Description
1935 HILLMAN AEROMINX STREAMLINED TWO-SEATER ROADSTER
In 1932 Hillman built the first car to carry the Minx name; it had an 1185cc four-cylinder engine and went through a series of updates in body style and construction until the end of the Second World War. At this time Hillman were Britain's fourth largest manufacture of motor vehicles and until 1932 were exclusively a builder of family saloons. In 1932 they announced the Aero Minx 2/ 3 seater Streamline Saloon, designed by Lord 'Freddie' March, and the body manufacture contracted to Carbodies of Coventry. This pretty little coupé was built from 1933 to 1935 and become the style setter for many of the 'airline' cars that followed. The Aero-Minx Streamline Saloon, as it was known, was the first production car from an established manufacturer to show the distinctive styling that we now attribute to the Art Deco genre.
A number of body styling companies started to design two seater dropheads which included Kevill-Davis & March, (Lord March). In its time, the two seater tourer was considered to be a grand performer and was lavishly equipped relative to its price. Although not fast as sports cars go, it gained a reputation for reliability and was capable of good average speeds owing to its excellent road manners and comfort.
This Hillman Aero-Minx is believed to be one of six in the Streamline design and one of the prettiest open two seaters ever built; the fully disappearing hood with storage for the weather equipment gives this car an elegant flowing line from the cockpit to the rear.
The spectacular design is reflecting the most advanced ideas of the automobile aerodynamic of the '30s, giving this car a much more modern look compared to its period competitors. The low windscreen position is adjustable, when in the lowest position the car has an absolute "streamlined" lines.
The car is mechanically in excellent condition. Smooth and brilliant engine. Gearbox, clutch, brakes, steering, brakes, electrics were checked, overhauled where necessary, during my ownership. I can say now this jewel is a perfect driver, reliable and with brilliant performances.
The radiator is new, all the cooling system has been overhauled.
The brakes has been rebuilt, with new socks.
The leaf-springs are new, as the old ones were tired.
The chassis is straight and sound. The body is fine, but the paint is far to be perfect, acceptable for a weekend drive but not for a show. Brightwork is very good. Interior trim is used and patinated, as we can expect from a 80 year old open sports car. Top is in good condition, as the sides screen. The soft-top chassis works properly.
In sum, an extremely rare and beautifully designed pre-war car. An example of the pre-war streamline automobile design.
The car has a modern DVLA V5 document. It still wears the original registration number and number plates.
I bought this car about 6 years ago. My plan was to have a concours restoration and then to show it to the most important classic car events, worldwide, as its design deserves. But other automobile projects had priority, after a full mechanic recommissioning I enjoyed driving it. It is time now to find a new home.
