More likely, the reason Iran chose the Hunter was because of the ease of
repair. MB's require factory trained mechanics with lots of special tools.
Most Rootes cars can be dismantled and reassembled with a minimum number of
simple hand tools by any mechanic. The Avenger was specifically designed for
simple servicing. Although an OHC and IRS were seriously considered for the
Avenger, a basic OHV engine and a solid rear won out because they were easier
to fix. Rootes viewed their customers overseas as living in the "outback" of
Australia or places like Kenya or Zimbabwe (where there are still a good
number of Hillmans running I am told) and service might be a problem.
Jan
"Russell & Neola" <rmaddock@petrie.hotkey.net.au> wrote:
I understand that the Paykan is made today with Avenger petrol engines and
Peugeot diesel.
Peugeot-Citroen of course inherited the Iranian contract when they took over
Rootes. The same factory builds various obsolete Peugeots as well as a
bizarre cross between the Paykan and Peugeot 405. Apparently it is a 405
shell with Hillman running gear. I can only imagine this is because the rwd
Hillman running gear is more rugged than the fwd Peugeot setup.
I've heard that the Iranian government chose Rootes as its automotive
partner over Daimler Benz because the Hunter was proven to be tougher than
contemporary Mercedes.
Russ Maddock
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunbeams hit the Gold Coast in June 2001 - www.qld.sunbeam.org.au/national
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jan Eyerman" <jan.eyerman@usa.net>
To: "Victor Hughes" <v.hughes@student.canberra.edu.au>; "Jan Eyerman"
<jan.eyerman@usa.net>
Cc: "jon" <humber_snipe@hotmail.com>; "John Slade" <edalsj@igs.net>;
<alpines@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 12:25 PM
Subject: Re: [Re: [Re: 1725 with no numbers]]
> It is possible that the "1600" engine is actually a Citroen/Peugeot
powerplant
> as C/P made a big deal over a contract with Iran.
>
> Jan
|