The 'Audax' Hillman Minx is a Slice of 1950s Britain

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  • Опубликовано: 20 июн 2024
  • In the mid-1950s, the Rootes Group hit the nail on the head, producing the curvaceous 'Audax' range of cars with help from Raymond Loewy. The Hillman Minx sat alongside the Hillman Husky, Sunbeam Rapier, and Singer Gazelle, as well as the export Humber 80.
    The Hillman Minx was a stylish, brilliantly designed small saloon of a very high quality that, despite its excellence in 1956, quickly became the indicator of a changing world.
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Комментарии • 524

  • @TwinCam
    @TwinCam  2 года назад +5

    By popular demand, I have now set up a Patreon page!
    If you enjoy my videos, then please do consider supporting Twin-Cam with a donation.
    www.patreon.com/twincam

  • @ianmiller1879
    @ianmiller1879 3 года назад +40

    been watching you from day one, james may eat your heart out, this man is going to take your crown,amazing videos from such a young lad, tv will be after you soon am sure of it.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Hahaha thanks Ian :)

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +4

      @Marc Jeffery Actually no. Growing up is realising that James May is both the most entertaining and interesting of those three.

  • @megapangolin1093
    @megapangolin1093 3 года назад +50

    Great review of a true classic. So gratifying to see a review that isnt concentrated on going faster and ludicrous handling performance. Well done.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate ☺️

  • @stephenjcuk7562
    @stephenjcuk7562 3 года назад +16

    Good to see. No complaints about what it hasn't got, just acknowledgement of everything it has got and the thought that went into it.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Stephen ☺️

  • @Vince_uk
    @Vince_uk 3 года назад +17

    These were a nice car, I remember driving one of these with a friend across the A66 in mid winter and very thick fog in the early 0's on my way to a weekend military training. It was pale green and white.

  • @danielk70
    @danielk70 3 года назад +47

    As always, a very good presentation.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Daniel ☺️

  • @dolken2
    @dolken2 11 месяцев назад

    A Hillman Minx 1600 was my dad´s first car. I remember it well and that it brought so much joy in my childhood. I still remember the license plate. It was a very good car.

  • @justinforrest1613
    @justinforrest1613 3 года назад +7

    Where have you been? Hope all is well mate

  • @Tawny6702
    @Tawny6702 2 года назад +5

    The one good thing I remember about my dads old Hillman Minx was how smooth and quiet it was, the bad part was that as it aged it began to rust and rot like crazy, it wasn’t really that visible on the surface but bits just kept dropping off while being driven%!

  • @philipsudron
    @philipsudron 11 месяцев назад

    For two years we (my dad) had the exact same model and colour scheme. This was in South Arabia during the early to mid-sixties. During the hot season the upholstery would be extremely hot. There were no windscreen wipers because the rubber would have melted and it only rained twice while we were there. It was beautiful and completely trouble free car. A few years later, back in England we had an Arrow type Minx with automatic transmission.

  • @jetsons101
    @jetsons101 3 года назад +3

    Long time no hear.... Hope all is well

  • @boggy7665
    @boggy7665 3 года назад +2

    I do see a similarity in styling to the Studebakers of the era. The grille and the reverse-slant rear door glass, most obviously. I like the horn, sounds like my Buick Apollo which was mostly a Chevrolet Nova but had a proper Buick horn.

    • @TheHorsebox2
      @TheHorsebox2 3 года назад +2

      I have one identical to this, and couldn't believe the horn tone. Lovely sound. Very American.

  • @MyTROLLEYBUS
    @MyTROLLEYBUS 3 года назад +1

    Charming informative video by a young man too young to have been around when the car was. Well done. Brought back happy memories of my fathers 1958 Minx VRU 604 purchased second-hand from George Hartwell Bournemouth. I still have my fathers logs of many European trips taken in the '58 Minx & his earlier 1953 Minx MLJ 608. Many an Alpine pass was stormed including I think an un-paved Stelvio! Dad really wanted a Rapier & I did buy a used 1959 Alpine. In the 1980's I campaigned a concours winning Series 11 Alpine so my family were well Rooted in such cars.

  • @dezmondwhitney1208
    @dezmondwhitney1208 2 года назад

    My father liked his, which he had in 1964/65 if I remember correctly. It took him, my mother and 3 children in comfort. A great car, my Father really rated it a lot. Many Thanks.

