber Sceptre MKIII in this article by Rod Grayon.

1985 Car Park

Can you spot the Hillman Hunter in this image?... Oh... Believe me! There is one there somewhere... ;)

Photo is taken from Clifford's Tower in York, from Mick Travis.

Paykan Lowrider #7

Photo by Hussain Hafez

Turn!

I believe this picture is from an old tire advertisement. Hope he made it through the corner though ;)

Youth

The Hunter GLS, which was the most powerful version in the Hunter range, was also produced in Iran. They called it the Javanan (youth) model. Here is one example with some tasty Bells & Whistles ;)

Post Update:
Recent findings suggests that actually Paykan Javanan, even though carried the overall appearances of the Hillman Hunter GLS, but was never fitted with the Holbay cylinder head, the Paykan Javanan power train was based on the Hillman Hutner GT; Javanan carried a GT badge on the rear fender.

Pink Floyd Hunter

A Hillman Hunter was used in this shot from the movie Pink Floyd The Wall.

Ghalpagh Pile

Spot the Paykan Ghalpagh (Farsi translation for Hubcap). The Ghalpagh in question was actually used originally on the Humber Sceptre MK.III version.

Photo by Trail of Tears.

Rasht Taxi

A Paykan Taxi in the city of Rasht, Iran. Photo by Basheem.

Returning To Rhyl

Passing by a Hunter on the way back to Rhyl. This photo was taken in 1976 by Renown.

Paykan On TopGear

Omid Djalili appeared on TopGear back in 2005 to discuss driving in Iran, and also Paykan! You can watch the interview here.

Paykan View

Somewhere in Iran.

Here Comes The Hustler!...

Hustler was an Australian exclusive version of the Hillman Hunter. Can somebody bring this name back to the industry please?... What you driving man? I got the new Hustler! ;)

PAYKAN 1725

This badge on the c-pillar was used specifically in Iran on some of Paykan models, which carried the Legendary Rootes 1725cc engine!

Hunter Territory Starts Here...

From Rootes/Chrysler Australia. Got love the old days man, can you imagine car companies running an ad like this these days?... I mean just check out that Hunter Bird!... Hang on a minute!... Is this Sara Palin's Rootes?... ;)

Butterfly Paykan

Attention to All of you Paykan & Hunter owners out there, the wait is finally Over! This is the upgrade you have been waiting for!!!... Hurry while supplies last!... ;) Check it out: Auto-Jack.ir

Hunter In Bangkok

Here is another surprise! This Hunter was spotted in Bangkok by TaHolga.

Bestseller Paykan

Pardon the misspelling here from Khaled Hosseini, but if you turn to page 136 of The Kite Runner he is mentioning the Paykan!

Thanks to my friend Jamie for sending me these pictures!

BTW, I emailed the publisher to have this misspelling corrected for the next edition! OK, You can officially call me a Paykan Nerd now! ;)

Paykan In Los Angeles

Wow this is a surprise! This car belongs to an Armenian Iranian in Los Angeles. I'm guessing this was a Sunbeam Arrow, the imported version of the Hillman Hunter that was sold in the US by Chrysler in the late 60s early 70s. I'm trying to get more information about this car and the owner, I will post more later...

BREAKING NEWS!!!...

I never thought anybody would dare to attempt this again, I mean who would be crazy enough these days to drive from London to Sydney in a Hillman Hunter?! But this coming March, John Lewis & Barry Hawgood are going to do exactly that! and I can not be any more excited about this news and their EPIC journey! It has been 42 years since Andrew Cowan won the Legendary 1968 London to Sydney Rally, and that has been the inspiration for John & Barry to create this amazing Andrew Cowan Hunter replica. I can't wait to hear their reaction when they are traveling though Iran among all those Paykans! :)

I have a pledge to make here, John & Barry are doing this for a great cause, they are raising awareness for Cancer; please visit their website and donate if you can.

To all my Iranian readers: If you are interested in helping John & Barry out while they are traveling through Iran, please contact them via their website; at the moment they are looking for an invitation letter to expedite their visa process for Iran. http://www.gb2aus.co.uk/

I wish them the Best of Luck in their Fantastic Journey!

Photos by: Trail Of Tears

Michael's Mom, Venezuela

My dear friend and ex-coworker Michael, finally got a chance to dig out this picture of his Mom with her beloved Hunter. The picture was taken in Venezuela where the Hunter used to be sold. I absolutely adore this picture, Thanks Michael!