Hillman Minx Series IIIA Convertible

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Hillman launched its first Minx way back in 1932 and a model with that name was to remain in production right up until 1970, various badge-engineered versions also being sold under the Humber, Singer, and Sunbeam marques.

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.

Radical design changes were evident in the Series III, including a distinctly more modern rounded front than the Series II with inset headlamps and a long, low front grille. Reflecting the fashion of the day, especially the American influence, in 1960 the Minx gained tail fins in addition to other minor styling changes.

The engine was new for the Audax Minx with overhead valves – a first for a post-war Hillman. Over the years the engine grew from 1,390cc (in the Series I and II) to 1,725 cc in the Series VI. A variety of manual transmissions, with column or floor change, and automatic transmissions were offered. For the automatic version, the Series I and II used a Lockheed Manumatic two pedal system (really only a semi-automatic), the Series III a Smiths Easidrive and the V/VI a Borg Warner. Other technological changes such as hydraulic brakes were first seen on the Series III in the late 1950s.

A Series III De Luxe saloon with 1,494 cc engine tested by the The Motor in 1958 had a top speed of 76.9mph and could accelerate from 0–60mph in 25.4 seconds. A fuel consumption of 31.8mpg was recorded, the test car costing £794 including taxes of £265.

First registered in Dundee in March 1960, this particular Minx Series IIIA Convertible joined the Stondon Collection in 1997 and had four keepers prior to that, according to the V5. The DVLA website suggests it has not been taxed on the road since 1994 so will doubtless benefit from thorough recommissioning before venturing out this summer, top down as the proud owner basks in the appreciative looks of his fellow motorists.

Catalogue amendment; Please note that the registration number is an age related plate and not the original to the car.