Marque: Hillman - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Hillman
In Coventry a century ago the first cars to bear the Hillman name were being produced as Hillman-Coatalens, since Louis Coatalen designed the first examples. Early production included lusty four-cylinder 6.4-litre and six-cylinder 9.7-litre models, but the 9hp Hillman (built until 1925) was sold in much greater numbers, and sports versions were competitive in motor-sport. The larger Hillman Fourteen…
Hillman Hillman Minx (‘Series’ Cars)
PRICE: Saloon/estate: £300 - £2000+; Convertible: £1000 - £3500
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1956-66 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon two-dr tourer three/five-dr estates - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder Series I/II: 1390cc 48bhp; Series III: 1494cc 49bhp; Series IIIC/V: 53bhp; Series VI: 59bhp - 0-60 mph:
Series I/II: 27+ sec; Series III/IIIC/V: 26+ sec; Series VI: 20+ sec - Top Speed:
Series I-III: 75+ mph; Series IIIC/V: 80 mph; Series VI: 85 mph - MPG:
24-30+
Fresh-faced styling met everyday practicality when the ‘Series’ Minxes arrived. Their trademark, sharply wrap-around rear windows and unique, prominent grille swere very different for British cars in the 1950s; these features remain attractive today for many. Rare and sought-after today are the convertibles, while scarce but still generally cheap are the estates. Three door Husky ‘utility’ models (which provided the platform for the Alpine) are less elaborate than the Minx estates, but are just as charming.
Hillman (Post War) Hillman Minx To 1948
PRICE: Saloon/estate: £500 - £3000+; Tourer: £2000 - £6000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1946-48 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon; two-door tourer estate - Engine:
Sidevalve in-line; four-cylinder 1184cc 35bhp - Top Speed:
65+ mph - MPG:
30-40
Well worth a look as a practical, interesting classic for a family. Rare (especially early ones), Hillman’s Minx saloon once sold in healthy numbers and provided solid, reliable motoring in the mid-range family car market of its time. Many are unaware that significant features on some of the first cars included a standard-fit car radio (in the ‘Melody Minx’ of 1932), and all-synchromesh gearboxes (but only fitted between 1935 and 1939). Post-War cars look generally similar to their predecessors, but had more power. We reckon Minx is an overlooked, undervalued classic, which is good news if you are buying as prices are generally affordable.
