1960s Hillman Super Minx Mk3 - a rare British classic car!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มิ.ย. 2024
- Hillman Super Minx mk3
This car is sadly a much rarer sight that it should be, because even back in the mid 60s when this was a gleaming bright penny in a row of new cars, it looked smart, attractive and modern.
It deserves to be far more treasured in today’s line up of classics and hopefully today’s video will have you lusting after one just as much as I now am!
For those watching from abroad or who are perhaps slightly younger, you may be wondering what Hillman was and where they came from.
The Hillman marque was part of Rootes group which also produced cars under marques including Singer, Sunbeam, Talbot and Commer. At this point in time, Rootes as Britain knew it was slowly fading, being taken over by Chrysler in chunks.
Now coming back to the car we’re testing today, we’re out in the Super Minx, which is not to be confused with the Minx - which is not the same car.
In fact, to the observer looking back, you might be wondering what the heck is going on. Essentially, Rootes needed a car to fill that tricky gap of upper-mid family car market and they decided the Super Minx would do just that.
The team had intended for the car to completely replace the Minx but once all was said and done, they felt like both cars served different audiences and kept both in the range.
The car was fitted with the 1,592cc engine, as seen in the Minx, and the performance was not to be sniffed at for a modern family car of the time. It could achieve a top speed of around 80 mph and do 0 to 60 in just over 21 seconds.
It was the last of the Super Minxes to be fitted with this because with the Mark 4, they step up to the 1725cc engine - which was then used for other cars within the Rootes Group family after Super Minx closed.
On this particular Mk3, we’ve got the 4 speed gearbox with synchro on all forward gears - overdrive was optional - but has not been fitted to this car.
The braking system is more than adequate and the car is fitted with discs to front and drums to rear. I believe on earlier cars they’re fitted with drums all round.
Despite being a car which still looks appealing and less antiquated than some cars of the 60s, it is a rare beast in the classic car world. Less than 300 are left across the entire production run from 1961 to 1967 and it’s a massive shame.
The car was replaced within the Rootes line up by the Rootes Arrow cars or as many of you will know it, the Hillman Hunter or Paykan.
I could talk all day about Rootes cars and the range and the badge engineering, but we need to get back to the Super Minx we’re testing today. If you’d like to do more reading I suggest Rootes Cars by David Rowe as a starting point. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![เปิดบ้านสุดหรู "เเจ็ค the ghost" ลั่นถ้าป๋องกพลลำบากผมเลี้ยงเอง!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1xbW4vULqGc/mqdefault.jpg)
Came here for cars.
Stayed for Steph.
I’ll send you that tenner in the post 😉😉😉
By the time this car was produced, the Rootes group was losing money hand over first with the Imp and Chrysler, who already had a 30% stake, finally acquired Rootes in 1967. But Chrysler failed miserably in funding development of new cars, so with Chrysler UK's demise in 1978, the Hillman brand sadly disappeared with it. I have found a handful of surviving Minx Serie III in The Netherlands but no Super Minx, let alone a Super Minx Serie III.
What a lovely car. Suits you!
It does! Keep your eye out please 😂
I was at the Tatton Park show a couple of weeks ago, admiring a convertible Super Minx, a two-door variant which was virtually hand-built by Rootes' in-house coachbuilder Thrupp & Maberley. Sadly they only built a tiny number (150 or so if I remember correctly), but what a fabulous car.
When I first glanced at the thumb nail I thought that is what this car was, I then looked at it properly!
Tatton always has gorgeous cars!
The blue and white one is owned by friend of mine, lots of time and hard work gone in to it.
Best channel for cars. Even better channel for information. You always bring us great videos, keep up the great work!
You’re too lovely. Thank you x
@@idriveaclassicI am genuinely thinking about getting some of the cars you’ve reviewed because of all the info you give. Thank you for the great content!
Nice car presented by a lovely lady.
🥰
@@idriveaclassic say.. did you drop in some innuendos there on the dashboard and controls??
lovely presentation by charming steph..tout de meme..
I gave you a thumbs up before watching the video....JUST FOR THE AMAZING DRESS!!
You're the best!
Well done Steph, love the car and rhe outfit too, keep up the good work.
I had a 1963 Super Minx Estate. Lovely car, the front seats were so comfortable and the driving position was the best I have experienced
So many wonderful memories 💖
Love your voice overs, great content 🎉
Thank you darlin x
As a 17 year old in 1969 I bought one of these in a lighter blue colour. 7079 NF. Nice drive, happy days.
Great presentation, Steph. As a kid, my parents had a 1965 Hillman Minx; in two-tone green no less! I loved it, the seats were so comfortable and soft.
