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Hillman Minx 3b Convertible

Hillman Minx 3b ConvertibleHillman Minx 3b ConvertibleHillman Minx 3b ConvertibleHillman Minx 3b ConvertibleHillman Minx 3b Convertible
Hillman Minx 3b ConvertibleHillman Minx 3b ConvertibleHillman Minx 3b ConvertibleHillman Minx 3b ConvertibleHillman Minx 3b Convertible
Hillman Minx 3b ConvertibleHillman Minx 3b Convertible
Lot number 134
Hammer value £8,950
Description Hillman Minx 3b Convertible
Registration 970 VPB
Year 1961
Colour White
Engine size 1,600 cc
Chassis No. B1114653EHHCO
Engine No. B1114653EHHCO

Hillman launched its first Minx way back in 1932 and a model with that name was to remain in production right up until 1970. 

After the war the Minx went through a bewildering process of development, being updated virtually every year – no doubt egged on by the American Raymond Loewy design outfit, employed by Rootes to give the Minx some styling pizazz to help sales in the booming US market. Between 1956 and 1961 the Minx had an Audax body which was heavily influenced by Loewy’s work for Studebaker, this styling also being used on two other Rootes Group models, the Singer Gazelle and the Sunbeam Rapier.

This Series 3b Minx Convertible was first registered in Surrey in July 1961. The current vendor acquired the car in 2005 at which point it was still equipped with its original 1500c engine and Smiths Easidrive automatic gearbox. A long-time Hillman enthusiast, he decided to treat the car to a total nut-and-bolt restoration which commenced in 2008 and took over a year to complete, ultimately costing well over £16,000.

Every part of the car was refurbished or replaced as necessary, using genuine 'new old stock' parts wherever possible. The bodywork was taken back to bare metal and repainted in the original Moonstone. The decision was also made to convert the car to manual so a fully rebuilt 1600cc engine and all-synchro gearbox from a 1964 Series 5 Minx was installed. Electronic ignition was fitted along with a chromed Singer Gazelle rocker cover, stove-enamelled manifolds and a stainless steel exhaust.

To give an idea of the high standard of the restoration, the hood frame was completely remade in seasoned mahogany and the hood was relined inside with Mercedes roof cloth because it cut down road noise and made the car warmer.

The vendor states that: "970 VPB is now the most attractive, sweetest, quietest and energetic Hillman car I have ever driven. It is also unique as Rootes never made a Series 5 Minx convertible so I have done the job for them." It comes with a very large history file plus various handbooks etc.

Only reluctantly being sold due to the declining health of the vendor, this fantastic Minx has an MOT until March 2014 and is probably as good an example as you could ever wish to find. 

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