Lot Ended
Description
Just five owners from new, the fourth for 25 years; restored in
the mid-1990s; later 1.6 engine; recently recommissioned following a period in
storage; a beautifully presented Minx that runs very sweetly indeed;
floor-change gears; nice original number plate; lots to like about this
one
Launched in
1956, the Audax-bodied Hillman Minx had transatlantic styling by Raymond Loewy
and remained in production until 1967, going through almost annual facelifts
each year - typical of Hillman who always had a bafflingly diverse range of
cars, a tradition that continued under Rootes Group ownership due to their
aggressive strategy of badge engineering.
The
Series IIIA came out in 1959 with subtle styling updates including prominent
rear tailfins, an updated front grille, and a deeper windscreen. The De Luxe
trim added two-tone paint options, additional exterior chrome brightwork plus
upgraded upholstery with a bench front seat.
It
was powered by a 53bhp 1,494cc overhead-valve inline-four engine mated to a
4-speed manual gearbox (either column- or floor-change) which gave it a top
speed nudging 80mph.
First registered in London
in April 1960, this lovely Minx De Luxe has the desirable floor-change gearbox,
so much easier to use than the cumbersome column-change setup. It has had just
five owners from new, the fourth being a Hillman Owner's Club member in
Shrewsbury who bought it in 2001 and was to keep it for 25 years.
Although there is no early history with the car,
it has clearly been restored to a high standard at some point in the
not-too-distant past, HPI recording a colour-change from brown/white to the
current light grey/maroon in July 1996 so it was presumably at around that time.
A couple of plaques on the dash show that it attended
the Hillman Owner's Club National Rally in 1996 and 2004, further corroboration
of the mid-1990s restoration date.
It seems that the engine was replaced
during the restoration as it is currently fitted with a later 1,592cc unit, as
used in the Series V models, which bumped the power up to a useful 66bhp,
although the V5C has not been amended to reflect this.
The MOT
history online shows that it was in regular use from 2006 – 2017 during which
time it clocked up some 7,800 miles, nearly always passing the test with no
advisories recorded which is always a good sign with any car, let alone one as
old as this.
The last MOT was issued in May 2017
which was another clean pass, and it has only covered some 560 miles since, the
odometer currently showing 72,038 miles which is more than likely correct,
judging by the nicely preserved condition of the interior. Classed as a Historic
Vehicle on the V5C, it is now MOT-exempt and free to tax.
Our vendor acquired the car in May this year at which point it had
been off the road for around five years due to the age of the long-term owner
who was in his 90s and no longer able to drive. He has recommissioned the car to
get it roadworthy, including replacing all four wheel cylinders; fitting ‘new
old stock’ clutch master and slave cylinders; fresh oil and filter; new battery
and battery isolator switch.
He has covered
around 30 miles in the car since and tells us that it runs and drives nicely,
although he advises that given the recent lack of use, some short local test
drives would be wise before any long journeys are undertaken. It has
certainly been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on
site, with healthy oil pressure, effective brakes and a nice easy gear
change.
Supplied with a current V5C recording
four previous keepers, it also comes with an older V5C and a V5; sundry
recommissioning invoices; one old MOT; Haynes workshop manual plus an original
owner’s handbook and lubrication chart. The icing on the cake is the original
London-issue number plate, YBY 281, which is transferable and doubtless has a
value of its own.
As you can see in the photos,
this seductive little Minx looks to be in great shape for a 66-year-old and is
on offer here at a very modest guide price which should leave ample scope for
any further recommissioning works required.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com