Just how many are left?
How many are left really?
There have been 85 Hustlers widely pictured with number plates visible since their introduction in 1978. DVLA has a record of 81 of them. They are registered as a Hustler, a Hustler variant or double barrelled with another name e.g., Austin Hustler. Those that are not named Hustler remain registered as their donor car (Austin or Morris Mini, rebadge model).
Up to seven Hustler 6 based ice cream vans were built in Driffield by Vendavan Ltd and offered as the Vendavan Ice Star. Six are recorded in this site’s listings; two with recent VED, one on SORN.
As an ex-Austin-Apprentice, I look to AROnline as my go-to and authoritative source of reference on all things Mini related. Other sites have a different view as do advertising owners and there are widespread published figures. Here are a few of the purported build numbers widely available in web searches.
Actual different model claims vary all adding to the marque mystique. According to Autopian Hemming’s report ‘no less’ than 15 versions were available whilst Below the Radar noted 72 versions. Wikipedia lists 12 variants. On one of Interstyl’s own price lists there are 11 models listed by in 4- or 6-wheel versions plus one, off-list. Other Interstyl price lists vary by degree.
Ice cream vans called Ice Stars weren’t made by Interstyl but by Vendavan in Driffield. The Argocat based version remained just a prototype.
- 3 HUSTLER 6 SPACE SHUTTLES – BONHAMS
- 4 HUSTLER SPORTS – EBAY ADVERTISER
- 7 VENDAVANS – MAXIMUMMINI
- 8 HUSTLER HIGHLANDERS – BONHAMS
- 8 HUSTLER HIGHLANDERS – HONEST JOHN
- LESS THAN 75 SIX WHEELERS WERE BUILT – JB RESTORATIONS
- 80 DIY HUSTLER KITS – BONHAMS
- 170 BUILT BY 1984 – AUTOCAR
- 200 KITS SOLD – ARONLINE
- 200 IN 10 YRS FROM 1979 (4/14)- AROUND 80 IN THE 1980’S (6/18) - HONEST JOHN
- 300 HUSTLERS IN TOTAL – BONHAMS
- ONLY 300 KITS OR SO WERE SOLD ACROSS THE MODEL RANGE - CLASSIC.RETRO.MODERN
- 500 TOTAL BY BUILD RUN END – AUTOCAR
- 500 BUILT (CITATION NEEDED) WIKIPEDIA
What are they Worth?
They’re demonstrably rare and benefit from the pedigree associated with the William Towns name and their origin in his Interstyl craft assembly area.
Historically values have reflected the number of wheels fitted and the bodywork material. Model for model, wooden builds have averaged higher pricing than GRP. Much depends on either the Auction House or the alternative routes to market chosen.
A sample of Hustler Auction and Sale results achieved:
| Hustler 6 Space Shuttle | £9,200 | Bonham’s (6/9/14) |
| Hustler 6 Huntsman | £11,500 | Bonham’s (6/9/14) |
| Hustler 6 in Wood | £15,600 | Bonham’s (5/9/15) |
| Hustler 6 in Wood | £15,120 | Sotheby’s (7/9/16) |
| Hustler 6 Space Shuttle | £12,000 | BAT (1/1/18) |
| Hustler 6 Huntsman | £7,875 | Bonhams (26/9/19) |
| Hustler 4 in Wood | £10,995 | SCC (8/20) |