Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 93: Hampton Leads The Charge

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 93: Hampton Leads The Charge

As Generations II reaches its sixth round, it would be remiss to recap what happened in the previous one, as well as what came immediately afterwards. I was reluctant to write this post initially, but recent events made me reconsider. Some of the changes made to the Hampton Motor Group range from 1977 to 1981 include:

• All models: From 1981, advanced automatic transmission becomes available as an option for the first time ever - by then, mechanical fuel injection is now standard across the entire range. Minor trim, equipment and mechanical changes are also implemented.
• Harpy: Launched in 1977; GTS trim added to range in 1981, with a more powerful engine and sportier suspension and gearing.
• Fennec: Mechanical fuel injection optional from 1977.
• Valiant: Redesigned for 1977 with new body and independent rear suspension.
• Ferret: As above, but powered by 4-cylinder engines only.
• Vanguard: As above, but with three body styles (short- or long-wheelbase sedan, plus short-wheelbase coupe).
• Nevis II: Prematurely launched with carbureted engine, then recalled and given fuel-injected engine partway through 1977.
• Transtar: New body for 1977; engine family now shared with Fennec, Ferret and Valiant.
• Fairlie: Completely new for 1977; built on shortened Nevis platform and powered solely by a 4-cylinder engine.

Above, from top: An assortment of new models launched or revised by Hampton from 1977 to 1981, in the aftermath of the oil crisis.

Given that fuel prices had gone through the roof in 1974, Hampton shifted their focus to comfort and economy - but they could not ignore the performance market completely, and so, in 1977 they launched their first new sports car in two decades - the Harpy. Built on the Valiant platform, it would eventually come of age in 1981 when the high-performance GTS trim was added to the range.

All in all, Chairman Toby's efforts to stay relevant were finally paying off, setting the stage for a turnaround later in the decade. That, though, has already been mostly covered earlier in this series, and as such may not be revisited for some time yet.