My father bought a Mark IV Super Minx in 1965 in the same two-tone green combination, but because he bought it when stationed in Rotterdam it was a left-hand-drive export version, making it a very rare car in Europe and back in England. He drove it several times all through West Germany on the way to Austria for holidays there, and it survived all-day flat-out-at-80MPH trips on the Autobahns without complaint, and it also survived the Netherland's notoriously rough cobblestone roads and streets with hardly a rattle or squeak. He had originally wanted a Mercedes that would probably have been a 220 Fintail, but because he had to buy a British car he chose the Hillman instead. After he returned to England it was registered as WJJ 188G, maybe the only G-reg 1965 car, let alone LHD as well, and after he eventually sold it we would see it for many years afterwards trundling around North Norfolk country roads, complete with its oval CD plate on the back. I wonder how long it lasted, and what the local constabulary thought of the CD plate! I still wish he could have bought a Fintail, but the Hillman was a pretty good alternative. Fun times.
6:00. You look spot on in that car!
Your videos always make me happy! Thanks for all you do!
Aw thanks Russ. Have a super day x
Many memories - my mum used to drive me and others to school in a bright red one of these.
You’re videos are a treat for us old fogies, thankyou
Passed my driving test in the family 1966 1725 mkIV... this was in June 1967. Discs on the front, drums on the rear, no overdrive. The engine had a five bearing crankshaft, a first for Rootes.
What a super presentation of an absolute classic. Love this channel.
What a wonderful model this was . It was so robust and roomy . My fathers friend had one which I borrowed when I was 18 and drove it 300 miles . I loved it !!
Aussie here. My Dad had a Hillman Gazelle - it was a lovely car. Then he got a Hillman Hunter, a Chrysler car, of course, no comparison. I'd love to see you do a review on the Gazelle, 🙂
I believe the Hillman Gazelle was called the Singer Gazelle in Britain. I remember seeing a Humber Sceptre here in Melbourne. The Sceptre was a "dressed up" version of the Hillman Hunter. It was probably a private import and quite an unusual car.😊
My late father used to have a 1966 Estate version of the Super Minx. It was "written off" by an MGB. Oh how I miss it. I guess that's why I love Rootes Group cars. I must get my Series Va Super Snipe back on the road.
You must, they’re superb cars
Very good description of the car and i like the way you explain finer aspects so precisely, keep it up good work 👍
Thank you so much 🙏🏼
I had a Singer Vogue Mk. IV 1725 cc engine in NZ. Just a tarted up Super Minx!! But a lovely car and I still remember it with great affection.
These Rootes Group cars (Hillman, Singer, Humber, Sunbeam and Talbot) were renowned for their build quality. I now have a Mercedes W124 in Colombia, but if these Rootes Group cars had ever been sold here, I would be sorely tempted!! Great memories........
They’re just great. I do want one but my bank balance says ‘sort the house first’
In Australia we had the Humber Vogue the later edition had the Sunbeam Rapier engine. Sadly production of this car stopped when Chrysler Australia took over the Rootes Australia buiness.
I have a soft spot for Rootes cars. My Dad had an Arrows Singer Gazelle which was his favourite car and my older sisters still talk about it as they got to use it when they passed their tests. By the time I learnt to drive it had departed and he had a VW Camper which I was not allowed anywhere near. Ironically I now own the camper which I bought from Dad 35 years ago.
I had one for two years in the early 70's. CSM515C. Brilliant car. creamy white with dark green roof and side trim. I couldn't afford a Sceptre but I was definitely not short changed with the Super Minx.
SM is a Carlisle registration, that brings back memories having been born in Dumfries, we had a Gazelle and a Minx 3A in the mid 70's, I much preferred the Gazelle even at 5/6 years of age myself......must have been a snob 😂
Love your channel Steph. Your personality and passion for cars shines through. Been watching for a good few years now. You have always been good. But you’re continually improving. I’ve said it before. You should be fronting a mainstream car themed tv show. You’re relatable to people, well researched and have a great personality and presenting style.
Keep up the good work. I love the variety on your channel. Never know what to expect next. Love the variety of vehicles, the interesting people who own them. All the advice. Plus love the practical demonstrations and repairs.
When I was ill and going through a very difficult time. You, Ian from Hubnut, Matt from Furious Driving and Ed from TwinCam all kept me going and provided a great distraction. You will never know just how much all of your channels helped me during those dark times.
Hope you have a great week.
A super episode and the perfect host.
This is a might be said ‘a proper car’!
I cannot tell you the sheer pleasure that you bring in the detailed yet approachable manner you have.