  • @markthompson50
    @markthompson50 3 года назад +11

    You are a complete natural at this. My father had two of these (later series) in his lifetime, one to use & one for spares. As a kid I used to use the spares car as a den! The Minx brings back so many good memories for me so thank you.

    • @bonnetlid
      @bonnetlid 3 года назад +2

      I loved my dad’s minx. My parents use to plonk me on the bonnet when they were gardening

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Mark, that's very kind :)

    • @warrenny
      @warrenny 3 года назад +1

      @@TwinCam My guy! Where have you been? We need more Twin Cam videos, please!

  • @davecooper3238
    @davecooper3238 3 года назад +2

    I remember working on these & sister vehicles. The most regular fault was seized rear wheel cylinders. The hand brake would work while the foot brake often would not. I experienced this in the pre rolling road days when the brake checks were carried out during a road test using a Tapley Meter placed in the passenger footwell. It was possible for the footbrake to pass the test without the rear brakes operating. When this came to light the Department of Transport changed the MOT test so that you had to have the rear wheels off the ground. Then check the rear brakes worked by having an assistant operate the brake pedal.

  • @raephluckins8587
    @raephluckins8587 3 года назад +49

    Someone get this guy a tv show

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Aww thank you mate ☺️

    • @john_smith1471
      @john_smith1471 3 года назад +2

      @Raeph Luckins: In a way Twin-cam has made this YT channel his tv show, i believe in the last 18 months there have been more than 2 million views.

    • @warrenny
      @warrenny 3 года назад +2

      True! I don't know how he sounds to the British, but to an American ear, his voice sounds modern, yet with classic British notes. Reminds me of a Harry Potter character....a good thing.

    • @wanderinggentile
      @wanderinggentile 3 года назад +1

      @@warrenny I love that there is a pleasant hint of Northern England in Ed's accent. It's more accessible than posh London voices to my American ears.

    • @hugebartlett1884
      @hugebartlett1884 Год назад +1

      I would advise that he stay away from television. Top Gear started well,only to become a ridiculous personality show,bearing little relevance to actual motoring.

  • @bcfairlie1
    @bcfairlie1 3 года назад +2

    I have fond memories of these. As a little kid in the 1970s I had a great aunt that owned a green and white one. At the same time a great uncle who owned a red and white one.. both were column change. Here in New Zealand we got the same car but called the Humber 80.
    I love this styling. I would kill for a Sunbeam Rapier of the same period.

  • @brendonrutherford5118
    @brendonrutherford5118 3 года назад +9

    Absolutely superb motoring video enabling us to look back at motoring as it was some years ago!!
    Very professionally done indeed, easy to look at & so obviously narrated by a young Englishman whom I can surely understand what he is talking about!! Actually faultless!! What's next please???

  • @simprove
    @simprove Год назад

    Our first family car was a 1962 Series IIIC Minx 1600 deluxe (I think deluxe meant you got a heater). Very comfortable to ride in and I loved the styling, especially the wrap around front and rear screens. It was the first car I ever drove too (at the age of 15). We were on holiday in the New Forest and came across a disused airfield. Out of the blue my Dad asked me if I wanted to have a go at driving it since we weren't on public roads. An unforgettable experience for me in a wonderful and much loved car.
    One detail I remember was the headlamp dip switch being in the footwell. Not unusual back then but it was new to me and I was fascinated by it. The other thing that sticks in my mind were the hefty springs that assisted opening the bootlid and the noise they made as the boot was opened and closed.

  • @NYKgjl10
    @NYKgjl10 3 года назад +4

    I remember seeing an Audax at a local car show over 25' years ago and I must say for being a 50's auto, it looks like something from the 70's of Its exterior style. I live in California and every once in a blue moon, I still see the Hillman Minx in action. Once again, excellent bio vid.

  • @philwardle7369
    @philwardle7369 2 года назад

    My father bought the same year model (with a column shift) second hand in about 1965 and we drove it all over the east coast of Australia on our holidays; it never let us down. I even learned to drive in it in 1969. It had a dodgy front seat slider by then and when I took off on one drive the seat shot backwards and I lost my grip on the steering wheel... exciting times, lol.

