1995/96 Hampton Model Range Changes
The changes for the Hampton Motor Group line-up for 1995/96 were as follows:
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Fennec: 1.6i Essence now has 90 bhp. 1.8i Prime now has 110 bhp. Sprint has 150 bhp and gains optional viscous LSD. Variable intake and exhaust valve timing are standard on all engines. CD player is optional from Prime upwards. Driver’s side airbag is now standard on all trims.
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Ferret: Fully redesigned for 1996 on all-new platform. 2.5i Prime, 3.0i Deluxe and 3.2 Supreme have 140, 180 and 225 bhp respectively, with the latter two trims also having premium interiors and audio systems as standard. Supreme spec retains Performance Pack (which includes performance tires and viscous LSD) as optional feature. All trims can now be ordered with optional 5-speed automatic. CD player, passenger airbag and traction control are all optional on Prime, standard on Deluxe and Supreme. Driver’s airbag is standard on all trims. Performance tires are optional on Supreme.
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Valiant: Base engine is now 180-bhp 3.0L I6; 225-bhp 3.2L I6 is optional. Mid-spec 4.5L V8 now makes 275 bhp from 1996. 1995 SuperSprint now has 375 bhp. 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trims except SuperSprint, which is now 6-speed manual only. CD player is now standard on all trim levels.
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Vanguard: V12 boosted to 360 bhp in 1995. 275-bhp 4.5L V8 becomes base engine from 1996 onwards. Standard transmission is now a 5-speed automatic. CD player is standard on all trim levels.
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Venator: Same as for Vanguard.
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Braemar: 2.8L and 3.2L I6 engines develop 130 and 165 bhp respectively. Optional automatic transmission is now a 5-speed automatic. CD player is optional on all trims. Driver’s side airbag is now standard. Passenger’s side airbag is now optional. Deluxe trim (which adds dual airbags, alloy wheels, CD player and premium interior) is added to Braemar 3.2 4x4 only.
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Nevis: Same as for Braemar, except Deluxe trim is not available.
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Vulture: From 1996, base model now has 150 bhp. Sprint is renamed SuperSprint and now has 200 horsepower plus 6-speed manual gearbox. Performance Pack (larger alloy wheels, high-performance tires and viscous LSD) and Aero Pack (front and rear lip spoilers) are optional on base model for the first time. CD player is optional on base model, standard on Sprint. Driver’s side airbag is now standard.
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Hawk: GT model is now called GTS, with 375 bhp and six-speed manual gearbox. Standard wheels are now 18-inch forged items. CD player is now standard equipment.
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Transliner: Redesigned for 1996 with new body and platform incorporating multilink rear suspension. 5 seats standard, 7 or 8 seats optional. Standard engine is 110-bhp 1.8L I4 mated to 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. ABS becomes standard for the first time. CD player becomes an option for the first time.
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Transtar: Re-engined for 1996 with the same 1.8L HE4 I4 as used in the Fennec, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
Above from top: A series of images from a 1992 issue of Straight 6 Magazine’s 1992 Sports Car Clash, titled “Battle of the Nations” depicting the Hampton Hawk GTS competing against the TDF SS38iS and Katsuro Vatina. It was this article that really put Hampton Performance & Racing on the map, especially among the enthusiast set.
All these changes meant that Hampton was offering the widest variety of cars in its history to date. However, I have deliberately left out one very special model - it deserves a post all to itself.