One extra request if I may please as you sometimes do (it may not always be relevant or appropriate) include mention of any books that add to the marque history.
My Dad had two, both baby blue. He loved them and said they were superb cars. Great review, brought back memories of childhood. Thank you.
My first car was a 1962 Hillman Minx with 1600 engine and four on the floor gear change - what a delight that car was. Years later I drove a 1969 Hillman Hunter Royale - what a disappointment - not the same build quality under Chrysler ownership. I live in Melbourne Australia and love your videos Steph.
Excellent video Steph - obviously ! That car is in beautiful condition. My Dad almost bought one in the 60s, but he wasn't quite ready to give up his Mk2 Ford Zodiac. He did in fact change it for a 1966 Vauxhall Victor 101, but was never happy with it, so it quickly made way for a Mk3 Zodiac ! I'm sure if he had plumped for the Hillman he would have loved it - much stronger and better made that the Victor. Thanks for the brilliant review - take care 🙂
my uncle had a minx....and a ford anglia....
my dad had a zephyr 4 and a ford pop....
me born in the 60's love the old 60's british and american cars....
I always liked these Steph, a good choice and an excellent video as always.. Rootes did make some excellent and classy cars back in the day.
A friend of mine had a 1695 s/minx in the late 1970s. I can still remember the sound, comfort as well as the feel of it to drive. That was nearly 50 years ago btw!
This was a great trip down memory lane. My dad had two Super Minxes; a green series one and then a light blue series four. I can even remember the registration plates. I know that is a bit sad. (YKY573 and KCX912E). He eventually replaced the latter one with a Hillman Hunter. Great video.
Thank you putting up this great video
This was a real trip down memory lane for me. When I joined the Electricity Board (remember them?) as a Management Trainee in 1966 I was driven to my first workplace in one of these, probably a MkV with 1725cc engine and a “C” reg (1965) plate. Same colour-inside and out. I swear I could smell Oakie’s (Mr Oakden’s ) cigar smouldering in the ash tray as he piloted us, resplendent in trilby hat and sheepskin coat. Not a company car. They were only for salespeople at that time. A real period executive car, brilliantly presented by Steph. Thanks very much.
I can see a family resemblance to the Humber Super Snipe (another Rootes Group product) from the same year. This car is one of those
forgotten British classics. This model of Hillman was quite popular in Australia and New Zealand in its day.😊
Same nave plates on the wheels.
The thing I like about these old Rootes cars is that all the different variants (Singer, Sunbeam, Humber etc) had their own unique body styles, although they were the same underneath.
The Rootes group were masters of badge engineering. Hillman Imp, Singer Chamois, Sunbeam Stiletto, all the same car but with different trim and interior.
@@volvo480 But for the larger cars, prior to the Arrow series, they did actually have different body-styles.
Yes just like B.L.
Brilliant nice to do video on Chrysler Avenger 1.6 Had one - it was a pleasure on work on engine & easy to change clutch Mine was sold with only 129k mileage.
I love the Superminx. My parents had one in the late 70s. It felt very posh. And it was very reliable too. Great car.
A brilliant review Steph. I really enjoyed this Rootes journey. Many Thanks!
Thanks for doing this one Steph. Here in NZ my dad had a 1965 1600 super Minx. It was white with a red interior. It was UK assembled too, having been brought in by my Grandfather privately as he had overseas funds from a trip he took there at retirement. I was told he was a bit annoyed, in that by the time it arrived here by boat the 1725cc model had been released. I remember it had that straight gear shift like the one you tested while many of the NZ assembled ones had a bend in it. What was unusual was that it only had one strip of chrome down each side like the earlier models did with the wrap around back window. I never saw another flat back window one with only 1 strip in NZ......good memories you have brought back. Talking about the ribbing around the radio. I believe that ribbing is still under the wood veneer on the dash.
What a nice car! Roots sure deserved a longer life!
Great video, factually presented. I remember seeing Hillman cars like this in the wild!
Lovely.... My Grandad had one, but not sure if it was a Mk3. Still, you did take me back along memory lane thank you. God bless you on your car adventures.
😊 Still see a few of these classic Hillmans on the roads over here in my country New Zealand. So clearly a large number of them were exported over this side of the world !.. Your one is a lovely looking example........
More top content from Step the top classic car girl, thanks again.
Hello from New Zealand. In N.Z. the Hillman Super Minx was known as a "Humber 90" . When I went to high school, in the late 1960's, the main teachers car park held about 50 or so cars and the "Humber 90" was one of the most popular with about 10 of them. In my last year (1972 ) this had increased to about 20. The discussions in the staff room must have been that these were very good cars. Cheers B.