  • @mrbennetts
    @mrbennetts 3 года назад +8

    I’d never even wondered where the name Hillman came from. Now I know, thank you Ed. Lovely car and review.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Sam ☺️

  • @seantaylor9758
    @seantaylor9758 3 года назад +8

    Used to get picked up from school in one of these in the mid 70's so I guess the Minx was getting on a it then as pre A reg. I've managed to keep a few of my Dad's cars including the Austin 1300 and his Triumph2.5PI estate

  • @tom0kiely
    @tom0kiely 3 года назад

    My Dad's first car in 1966. I do recall the front bench seat in red vinyl with the hand brake on the right. The curves and bronze paintwork made it look similar to my James Bond Aston Martin toy car - I was only 6 at the time.

  • @dennisrobinson7587
    @dennisrobinson7587 3 года назад +7

    I used to own a 1957 Minx, and out of all the cars I’ve owned that was one of the cheapest.Other than a new exhaust it never gave me any problems.I Also owned a1962 Rapier

  • @silvereith
    @silvereith 3 года назад +1

    Nice review, genuine car with bubbles in the appropriate places. My father had a Glen Green and Foam White 111C 1592 model in 1963. My mother looked at the size of the boot and gave it her seal of approval. After that came two Super Minxes and two Arrow Sceptres. Rootes fanaticism spread to yours truly as I have owned six Sunbeam Alpines and a Tiger!

  • @seanhumfrey
    @seanhumfrey 3 года назад +8

    Well done again Ed. Writing and research are excellent. Not merely a you tuber but a true and engaging journalist in the making. 👍

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Sean, that's very kind :)

  • @markchandler90
    @markchandler90 3 года назад +8

    These were common sights in Southern California during the 1960s when I was growing up.

    • @paulk9985
      @paulk9985 3 года назад +3

      Yes... I remember a classmate's father drove one into the late 70s. Other than that, I didn't see many So Cal (OC).

  • @johnfaulkner6776
    @johnfaulkner6776 3 года назад +11

    I took my driving test in a Hillman Minx with a column change. Half way down Watfords only hill third gear abruptly jumped out. I recovered the situation and having assured the examiner it had never happened before ( wasn't a practised manoevre) returned to Clarenden Road and a pass!

    • @derekstocker6661
      @derekstocker6661 3 года назад

      Similar thing happened to me on my test in a Ford Consul Mk I, (1956 mod, column change as well) the clutch started to give up but I managed to keep it going and explained to tester that I had a problem and he passed me too! Wonder if it would happen now.

    • @johnfaulkner6776
      @johnfaulkner6776 3 года назад +1

      @@derekstocker6661 my dad had a green mk I Consul (633APU) amazing to recall. As you say three speed column change. The Minx was 4 speed, much more complicated! He then had 2 Zephyr mk 2's , an Austin 1800 land landcrab, a mk1 then a mk 2 Triumph 2000 lastly a Peugot 504 and then he died.

    • @derekstocker6661
      @derekstocker6661 3 года назад

      @@johnfaulkner6776 RIP dad, John thanks for reply, some super cars there no doubt!

    • @barryjohnson127
      @barryjohnson127 2 года назад

      Passed my test in Watford matey.1970 .born and bred.they were better time's not the shithole it's today.loved my minxy the starting handle got me out of the shit many times.just out of interest do you remember top rank on Saturday nights they were good days., and football at vicarage road ,up the HORNETS.

    • @johnfaulkner6776
      @johnfaulkner6776 2 года назад

      @@barryjohnson127 my parents lived in Leverstock Green, so Hemel and St Albans were nearer for social fun but Watford was the test center.

  • @davesalmon2492
    @davesalmon2492 2 года назад

    My Freind had a column change which took us everywhere he fitted a beer barrel with a pump on the parcel shelf. Out in the morning picked up a French bread stick pate and a few friends and off we went into the Worcestershire countryside. Lovely simple memories of a great car. 👍

  • @martentrudeau6948
    @martentrudeau6948 2 года назад

    The Minx looks very classic 1950's, and a nicely designed practical family car. Raymond Loewy styling is good as he did with Studebakers in USA. I like the interior head room and the proper horn!!! All in all, the Minx is a winner for me. Thanks Twin-Cam.

