Description
A Very Well Maintained Lesser-Known 1948 Hillman minx drophead coupe.
Overview
Prepare to be charmed because ‘Audrey’ (our name for the car) is an absolutely delightful little motorcar that reeks of gentler times gone by.
Finished in grey with a black folding hood and a blue interior, this 1948 Hillman Minx Drophead Coupé has been beautifully restored and is still very well presented and highly usable.
Exterior,
When you first see this cars bodywork, you may be fooled into thinking that the car is a much younger model that Hillman produced. Whoever did the restoration, especially the paint work, did a brilliant job. It is one of the many comments that people talk about at classic car shows. The shutlines and panel alignment are very good, and the restored grey/ blue paintwork is sharp and unsullied. Regrettably, the only area with minor and barely noticeable paint damage is on the nearside front wing, where the paint has blown slightly. The Log book states that the colour is grey, however, as you will see if you buy Audrey, her colour is always talked about at car shows. Some see the car as grey, while others see it as blue. But rest assured, the car is painted in its original colour. All of the bodywork is in terrific condition with their edges untroubled by scuffs, dings, and other damage.
The chrome work is good too and being a premium car there’s plenty of it. Sure, there is a little pitting here and there, but I think it’s nothing more than a developing patina and could be left as it is for a good while yet.
More evidence of the Hillman’s high-end status comes with the mirrors, which are TEX Viewmaster. It’s got proper working trafficators too.
The 16-inch steel wheels are not only painted in the same hue as the coachwork but are fitted with a set of chrome hubcaps. The result is sporting and elegant, which means they’re entirely in keeping with the rest of the vehicle.
In April 2024. The front and rear axle were fitted with new T/ T Roadmaster crossply tyres, that up to date, have only travelled 842 miles attending classic car shows in sunny dry conditions.
The folding black fabric roof fits very well. It’s in the same great condition as the rest of the exterior, which means it operates as it should, rising and falling easily and offering a choice of positions: fully lowered, or with just the front section rolled back to give the driver and front seat passenger some fresh air while screening those in the rear.
The roof is also free of rips, tears, and other damage. In fact, it’s one of the best fold down roof tops I have seen whilst attending classic car shows. The rear screen is glass, for better rearwards vision than the faded, opaque plastic you find on inferior vehicles.
A boot-mounted luggage rack extends the Minx’s versatility while simultaneously adding a hefty dollop of charm.
Interior
The rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors open wide and allow entry and egress to be made with an uncommon elegance – and to an uncommonly elegant interior.
The cabin might be simple, but it is beautifully executed with Smiths instruments, a pair of copper-coloured Perspex sun visors.
It’s all in a very good condition, too. With unmarked seats that are still firm and comfortable, seating four in comfort.
The carpets and door cards are equally in excellent condition. Giving that air of luxury whilst sat in the car.
The Boot is nicely painted and plays home to a spare wheel and a small tool kit that was supplied by the manufacturer in the day. Mechanical
The engine is a 1185cc side valve which produces 35bhp. It starts and idles as it should, and revs willingly – and it does it all without illuminating either the engine oil pressure or the battery charge warning light.
The engine and under bonnet area is as nicely presented as everywhere else, and I can see that, like me, you will be happy to polish her up for those classic car shows.
I purchased Audrey privately, 22 months ago and have the registration booklet, that shows her full-service history since new.
The underside looks good and solid and is neatly protected by a coat of underseal.
The exhaust is stainless steel and still looks almost new.
Since owning Audrey, I have enjoyed doing my part by maintaining the condition whilst in my care. She currently has no test certificate; however, this is not a requirement of a vehicle of this age.
Below is a list of just some of the work I have carried out:
1. N/ S & O/ S front wheel cylinders re-furbished.
2. 4 new crossply tyres & tubes
3. Engine flush
4. New engine / gearbox & axle oil
5. New brake master cylinder
6. Engine removed to fit x2 core plugs. Clean and re-paint engine block
7. New voltage regulator
8. New picnic basket and leather straps
9. Replace dynamo brushed and have dynamo fully tested
10. Remove front seats and re-paint seat frames
11. Re-paint radiator
12. Repair driver & passenger door seals
13. Repair tool kit bag
14. Fit new carpet in the boot
15. Free off both trafficator’s
16. Grease all grease nipples
17. Paint steering column
18. Plus, many other jobs that I have documented in a job list book.
History
As is so often the case with older cars, the Minx’s history is sparse. I was told by its previous owner that it resurfaced in 2013 after being sold at auction. It is then, I think, the restoration took place although there is no paperwork to confirm this.
The advert from W H Brand, from whom the seller bought the car in 2021, said of it: “Subject to a full restoration over a five-year period including a bare metal respray, and most mechanical and electrical parts repaired or rebuilt. It has all new upholstery, carpets, new three position hood and rear window.” I was also informed by the car’s previous owner, that Audrey has not been out in any wet condition during her ownership and its previous owner before her.
This car won Best in show at Boston Classic car show 2022. The glass shield won, will also come with the sale of this car.
Audrey comes with a good history file, plus some photos. In addition, there is a period parts list booklet, and original car maintenance books. In addition to this I also have many of the receipts of parts purchased by previous owners. I have also made a jobs list book, that list and record all the jobs I have undertaken to better this cars condition.
Some of the photo’s I have placed in this advert were taken by a professional photographer prior to Audrey’s sale. (They are such good pics, I would have been a fool not to use them) The rest are from my time enjoying taking her to classic car shows.
Summary
I am asking £8995. 00. There might be cheaper ways to get into Hillman Minx ownership, but I doubt there are many that are nicer. In fact, after looking at other Hillman minx’s that have been sold, and looking them up on the DVLA site, I could only find 6 other cars of this type that have registered for road tax. This is a rare motorcar.
With proven prize-winning potential, plus better than average reliability and looks, it would cost you an awful lot more to buy a basket-case and restore it yourself – and that’s without factoring in the value of being able to use it this summer.