My dad had one of those in Californian red and black. That is a really nice example.
You're spot on with the Roots cars, My Dad had Hillmans which I leant to drive in and my Brother had a Sunbeam Rapier, a George Hartwell tuned car which was very quick. Great cars. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Bob.
My late dad owned two of these beautiful cars in the 1960s
Great to see the original bill of sale. I knew it was a Bath car from the 'GL' reg which lasted until 1974.
Windsor garage became a Chrysler dealer, then Talbot in 1978 and eventually changed name to Oval Peugeot in the early 90s and was completely rebuilt with modern facilities in the late 90s. Sadly it was closed just a couple of years later when those premises became an Argos, it's now a Gym!
Keep the videos coming..😂
Great 60s car, really suits you Steph 😊👍
Excellent channel, I love it. Great video Steph. I’m a big fan of Rootes Group cars, this Super Minx is a a very good quality car, you can tell by that superb dashboard. One thing that I noticed that surprised me was that the fuel gauge was in gallons and litres which is very useful and not something that you’d expect on a British car of that era. The engine and transmission sounds fantastic, reminds me of my 1973 Hillman Hunter GL that I had when I was 18.
I wonder if it’s to benefit the export market?!
Yes quite possibly, Steph. Rootes tried to capture as many foreign markets as they could, and it was certainly one of their most stylish saloons at that time.
Great video as always Steph.
Rootes cars were so stylish.
My dream would be to have a Sunbeam Rapier & a Humber Imperial from that era.
And I adore your matching outfit! 💕 Have a great week! x
Thank you! You have a super week too xx
Said it before on here and will say it again - I am coming up on 63 and when I was growing up Rootes Group cars were considered just classy and above the rest.- I remember when my Dad got a Mk2 Cortina 1600E and felt he had a classy car then our neighbour bought an Arrow Singer Vogue ..... one was jumped up "class" ( ours) the Vogue however was a history of class.
Brilliant stuff. Great to have another Rootes convert around. Maybe see you at one of the Gaydon Rootes events some time.
My dad had one same colour. Lovely car. My first two cars were Rootes as well, a Chamois, followed by an Alpine IV.
My grandad has a 1962 mk1 superminx, withthe more rounded almost vauxhall cresta style rear window, much more attractive in my opinion, nice video steph very enjoyable 👍👍
So glad we change gears with our right hand. Seems to me it is much easier especially the second to third gear change, as it is a push rather than a pull as it looks from here.
Love the classy facia! Surprised at the real wood - would (lol) have thought they'd have reserved that for Singer...
Even thou Im in the U.S.A. I always like the Rootes Brand, My first car was a 1957 Hillman Minx, it was a fun little thing,,
Always loved these cars😮😮
What a lovely little car. A superb design. The only downside for me is the acceleration. It would be dangerous entering the dual carriageways around here. The Minx was sold here, but the Super Minx was not. Worse luck. Still, well done video. The car is almost as lovely as you!
Lovely example. Looks very smart with the side stripe. 🤩
That Horn sounds like it's featured on the Record by Madness. ' I like Driving in my car '
In the 1960s British medium saloons were Hillman Super Minx, Vauxhall Victor FB, Ford Cortina Mk1 and Austin Cambridge/ Morris Oxford.
I was lucky enough to see one of this model in my local area only the other day. What a refreshing change from all the boring modern stuff. Well done Steph great review as ever also you look great in your outfit.
Thank you. It’s one of my favourites x
I agree Steph the Rootes range of this period Humber Hillman and Singer variations were the nicest on the road my dad three Minxes they were all great cars
Very attractive car. Gotta love a horn ring!
That car is the same colour scheme as my Dad's old Singer Gazelle we had in the mid 70's when I was 5/6 years old and I still remember how much I loved that car so I'm sure I'd love this one being a Rootes Group car too. In fact we replaced it with a Minx 3A when someone in a Marina wrote the Gazelle off when parked up.
Very nice one
love a good rootes group ❤❤❤...i used to own a humber vogue❤❤❤
My Dad had a 1961 Hillman Minx Deluxe was a good car best regards Andy Allen.
A lovely car. I was lucky enough to see and meet the owner of an estate version a few years ago. Maybe find a bit more garage space for one
Great review and I agree it's a crying shame the Rootes Group brand disappeared. I have very fond memories of my mum's Sunbeam Rapier. Two Tone Green - loved that car.
