1952 Hillman Minx

Lot details
Registration No: VUU 62
Chassis No: 1122022
Mot Expiry: None

The `phase V' Hillman Minx was produced from October 1951 until February '53, and conferred many improvements over the outgoing model. Styling adhered to the Raymond Loewy-influenced transatlantic look begun with the Phase III model. The car received an extended rear boot, removing the pre-war flat-back rear, which allowed a traditional 3-box saloon shape to emerge for the `full-width' 5-seater coachwork. Detail work included adding vertical sides to the grille bars, and installing stainless steel stone-guards to the rear door wheel-well protrusions. The engine was a 1265cc side-valve four, with a power output increased by 7% to 37.5 bhp over the older model. A saloon tested by The Motor had a top speed of 67 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 39.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 32.1 miles per imperial gallon was recorded. The basic car cost £701 but optional extras such as a radio for £36, over-riders at £5 the set and a heater for £18 could be added. The interior featured bench seating to both front and rear compartments. 59,777 Phase V Minxes were produced during the 16 months the model lasted, yet today survivors are few and far between.

Finished in black with a maroon roof and red upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment and bodywork, while he rates the interior trim as "used but presentable". The chromework is understood to have "aged in places" and apparently there are still traces of the original paint visible inside the cabin. Reputedly the only left-hand drive Hillman Minx Phase V on the Owners' Club's records, 'VUU 62' is fitted with a column gear change. Treated to various improvements by former keeper Geoff Macdonald including an engine overhaul in 2001 (reground crankshaft, crack tested / re-bored cylinder block, valves, bearings etc) and attention to its sills three years later, the saloon reportedly "attended numerous Southern shows and events such as Beaulieu and Goodwood" before entering the current ownership. Dry stored as part of a private collection, this rare Hillman is offered for sale with "a good history file with invoices dating back to 1965 from the likes of the Empire Garage, Bognor Regis".