Description
TODAY at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 25 years), we take yet another dip back into the mid-1960s with an ultra original Hillman Superminx from 1965.
These Rootes Group models offer comfortable and enjoyable driving with a perky 1600cc engine well capable of keeping up with today's traffic. In my opinion, an often under-rated classic so well designed and engineered.
Anyway, to the case in hand. This blue beauty has been in the hands of the same family from 1965 until now. That's a mammoth 58 years of ownership. The V5 states no previous owners. The history of this super Superminx can be traced all the way back to day one. The owner's detailed - you might say almost obsessive - handwritten notes chronicle every drop of fuel used, details of miles driven and every service, repair ever done. It is an amazing record and also an insight into both motoring and social history. You would struggle to find any make and model from this era where such detail accompanies the vehicle!
The history also includes every MoT certificate the car ever received. According to the family, the Hillman has never been driven in the wet since 1979 and so you can see what originality we have here, emerging from hibernation as it has done. It drives beautifully with plenty of pep, excellent gear changes and solid brakes. Condition-wise it is, put simply, an honest, original and un-restored 58-year-old classic. She is very straight indeed and although the paintwork shows some evidence of touching up here and there, it just adds to the charm of a car that has been looked after and loved as opposed to one that has been rebuilt. She displays a typically pleasing Rootes Group interior with that "Oh so '60s look" to the blue seats and the period dash and steering wheel. Externally, the missing chrome strip from the driver's door and the offside headlight bezel are with the car.
Make no mistake, it's exceedingly rare to come across a one owner classic from 1965. And to find one with such a fascinating, detailed history is a bonus we welcome with open arms. It really is a super Hillman. Be quick!
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 58-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 58-years-old. It's not two, five or even ten-years-old as your own everyday car may be. It has been in service for more than half a century and so will have quirks and faults in there somewhere. However, faults on these old girls are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. Most will reveal the passage of time in some shape or form and are not showroom examples. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind and think long and hard about how many years these old girls have been around before buying and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 25 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below.