  • @franka2507
    @franka2507 3 года назад +2

    Glad to see one in such pristine condition , I do remember British Guyana had ton of British cars working as taxis !

  • @keithbrowning3899
    @keithbrowning3899 2 года назад

    My father loved Rootes cars. Two Minx and a Singer Gazelle - 1959-65.

  • @paulcuthbert8353
    @paulcuthbert8353 2 года назад

    My parents owned a 1960 Hillman Minx just like the one previewed except it was cream & beige in colour! They owned it until it failed the MoT in 1980 & learned to drive in it before I passed my test in the late 1970’s! Lovely car, nippy & good handling for the era! Also, you didn’t mention that it had a hole in the middle of the front bumper for the starter handle even though it had a starter motor? Handy for flat battery starts in the winter! And that first gear whine is a classic sound from the 1950’s, 60’s & 70’s! Great video BTW that brought back great memories! Thank you!

  • @unclekevin5094
    @unclekevin5094 3 года назад

    My dad had one of these when I was a child of 5 or si6, but i still remember it vividly. It was two tone with white or cream and light brown. His previous car, as with almost everyone else on the street , had been a jet black Ford of some sort, of second world war vintage, and everyone wanted to come and try out this new shaped and multi-colored car. He only kept it for a few years and then moved on to a "Humber Hawk" which I believe was also made by the Roots Group. I would love to get hold of a Minx now and have it electrified. I know that sounds like sacrilege but it would provide modern performance with old school style. Great video which really brought back the good old days.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate, I've also done a video on a Hawk, you'll be able to see it on my channel :)

  • @aslc2547
    @aslc2547 5 месяцев назад

    Friends of my parents had an almost identical 60/61 Minx , same shade of blue in 66/67 . Many happy rides in that car . They replaced it with an Arrow range Minx around 1969.

  • @dmmcharrie2698
    @dmmcharrie2698 3 года назад +2

    Another great presentation! My Dad had a similar colour schemed Super Minx ‘62 hastily purchased as the parents needed something bigger than a Mini to cart yours truly around in 1967, but they had gone via an Austin 1300 first without a great deal of success. I do vaguely remember the Super Minx. To me it was huge. It was written off, when a new Escort came out of a side road and was confused! Right into the path of my Dad, and the Super Minx. That was summer 1972, the Escort was a mess, thankfully no one was actually hurt. The Super Minx near side wing and headlight. Insurance wrote it off, Dad bought it back put a wing and headlight on it and it plodded on for a little longer! To be replaced by a couple of mini’s a van & car.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate ☺️

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Rootes cars certainly had thicker steel than their competitors!

  • @davebicker8618
    @davebicker8618 3 года назад +5

    Yet another excellent review of a fine motor. I had a '66 Series 6 car, and loved it to pieces.
    The steel on these cars (and the Super Minx) was of a far heavier gauge than most of their rivals.
    One thing you couldn't convey on the vid was the smell... the whiff of the interior on a hot day was exquisite.
    Very impressed by the car and your presenting skills.

    • @TheHorsebox2
      @TheHorsebox2 3 года назад +2

      It's all about the interior smell. Heady indeed!

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Dave :)

  • @PGPyramid1
    @PGPyramid1 2 года назад

    Reminds me of the two spinster ladies who lived across the back from me when I was a nipper. They had one, and really objected to footballs and other small boy toys coming anywhere near it. Great video, thanks!

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  2 года назад

      Thanks mate :)

  • @Mancozeb100
    @Mancozeb100 3 года назад +6

    Great... lovely review, Ed. Top notch research and presentation. 👍🏻 And also, appreciated your including shots of those lovely buildings too. Thanks, man.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate, that’s very kind ☺️

  • @shankarbalan3813
    @shankarbalan3813 3 года назад +14

    First Class. As always. Lovely history. Great respect shown to these iconic marques. A tip of my hat to you mate!

    • @seansands424
      @seansands424 3 года назад

      My dad had one just like that in 1971

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate ☺️

  • @martindoe6099
    @martindoe6099 3 года назад +1

    Another quality video. Back in the early 1980's my girlfriend had two. A 3C with floor change and then a 3A with column change. Thanks for bringing back a lot of memories.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Martin ☺️

  • @MrBongoagogo
    @MrBongoagogo 10 месяцев назад

    Iam impressed with your knowledge of old classic British cars .good to see a young man taking interest in British cars.keep it up Ed.

