The Hillman Avenger always struggled to establish itself in the Panda Car role compared to market rivals, the Ford Escort, Vauxhall Viva and Morris Marina. However, a few forces did use them in the Unit Beat Car role or as general purpose vehicles. The Avon and Somerset Force had a large fleet of Avengers, even using some as unmarked transportation vehicles. They opted to buy them in the standard Hillman blue, instead of the more familiar ‘Panda Car light blue’, based on cost grounds.







