Hillman’s post-war Minx was the last of a classic style that owed a lot to pre-war times. It gave cost-conscious buyers a rugged, reliable car with the practicality and open-top style of much more expensive models.
The revised MkII was only available for two years and the Drop Head Coupe with its ‘two position roof’ is now particularly rare. This 1948 example retains its factory-correct colour scheme - which we know thanks to a Rootes Archive Centre certificate - and comes to us in very usable and presentable condition.
With a thick history file attesting to regular, ongoing maintenance and improvement, this is a classic that both stands out and provides four-seater convertible versatility.
The History and Paperwork
Rootes Archive Centre certificate confirms current colour specification
Factory built in March 1948 and despatched on 2nd April 1948
Appears to be an original UK registered car
DVLA registration records first UK registration on 1st November 2017
This appears to be when the car was registered following a restoration
VIN number confirms this as a 1948 built car prior to the arrival of the MkIII in September of that year
Thick history file with various mechanical replacements and maintenance
Old MOTs to verify mileage
Fuel pump replaced in July 2022
Regulator replaced in January 2020
The Condition
Factory correct colour combination verified by factory records
Smoke grey paintwork in good order with light microbilistering in some areas
Bodywork well kept with no noticeable corrosion to panels
Exterior fittings including chromework complete and well kept
Underside in similar order with no issues to report
Original radio fitted
Blue canvas roof with ‘two position’ construction
This allows ‘sunroof’ motoring and full convertible driving
Smart blue vinyl interior in well kept order with matching door cards
Interior trim in good order and unmodified
The Mechanics
1,185cc L4 sidevalve Hillman engine
4spd synchromesh manual gearbox
Mechanical repairs including water pump, fuel pump and regulator
We have no reported mechanical or other running issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Please see our FAQs
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and our Terms & Conditions
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Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1948 Hillman Minx MkII DHC
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.