Hillman Minx Series III 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 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.

This lovely original Series III convertible was purchased by the vendor 19 years ago through a garage in Portsmouth who were selling it on behalf of its lady owner.

Delivered new in April 1961 to a Merchant Sea Captain, he took the car with him on board ship wherever he went, offloading it when his ship arrived in port. This may well be the most travelled Hillman Minx in the world!

The owner has kept the car up to scratch, fitting new kingpins, shock absorbers, master cylinder, brake pipes, a reconditioned water pump and a new clutch over recent years. The car has never been restored as such, although has had a few small welding jobs done over the period which is only to be expected of a 55 year old car.

The vendor has fitted a stainless steel exhaust and a few years ago, through an article in a magazine about an owner of a similar vehicle, managed to trace a company that supplies new hoods and ordered and fitted a replacement, the rear window of the original having gone opaque.

Its current MOT expires in June 2017 and shows no advisories and the history file includes nine old MOT certificates and a handbook. The vender understands that the indicated mileage of just 57,200 miles is correct which would certainly accord with the condition of the car which shows a lovely degree of light patination.

The clever hood is very simple to use, either folding away completely out of sight under its original hood cover or turning the car into a Coupe de Ville. This appealing and practical convertible has always been extremely reliable and is due to be driven some 80 miles to the sale.