Description
JUST the other day I was saying to Mrs Classics. Did she remember the Hillman Minx Gay Look that we were driving about five or six years ago? She replied that she could not recall it, but she would google the make model and see whether it rang any bells. So, she did just that. But all that her search threw up was my own advert for the said Gay Look from all those years ago.
Perhaps there has not been one for sale since? Come to think of it.... there probably hasn't been.
It's a very rare bird, this Gay Look.
Right. Here at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 25 years), let's get this delightful old car's full and proper title out in the open before we go any further. Is it being "outed"? Well, not really.
Back in the 1950s, things were a little different and some words had different meanings. After all, my grandmother always used to tell me I was sporting a "gay tie" and The Flintstones always had a "Gay old time" if you can remember the lyrics to the opening theme music! So yes, this really is a Hillman Minx Mark VIIIA Gay Look.
That was its name in 1956, and that's still its name today. The sales brochures of the day described it as having a "Gay outlook" with its dashing two-tone colour schemes and full length chrome trims. The full width boot plinth above the rear number plate is another extra which confirms this is a genuine Gay Look.
All previous models - even the earlier VIII - had a tiny plinth to house the number plate light. This full width version was, according to The Rootes Group, "Added just for extra smartness!" So, there we are. Here is my 1956 Gay Look. The model was launched in September 1955 as the VIIIA "deluxe" Gay Look. They were offered in Olive Green and white (like this one), Lemon and white, Blues and white and Red and white.
This superb example is an absolute gem with a stunning red interior and white dashboard with matching steering wheel. The Mark VIII was the first Minx to feature the 1390cc ohv engine which was soon to be dropped into the first of the next series of Minxes. All previous "Mark" models during the 50s had carried the side valve engine.
She drives beautifully and it could well be that her mileage reading of just 14, 000 is correct. So, what a Gay Day! Go on treat yourself. Its mega-rare and a real joy. So, what makes me think the miles could be right? The interior is incredible and the seats look and feel as though they have never been sat upon. Lift the rear seat base out and all the individual springs of the old-style "sprung seat" are perfect. But it moved up on down as though no-one has been on it from new. The under felt looks like it is factory fitted. The headlining is superb and even the small rubber "steps" on top of the sills when opening the doors are intact. This is a car that has had minimal use in my view. So strong underneath too with that thick chassis. Likewise the engine bay is in superb order. By the way, the family from whom this delightful Minx came informed me that - when they acquired it - they were assured that the ultra low mileage was correct. I have to say I agree with them from what I have now seen at close quarters.
Mrs Classics remembers it now. She said I kept singing the theme tune to The Flintstones every time I clambered behind the wheel. Yea. That sounds about right!
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 67-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. 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 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.