Thanks for your review of the super minx. Great to see the rootes group vehicles are appreciated these days. We still have quite a few Hillman super minx and Singer (aka here in Oz) Humber vogues in car clubs locally. I gather our dry climate assists in their longevity. I personally have two 1965 Humber Vogue automatics in my shed and wouldn't part with them for the world.
I swear Australia has all the best cars 😂
Very nice cars borrowed my brother in laws for two weeks in the 80s .loved it
The sales receipt is very interesting. The OTR price of the car (£778 17s 1d) is equivalent to approx £14,720 in 2024 money. With the Rootes Group no longer existent, today's closest equivalents would be the Vauxhall Astra 1.2 petrol turbo from £26,970 and the Ford Focus 1.0 petrol mild hybrid from £28,500. (Prices are for the entry level version of each model.) In other words, car prices today are literally double relative to 60 years ago.
I loved seeing the Rootes group cars in the 60s, as I do now.
This was a great review of a great car.
The home where I grew up, next door neighbour had a Blue 1500cc, C Reg Superminx , from new and his only car until he passed at an old age…then a young couple up the street had it but for them it was just an old unreliable car… I remember being flattered when he asked me to change the rubber seals in clutch slave and master cylinders when I was around 19, days of car checks every so often… 😊
I like how ALL instruments on British cars, from Minis to Rolls Royces, are made by Smiths Instruments!
1962 Hillman Super Minx owner here in Australia.
Firstly, how did this car get a dealer sticker on the back window from Horsham? That dealer is in the state of Victoria in Australia and is where my car was sold new!!
We are only a few hours from Horsham.
Mine is a Moonstone White over Jade Green sedan with 4 speed column shift, cast iron head, and drum brakes all around.
It's a little ripper and gets driven everywhere 😊.
Ahh we also have a Horsham in Surrey in the UK 🙂
Australia, having originated from a group of 6 British colonies, borrowed a host of names.
5 of the 6 states have a town or capital city suburb named Richmond.
I am in Australia, Sydney. My second car was a 1962 Singer Gazelle, Manuel. The car had travelled a long way when I bought it. I really enjoyed driving the Singer, which had a very powerful second gear, but no syncro', second to first gear.
For the Minx & Gazelle models, synchromesh was added late in the Series V production run (informally known as Series Va). Continuing in Series VI, that model of gearbox shifts "like a hot knife through butter" that Steph mentioned here.
The complete 1966 power train (from engine to rear axle set) would have fitted into your car without modification.
Thank you for another goo review. I had 2 late 1950's Hillman minxes with column change as my first cars and realy liked them but always fancied the Super Minx. My dad always owned minx models from a 1936 until he passed away in early 1960's, though he worked for a Ford agency.
And deffo get a mk1 or mk2 sceptre Steph :)
I loved my hillman avenger
Great content Steph.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my Landcrab & bringing her back to life….. but if time and finances ever allows, a Sceptre or a Minx would be her stablemate!
Saaaaaame!!!! I’ve got my eye on a Sceptre locally (the one I tested). I so desperately want it.
So you’ve got your eye on the one I was considering buying (and should have done) decades ago!! Love it! 😀
They are nice gearboxes, my dad a 1962 minx in forest green I loved driving that
As a keen motorcyclist, I had one of these in the early ‘80’s as my “rain vehicle”. Pale yellow with a white strip, and nearly 20 years old by the time I got it, it ran like a sewing machine. I sold it to go travelling but I wish now I’d stuck it in a garage somewhere for safe keeping. Would love to have it now.
Stylish car, beautiful outfit Steph and excellent presentation. Would love you to take my car out! Nice bit of history with that car. Have you ever taken out a Viva HA? I grew up with one same age as this car.
I haven’t taken out a HA yet. Would love to.
@@idriveaclassic My classic is a Triumph, but I'd like to own a Vauxhall HA just for the pure personal nostalgia as we had many happy outings in it as children. Not many on the road now.
Back in the 70s I had a 1725cc kiwi assembled estate in this colour - super useful layout and a very easy pleasant, if not particularly exciting, drive. Still dream of having it's sport bro', the Humber Sceptre - one of the best looking cars of the 60s.
It's nice to see Hillman getting back into the public eye thanks to people like Steph. They were rather obscure for a long time. You for got to tell us what the coloured lights are for. Are the reversing lights original?
I’ll find out x
😍😍 beautiful car!
It really is!
Didn’t realise WD40 went.back so far all I remember having for my bike as a kid in the 1970s was 3 in one oil.
Cant wait for someone to let you drive a 1600E
Darling it's a 60s car you should have your mini skirt and boots on ❤
Haha it was so hot the day I tested this!
Nice car, lovely lady.