1955 Hillman Minx

Hillman Minx MkVI, VII, VIII (Saloon), 1953-1956

The Hillman Minx MkVI was in production for 1953 only, replaced the same year by the MkVII and in 1954 by the MkVIII. This model continued until 1956. Styled in house, all were available as four door saloon, two door estate or two door drophead convertible.

The Minx MkVi replaced the earlier MkV model - it came with a new grille, revised combustion chambers and a new two spoke steering wheel in ivory plastic. The MkVII built on these upgrades with longer rear mudguards and a larger boot, while the MkVIII offered a brand new overhead valve engine which would continue on into the next generation of Minxes. All models came in a selection of three bodystyles, plus the Californian which is covered in a separate guide. Replaced in 1956 by the Audax series of Minxes, which brought the Raymond Loewy Studebaker look to Rootes, the "Phase Minxes" as these cars are known offered solid and sensible family transport. They make sensible family classics today.

A Minx will drive better than the equivalent Austin A40, a typical competitor - they feel more taut. Yes, as a 1950s saloon you'll experience understeer if you push on, but the sidevalve engine of MkVI and MkVII cars isn't happy beyond around 50mph anyway. The overhead valve engine of the MkVIII means that 60-65 is achievable when cruising. While not sporting, the Minx does come complete with a very pleasant column gearchange, and steering which if not the most direct at least managed to inspire a degree of confidence. The brakes aren't bad by the standards of the day, but it's important to remember with all unservoed systems to plan ahead well in advance.

The steel wasn't protected well from rust, and the paint on Minx panels wasn't the highest quality. Rust is therefore one of the biggest things to watch out for. These cars use an early unitary construction, so inspect well around the bulkhead and sills to ensure that there's nothing nasty in any structural locations. Original panels can be hard to find, so repairing the existing panels where necessary makes more sense. Mechanical spares can be found via the Hillman Owners Club, but you're out of luck for most trim items. You either need to buy a car with good trim, or find a good trimmer. For collector interest value, the Minx was also produced and sold in Japan by Isuzu.

MkVIII Minxes are more desirable than the earlier MkVI and MkVII cars. They're easier to live with and nicer to drive, courtesy of their overhead valve engines, smaller wheels and suspension. Values however are fairly level regardless of which model you find. 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. It will also be harder to find a good estate, as these spent their early lives as working vehicles and are less likely to have been cosseted than the saloon or drophead models.

If you fancy something different, try an Austin A40 Somerset. Alternatively, the Morris MO Oxford offered torquey engine in a body many will recognise as a bigger Morris Minor. If you fancy a shade more style, the later Series Minx shares much of its drivetrain with the MkVIII while adding a dose of Loewy-inspired flair, while the earlier Minxes (MkI-MkV) have more in common with the MkVI and MkVII cars. From within the Rootes stable, the Sunbeam Talbot 90 might also be worth considering.