OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC |
Neil Yeomans and his 1959 Hillman Husky Series I Story by Neil Yeomans, pictures by Brian Vogt |
OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC |
At my time of purchase, Husk was very original with 63,000 miles on the clock. The usual rust was in the bottom of the front guards, the paint was faded, and the rubber mats worn out. I have rectified the rust, repaired the numerous parking dents and repainted the green sections. New carpets were fitted along with a rear boot mat. The original diff ratio was 4.78; this was changed to a 4.22 and fitted with overdrive. This has made the car a much better highway performer as we can now sit on 60mph without the valves hitting the bonnet. For convenience, the O/D switch has been mounted on the gear stick. This way as you change gear, the O/D can be engaged or disengaged as you change gear. Other changes were the addition of an ammeter, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge and tow bar.
Since purchasing the Husk we have added 20,000 miles – most of these have been during holidays as we have found the Husk to be an extremely versatile and practicable vehicle for touring. Carrying 2 adults, luggage and electric “ESKY” (refrigerator) she still returns around 33 mpg (27.5 miles per US gallon). The other thing is that the Husk always attracts attention as you cruise along. Someone’s Uncle or Auntie had one.
Neil R. Yeomans
Neil at play during the Rootes Tour of Australia, Stage 3˝ in May 2003 :