Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 85: Hampton Expands Further
The previous post showed how the Hampton Motor Group got started in 1948, as well has its entry into the lucrative American market in 1956. This one, however, shows how its range had expanded significantly by 1960. Most of its existing models gained new variants, and were available with more standard equipment along with significant mechanical upgrades. Even so, the only car in the lineup that was completely new for 1960 was the Vanguard, a full-size luxury sedan with a more lavishly appointed interior, and powered by the 3.5-litre straight-six from the newly revised Peregrine.
Some of the new additions to the Hampton lineup for 1960, from left to right: Peregrine 3.5 Sprint, Valiant 3.2 Deluxe, and Vanguard 3.5.
Both the Ferret (now offered with an optional 1.8-litre straight-four) and Valiant (which could normally be ordered with either a 3.0-litre or 3.2-litre straight-six) model ranges were now available as estates, with the former also being offered as a convertible; the latter could now be had in a fastback coupe body style. Also, for the first time ever, a high-performance version of the Valiant, called the Valiant Supreme, was offered, either as a coupe or sedan and powered by the Vanguard's 3.5-liter straight-six engine, while the entry-level Valiant Prime trim, distinguished by a vinyl interior, finally went on sale in North America for the first time. The Shrike was now available as a convertible as well as a coupe, and powered by a gutsier 2.0-litre straight-four to offset the extra weight from the addition of more standard equipment.
As for the larger Peregrine, it too was now offered as a convertible, while the coupe could finally be ordered either as a 2+2 or a two-seater; regardless of body style, its six-cylinder engine was enlarged to 3.5 litres, with a more powerful Sprint version (bundled with sportier suspension and a shorter final drive) optional. In addition, according to lore, every car in the range (except for the Shrike and Peregrine) could now be fitted with a 3-speed automatic transmission in place of the 4-speed manual. Front disc brakes were standard across the range, as were rear discs on every car other than the Ferret.
As for the larger Peregrine, it too was now offered as a convertible, while the coupe could finally be ordered either as a 2+2 or a two-seater; regardless of body style, its six-cylinder engine was enlarged to 3.5 litres, with a more powerful Sprint version (bundled with sportier suspension and a shorter final drive) optional. In addition, according to lore, every car in the range (except for the Shrike and Peregrine) could now be fitted with a 3-speed automatic transmission in place of the 4-speed manual. Front disc brakes were standard across the range, as were rear discs on every car other than the Ferret.
Above, from top: Peregrine Sprint, Convertible and 2+2; Shrike Coupe and Convertible; Ferret 1.8 Saloon, Convertible and Estate; Valiant Coupe and Estate
Hampton's revised lineup took center stage at the 1960 Automation Detroit Motor Show, where it received rave reviews. In particular, the Vanguard would be praised for its luxurious interior, while the Peregrine also earned plenty of plaudits for having more than enough performance to justify its premium pricing.
In short, the expanded Hampton model range for 1960 was larger and more diverse than ever, designed to cater for many different types of buyers, from economy-minded buyers with tight budgets to wealthy enthusiasts craving excitement, and nearly everything in between.
Update (March 18 2020): I have already made a few test cars for the future Hampton range, in anticipation of upcoming rounds in Generations II. These cars may be revised at a later date for submission purposes, if I see fit to enter them in those later stages of the contest.
Three Hampton Valiants at the 1960 Automation Detroit Motor Show: 3.0 Prime sedan (left), 3.2 Deluxe estate (center), and 3.5 Supreme coupe (right)
In short, the expanded Hampton model range for 1960 was larger and more diverse than ever, designed to cater for many different types of buyers, from economy-minded buyers with tight budgets to wealthy enthusiasts craving excitement, and nearly everything in between.
Update (March 18 2020): I have already made a few test cars for the future Hampton range, in anticipation of upcoming rounds in Generations II. These cars may be revised at a later date for submission purposes, if I see fit to enter them in those later stages of the contest.
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