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Looking at 1955 Hillman Minx

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jitsjaf2009

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I am currently looking at a 1955 Hillman Minx 4dr sedan. It runs, no body rust or floorboard problems. The gas tank leaks since the owner used a gastank cleaner and re-installed it. It runs. Interior is ruff. Asking is $1500 but I think I may be able to get it for 1000-1100!?!? I have no idea of what I may be getting into in locating parts or if the effort to restore it is worth it. I am not planning on flipping it, but want to actually drive it. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks...jim
 
JPSmit

JPSmit

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Certainly sounds like a decent price - Hillmans aren't as common as MGs, Triumphs and all - but I know a fellow near me who has restored a few so parts must be available. Kip Motors (kipmotor.com) seem to have parts - besides, googles the Minx and it looks awesome!!!!

go for it
 
Steve

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The Minx is a great little car. They made a lot of them, and so there shouldn't be a problem getting parts. Quite a few made it over here thankfully, and I know there was a huge find of Rootes cars (Minxes, Rapiers Alpines etc) in New Berlin here in Wisconsin a couple of years back. If you can get into it for about a grand you should be okay. Make inquiries about all those cars, there should be something out there that will point you in the right direction......

They're mechanically robust and reliable, and I think you're going to love it!

Good luck!
 
aeronca65t

aeronca65t

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~This Guy~ lives near me. I usually just see him at car shows. He seems to have more knowledge about Hillmans (Hillmen?) than anyone else I've ever met.

My first car (half owned with my best friend) was a '51 Hillman Minx (flathead four with column shift). I was 14. No licesnse or insurance. We drove it in the fire lanes in the south NJ Pine Barrens. Great fun.
 
Roger

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I had a '59 Minx in England years ago. They're somewhat better made than many UK cars, they don't rust as much, though I had to replace the Sills (Rockers) which was a very straightforward job.
The car was easy to work on, though underpowered (and it was a 1500) until I replaced the engine and gearbox with those from a crashed Sunbeam Rapier.
Good Luck with it!
 
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jitsjaf2009

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Thanks for a lot of good imformation...guess tomorrow I will meet with him again and see. I'll let you know if I become a proud owner.I have owned and enjoyed many different British cars..never a Hillman...Prior to this forum...didn't know anyone who had. jim
 
JPSmit

JPSmit

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jitsjaf2009 said:
Thanks for a lot of good imformation...guess tomorrow I will meet with him again and see. I'll let you know if I become a proud owner.I have owned and enjoyed many different British cars..never a Hillman...Prior to this forum...didn't know anyone who had. jim
Click to expand...

Good Luck! BTW I hear that British Cars are a tad (just a tad) prone to rust and electrical issues - in case you hadn't heard. :jester:

And of course if you are the proud owner, don't even think of coming back without pictures!!!
:cheers:

keep us posted
 
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jitsjaf2009

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I did make an offer. Seller wasn't prone to counter at that time.....but it is still waiting for me! I do want it and was impressed on the fact that the engine didn't sound 'scary'...tranny and clutch seen okay...not 'cancer'. Wasn't able to actually test drive as it has no tags (inactive status). No real leaks noted other than gas tank. I think it will have to be replaced. Wiring does look bad but simple enough to deal with...particularly if I can buy actual harness! Got to get off here...I am energizing my "want"!
Am going to revisit him tomorrow. thank you all for the feedback, it all helps with the decision. From his perspective at this time, the value is "because its a 1955 car that still runs.
 
JPSmit

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jitsjaf2009 said:
I got it and have moved it to my house. Now I can start getting serious on shopping and fixing...thanks for all the input
Click to expand...

congrats! of course now we need pix.
 
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