1952 Hillman Minx

Hillman Minx MkIII, IV, V (Saloon), 1948-1953

The Hillman Minx MkIII was in production from 1948 to 1949, replaced in 1949 by the MkIV and in 1951 by the MkV. This model continued until 1953. Styled in house, all were available as four door saloon, two door estate or two door drophead convertible.

The Minx MkIII replaced the earlier MkII model - while it kept the running gear of the earlier model, the body was all new and finally did without any vestigial trace of a chassis in favour of full unitary construction. The front suspension underwent minor revisions from those which had gone before, but the new body was the big story. It eschewed separate wings in favour of the new Ponton style, available asa saloon, drophead, or estate. Power remained the same at 35bhp, but the MKIV of 1949 would see this increased to 37.5bhp. This was courtesy of a bored out engine, from 1185 to 1265, and an increased compression ratio. By this time the car cost around £450 new, with a heater available at an extra £18. The 1951 MkV Minx saw the handbrake relocated to the floor, and a new chrome side strip to show the Joneses that they weren't quite keeping up. In 1953, the MkVI Minx replaced the MkV.

As 1940s and 1950s saloons go Minxes drive rather pleasantly - certainly a cut above the sort of cars Austin was producing at the same time. They're tighter in feel - there's still some understeer but it's not exactly a car to throw around Castle Combe. For casual countryside bumbling, it's adequate - and it'll cruise al day long at 50. The gearchange - column operated - is slick enough, while for an unservoed drum setup the brakes are surprisingly good. You just need to be aware to plan ahead, but that's more a feature of the time than a criticism of the car.

The biggest problem you'll experience is corrosion; Minxes weren't made of high quality steel and nor was the paint especially thick. These were the first fully uitary Minxes, so check the sills, bulkhead and floors for any issues as these are the biggest structural areas. It makes more sense to repair panels than to try to source replacements, given their rarity, though mechanical spares can be sourced via other enthusiasts in the Hillman Owners Club. In terms of trim, you need the best you can as spares are like hen's teeth. The only alternative to good original trim is to find a trimmer competent enough to replicate it, because you won't find any new old stock or any good used trim for sale.

As a rule, the later the Minx the more desirable, given the developments over time. With that said, the MkIII, IV and V are worth similar money, so there's no premium to pay for the desirable model type. The drophead coupe is by far the most valuable of the Minxes, estates and saloons are similarly valuable but the estates are worth slightly less like for like. Good dropheads will be easiest to find as these were typically cherished from an early age, while a good estate will be harder given their workhorse status.

If you like the idea but want more modernity, a MkVI VII or VIII Minx makes an excellent alternative at a similar price. The Austin A40 Somerset and Morris Oxford MO are good options too, the latter in particular offers easily recognisable charm as it looks like a Minor's bigger brother. From within the Rootes stable, the Sunbeam Talbot 90 might also be worth considering, while a later Series Minx represents a more modern take on the Rootes best seller.