Hillman Super Minx
ENGINE 1592cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 62bhp@4400rpm TORQUE 86lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 85mph 0-60MPH 19.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-30mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 4498 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine fires easily, idles quietly, and delivers peppy acceleration, feeling quicker than the numbers suggest. There’s a little gear whine as you pull away but not enough to cause concern and the synchromesh on the top three gears works effectively (there’s no synchro on first), making shifts easy. The gear lever moves cleanly through the gate, selecting each gear positively, and the top-hinged clutch has some weight to it but is not difficult to press. The unassisted steering is sufficiently low-geared to make manoeuvring comfortable and the car feels stable at speed. The brakes (with discs up front) are strong and pull the car up with no veering to either side. Oil pressure ranges between 5060psi and the ammeter sits just above the middle of the dial.
BODYWORK CHECK
This Hillman is in exceptional condition. It has never been welded, and there are virtually no chips or marks on either the pale blue bodywork or white roof. The window rubbers are all good, as is most of the brightwork, but there’s a little pitting on the door handles and exhaust finisher. The wheels wear new Arrowspeed 165/80 R13 tyres with whitewall trim rings and mint-condition hubcaps with faux wire-wheel outer rings. The underside is as clean as the rest of the car; the floor is immaculate and there is no corrosion or flaking paint.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
You’ll find little sign of wear. The front seats have light patina on their Vynide fabric, and the driver’s seat squab is a little baggy. The attractive metal dashboard has full-width horizontal lines pressed into it and just a small amount of chips and scratches in the paint. The dials are all clear and function
correctly. A Jaeger clock has been added below the centre of the dashboard and the steering wheel has a grippy aftermarket cover on it. The carpets appear to be new and the headlining and door cards are all in excellent shape. The rear seats are very spacious but there are no seatbelts front or rear.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is spotlessly clean with no rust or damage and good paint. The engine shows no signs of leaks and a new battery and coil have been fitted along with a new stainless exhaust. The cooling system, transmission, suspension and steering all function as they should.
THE CCW VIEW
This is a lovely example of a once common, but now rare family car. It drives beautifully thanks to its pleasant engine and offers more composure and a better ride than contemporary rivals. Its condition is outstanding, having emerged from a private collection of exceptional low-mileage cars, so the price looks fair.