1966 Hillman Minx Series VI

Description

• Classic car show double award winner
• Restored to a high standard
• Just 2000 miles driven in 13 years
• 4 previous owners in 56 years

This wonderfully presented Audax designed Hillman Minx series VI really did surprise us when it landed in our inbox, it is quite rare that one in this condition is offered for sale so we feel very privileged to be trusted to present this for sale.

Although it does not come with an extensive history file, it does have enough to convince us of its quality and honesty.  With only four previous owners it will come supplied with its original owners handbook and also the original service book plus a handful of MOTs.

It is hard not to trust that the 65,000 mileage is not correct, unfortunately there is not a lot else to allow us to use the term “warranted” but there is also no evidence to prove that it isn’t.  Either way there is evidence from the MOTs that the car has done less than 2000 miles in the last 13 years and it is presented so well you would be forgiven for believing the mileage to be true and correct, it really is that good.

The vendor originally purchased it as a wedding car, predominantly due to its impressive condition but now no longer can justify keeping it, freely admitting that to be a real shame because it genuinely is a keeper.

Exterior

This Hillman Minx series VI has clearly been well cared for and is in wonderful condition, especially when you think it is now 56 years old, with no dents, scrapes or rust in any of the usual spots, in fact there isn’t any anywhere on the bodywork!

This is predominantly due to it being restored and professionally resprayed at some point in its recent past, clearly carried out to a very high standard it is holding up extremely well.

The vendor has shared that the gaps are all spot on but although it is a double classic car show winner, the paintwork is not without some minor blemishes, firstly there is an area on the nearside front wing above the wheel arch where the paint appears to have been worn thin, there is a similar mark on the nearside rear quarter beneath the bumper. Lastly there is a small amount of micro blistering on the top edge of the offside front wing.

It really should be said we are being quite picky here and, apart from the front wing, the areas described are very hard to see without an extremely keen eye in the old English white paintwork and definitely do not detract from the overall condition of the bodywork whatsoever.

Underneath is as tidy as the paintwork and is described as rock solid, the images and the vendors description don’t detract from that statement either, truly outstanding for a 56-year-old car.

The brightwork is in great condition all round with the exception of the usual minor pitting to the badges, again suitably fitting for the overall look and condition of the car and not affecting its ability to win first in class at Car shows.

Interior

Inside, the interior has held up extremely well over the years with the only stand out issue being a small repair to the piping on the driver’s seat. As ever with a car this age it was showing some wear and tear where the previous owners got in and out, but as with everything else on the car the previous owner saw fit to get it sorted before it got too worse for wear.

Apart from that, the blue vinyl seats have held up surprisingly well and do not present as 56 year old seats, in fact the original rubber fitted mats, pedals and everything else lend to the 65,000 mileage being honest and correct.  The vendor has confirmed that everything works as it should so no surprises are in store when you take it for its first drive.

Engine

Although there is not a great deal of paperwork with the car it is evident that it has been meticulously maintained. The 1725cc overhead valve four cylinder engine delivers plenty of punch and is nestled in an engine bay that presents extremely well and really justifies the two classic car show awards it bagged a few years ago.

The gearbox is as slick as you would expect of a 65,000 mile car and has none of the usual issues of a period Rootes gearbox including the dreaded “jump out of first issues” experienced by many of the same era.

The vendor who admits that he is “quite particular!” shared that in his view, it is probably due a tune up and would benefit from the points being replaced but admitted that it does not detract from the way it drives, in fact when he purchased it back in October 2021 he drove it home from Beccles, around a two and half hour drive, and it did not miss a beat.  That old adage comes to mind, “don’t fix what ain’t broke”.

Wheels Tyres Suspension and other

It is plain to see on inspection that the running gear and suspension are in great condition, there’s nothing complicated about the suspension on the Audax Hillman Minx. At the front, the set-up comprises of coil springs and double wishbones and a rugged semi-elliptic leaf spring set up at the rear, driving as it should without any knocks or squeaks you would be forgiven for questioning the little Minx’s age, it really does drive that well.

This Minx has even been spoiled with four new tyres fitted offering cost free driving for quite some time, plus the spare wheel is brand new and unused too.

Our view

Owning and running an Audax Hillman Minx back in the day was always considered a safe bet. A reliable, well-built car and today a pampered example like this will make a perfect driver.

As previously mentioned, this particular Hillman Minx really is an outstanding example, don’t just take our word for it, the two classic car show awards that it won lend to confirming the quality of this car.

Like all survivors of the Audax range you need to check a quite substantial amount of the bodywork for rust, no need to worry with this example, it has genuinely managed to avoid the usual rot and rust and has clearly been maintained by all four of its previous owners.

If you are in the market to buy a Hillman Minx then this is definitely one to consider, we would be immensely surprised if it did not make your shortlist, we’d be even more surprised if it didn’t become your first choice.

 

Vehicle Location: Redhill, Surrey– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

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