The site for Pre War Hillmans - http://hillman16.wix.com/hillman-sixteen [Copy to a friend]
HILLMAN "16"
1936 - 1937
The Hillman "16"
This site may be amended and updated at intervals - so pop back now and again. Last updated 15/10/2019
Technical Matters
Hillman produced a trilogy of new luxury models ("Sixteen", "Hawk" & "80") between 1936 and 1938 which saw the introduction a new semi-monocoque body style designed by coachbuilders Thrupp & Maberly. Hillman also incorporated the revolutionary "Evenkeel" (see note below) independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs and shock absorbers plus "Cushioned Power" rubber mountings to reduced vibration from the engine and gear box.
Note: "Evenkeel" independent front suspension had a similar design to that of Studebaker's "Planar" suspension system, itself being derived from designs produced for General Motors in the 1930's by Maurice Olley, an English engineer once employed by Rolls Royce. "Planar" was developed for Studebaker under the direction of Delmar G. "Barney" Roos (their chief engineer between 1926 and 1936) who was subsequently hired by the Rootes Group in 1936 to help develop new Hillman and Humber models. Barney went on to join Willys - Overland Motors and helped them design the Willys Jeep used during WWII.
Instruction Book
The Owners Instruction Book for the Hillman Hawk, Sixteen and 80 was issued by the Hillman Motor Car Co. Ltd., Coventry in 1936. It consists of 63 pages and gives general data for the engine, gearbox, dimensions, tyres, capacities and lubricants for each model. It also describes the Controls, Starting and Warming-up procedures together with Service intervals and requirements.
The book then goes on to give more detailed information about the maintenance and adjustments required relating to valves, carburetter, petrol pump, cooling system, ignition system, electrical system, clutch, propeller shaft, front suspension, rear axle, steering, brakes, tyres and coachwork for mechanically experienced drivers or chauffeurs. For servicing required by inexperienced owners and more major work or replacement parts it recommends contacting main Distributors or Dealers who would return the car to the factory if necessary.
Service Parts Catalogue
This publication contains details of Service Parts for the Hillman 16, Hawk or '80' range for 1936, 1937 and 1938 seasons. The catalogue has 136 pages and was issued by Hillman Motor Car Company Ltd., Coventry in September 1945. It embodies all changes in design made during the Production stages, the introductory chassis number being quoted wherever interchangeability is affected. In cases where the interchangeability is unaffected, only the new part is shown, thus ensuring that, whenever practicable, the Hillman Owner obtains the benifits of fitting the most modern parts irrespective of the age of the car.
The book gives a list of chassis numbers for each model for each year and lists the parts under each category relating to the engine, carburetter air and silencer, petrol pump, clutch and housing, gear-box, front suspension, rear axle, propeller shaft, brakes and controls, steering, chassis, tools, electrical equipment and body mountings. It also lists body parts for each of the models and their variants.
Maintenance Chart
The chart (for the Hillman "Sixteen", "Hawk" & "80") was issued by Hillman Motor Car Co. Ltd, Coventry and shows a diagram of the car with the body removed showing which parts need attention at the relevant service intervals.
It also shows the recommended lubricants and operational details relating to the engine, changing the oil, oil pressure, pressure filter, gearbox, rear axle, chassis, road springs, brakes, clutch, valve tappets, water pump, oil filter, petrol pump, plugs, tyres and pressures, cooling system, radiator, distributor, battery, shock absorbers and bodywork (including cellulose finish, fabric coachwork, doors, hood and chromium plate).