Balance baby, it is all about balance. Ok, most of the time we have no problem with being completely unbalanced and out of our minds around here but there are some cars built by people with restraint that just speak to us and this 1958 Hillman Husky two door wagon is one of them. Sitting (what appears) a little lower than stock and repowered with a modern four cylinder engine, this thing has all the makings of a hilariously fun car to whip around in, carve corners with, and ultimately bang around the cones at an autocross. The only thing we think it needs? More power of course!
The engine is a Mazda four banger that is fuel injected and all that stuff. We’re guessing it may have been a Miata engine at one point? We think that is cool and all but the reality is that in today’s world a four banger without boost is like a chocolate cake without a keg of beer to go with it. YOU ARE MISSING A CRITICAL ELEMENT. Yes we know that as the car sits it is probably better than we would make it with more power, but you need the ability to make that narrowed Toyota rear end step out when you stand on it or the fact that the ability to blow off a Mustang or Camaro is what this Hillman yearns to have. Boost and a different four banger would get that happening in a hurry. The new 300hp, six speed combo that Chevrolet performance is selling would be perfection in here.
Other than our obvious fixation with more power, we wouldn’t do much else. There would be RideTech shocks added on the corners, we’d have to figure out some way to get some more camber and stuff into the front end, but other than that? The paint, interior, wheels, and the rest of it would remain. The interior looks really nice and whoever built this car in the first place had the right plan and idea…it just needs a little more umph. Do you agree?
New motor or not, this is a 100% BangShift approved creation. It has to be hilarious fun to drive!
ROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS AND THEN HIT THE EBAY LINK FOR MORE OF THIS 1958 HILLMAN HUSKY
Yup, engine-wise that is a B6ZE(RS), the little 1.6L that was in the 1990-1993 Mazda Miatas (As well as the 323 GTX but with a turbo in that application). They make about 115hp and 100lb-ft of torque stock, and while they aren’t much to right home about, once you get over 4000RPM they really wake right up. Plus they are pretty bulletproof. I have one in my ’90 Miata and I absolutely love it.
Yep, definitely a Miata engine. Unfortunately, it looks like most Miata turbo kits would be a tight squeeze.
Might be a good place for one of those Mazda buzzy, spinny little dealios to live in…
Agreed. It is in need of some Doritos-n-magic (the principles that rotaries operate on)
Oh, yeah, let’s make it different and put a friggin’ Chevy motor in it. Let’s throw off the balance and put 80% of the vehicle weight on the front. Oh, yeah, splendid engineering ideas there, boys.
Gary, I was talking about the new 2.0L crate engine that Chevrolet Performance is selling. It is lighter than what is in there.
My buddy has one that he’s gathering parts to build a gasser out of with a 331 hemi. I personally think he’s nuts but it ought to be an E ticket ride!
I’d get with Huber Performance to put one of their turbo 2.3 L Ford engines in it to keep it balanced out and to leave the rest of it as is.
Actually had an early 60’s totally stock Hillman in the early 70’s
when in high school . Found mounted cheeter slicks + wheels that fit it
Gave it that jacked up look !!!! ( yeah I’m embolishing )
It then went to a cousin who’s husband drove it to work for years .
chevy performance…. now that’s funny right there.