Change in website scope? Name change? All Models?

[Bryce]

The launch of this site has created a few ripples in one of the Yahoo groups, certainly not my intention! But an interesting point was raised, whether to expand the site to include all Rootes Group vehicles?

So this raises a few questions..

1. What should it be called?
2. Should it include all Rootes vehicles?
3. Should it be a worldwide group, Australian, have divisions?
4. Can someone please give me a list (or link) of all the Vehicle 'types' under the Rootes banner, including name changes for different countires if any?

I would like to hear back from people on their thoughts on this. I am more than happy (and prefer this option) to accomodate a site for all Rootes group vehicles, given the similarity in manufacture, and shrinking of the make-specific groups.

It seems there are quite a few groups in existance, I do not want to get into a battle of egos with these people, that is not why I am doing this. I would like to provide a site thats fits a need, and would like the forum users to help me work out what that is.

Look forward to your feedback, I certainly did not appreciate the level of politics I was entering by simply starting a website

[clyde marshalls]

Hi,

My posting the other day was directed to the Queensland 'Rootes' clubs and the unwillingness to combine for the survival of all the clubs.

I think there are already other sites that cater to Sunbeam, Singer, Humber, etc owners but there is not a FULL SERVICE site like this one where one can go and get info, parts, techical assistance for Hillmans.

I think this site should remain as is and see what demand there is for additional areas.

Good on ya Bryce!

clyde

[huskysports]

G'day Bryce,

As the person who raised this subject on the Yahoo list I though I might expand on it a little. As you might know, the Hillman car name goes back to about 1907. I won't go through the full history, but over time Hillman passed into the hands of the Rootes brothers who also aquired the Humber, Sunbeam and Singer marques (also Commer and Karrier commercial vehicles). Most of the vehicles bearing these names that are still around today came from the Rootes stable. By the time the Hunter was released Rootes was under the control of Chrysler (although the Hunter itself was designed before that and shares some mechanical bits with earlier Hillmans).

So most of the cars we have are badge-engineered versions of the same basic car. Take the Hillman Minx Audax series of the late 50s early 60's. Rootes put a different grille and badges on it, added some walnut veneer and called it a Singer Gazelle. (in a bit of reverse badge engineering, when Rootes Australia found it wasn't selling so well, they turned it back into a Hillman (the Australian DeLuxe). There was a 2 door hardtop version of the Minx called the Sunbeam Rapier. The Super Minx of the early 60s was turned into the Singer Vogue (which was sold as the Humber Vogue in Australia) The Hardtop Version of this car was sold as a Humber Sceptre (although it was initially going to be a Sunbeam Rapier). And the Hunter/Arrow models were sold as Hillmans, Humbers, Sunbeams and Singers depending on what country you were in.

Many of the problems we have today with these cars are the same regardless of the badge on the front. I've seen the same issues discussed - often within days of each other - on the Hillman list and Sunbeam forum or Humber list. And many/most of the parts are interchangeable beetween marques - I have a Super Minx block in my Sunbeam Alpine - and Minx doorhandles and a Husky number plate light.

And so it makes sense to me to include all marques on the one forum - it's happened anyway on the Yahoo Hillman list and here as well - my "Hillmans" are in fact a Sunbeam Alpine and a Humber Vogue.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth


Cheers, Vic

[Innovention]

Hi Bryce,

I haven't logged into the site for quite some time, but I reckon you have the makings of a great resource here. The only aggravating thing are all the spammers putting their mindless crap all over your site. You have my deepest sympathy with this problem - I have spent altogether too many years dealing with these idiots. It would be great if you could dump these users and drop all such coments - perhaps then the site might get a deal more traffic.

The very best of luck,

Rod