  • @drakevevo3710
    @drakevevo3710 3 года назад

    my grandad had one of these and drove it around the family farm in rainford when he was 16, it was a scrap car theyd bought cheap but sitting down and listening to my grandads stories is always interesting and he recalls very fond memories of him and his sister ragging it around the farm haha love your channel man, absolutely one of the best car channels out there!

  • @andrewpreston4127
    @andrewpreston4127 3 года назад +1

    A 1961 Minx like this one was my family's car in the mid '60's. Colour was 2 tone, light green with cream. As a 12 year old, I really liked this car. It was definitely a step up from the utilitarian Ford Escort/Squire estate that it replaced as the family car. I've never previously heard it referred to as 'Audax', and it certainly wasn't known as such to the general public back then. I remember the Minx as being a comfortable ride, decent amount of go for the time. The short throw gearshift was definitely a better experience than the many long wand renditions that were common at the time. Liked the front bench seat. ( Something that could do with a comeback, in my opinion ). Front grill very Studebaker ( see the Hawk ).
    A couple of years ago, I checked the DVLA database for the number plate. 810 SP now adorns a Chelsea Tractor. Yes, a *&*&**ing big black Range Rover. Thoroughly disgusted.

  • @stephenphillip5656
    @stephenphillip5656 3 года назад

    My parents got their 1st car (a 1959 Hillman Minx {YWW 854}) in 1966 when a family friend bought a new Triumph 1300. Mobility at last! At 11 years old, it was wonderful to see a bit more of the world through the back windows. Great memories- thank you for your interesting and informative look at this piece of motoring history.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Stephen :)

  • @SQLRYAN
    @SQLRYAN 3 года назад

    Thanks for memories. My uncle had a Minx back in mid 60's, used to look forward for his visit so I can get a ride in the Minx. I've been putting together a 59 Husky for a while. Hunting for parts in U.S. is a challenge but fun in a weird way.

  • @hrxy1
    @hrxy1 3 года назад

    I had a 1956 mk7 husky, side valve. I changed the engine for mk8 ohv. What a job, I used to cry over problems encountered but eventually I did it

  • @rydermike33
    @rydermike33 2 года назад

    What a lovely example. My kind of motor car.
    Thank you.

  • @michaelguerin56
    @michaelguerin56 2 года назад

    Thank you. Good info. My father’s car when he got married in 1961 was a Hillman ‘Audax’ Minx. It apparently worked very well driving up from Levin to the THC Chateau for ski weekends at Whakapapa ski field. That was back in the days when SH1 over the Mangawekas was a winding gravel on papa rock route.

  • @bonnetlid
    @bonnetlid 3 года назад +1

    Omg what a beautiful car and classic shape. I love this car so much

  • @gabbymadsen7260
    @gabbymadsen7260 2 года назад

    That care is super cute! I'd drive a Minx today if I could find one.

  • @cluricaun78
    @cluricaun78 3 года назад +1

    Love your natural presentation skills! :) Really looking forward to your next episode.

  • @garytarr8216
    @garytarr8216 3 года назад

    This was my 4th car . A 1960 model bought in 1974 for 60 quid . Ran it for 8 months and 10,000 miles . Never needed any oil . Sold it for 80 quid

  • @railtrolley
    @railtrolley 3 года назад

    My grandfather had a red series V into the 1970's. I recently saw a series IIIB survivor, daily driver, in similar colours to the review vehicle. Possibly Windsor Blue and Moonstone. Brisbane, Australia. Some detail differences on this Australian assembled variant: bumper over-riders, eyebrows over the head lights, and 3 stacked round tail lights. The roof was the blue grey body colour. The 2nd colour was a side flash the length of the car, on the belt line. Bordered with chrome strips.

  • @chrispenn715
    @chrispenn715 3 года назад +9

    They did consider bringing out a posher version of the Commer Cob for Italy; the Commer Ciabbata :-)

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Quality Comment.

    • @simonhodgetts6530
      @simonhodgetts6530 3 года назад +1

      I believe in parts of the UK it was known as the Commer Bap.

  • @humphreygokart2135
    @humphreygokart2135 2 года назад

    Thanks, mate. Love your videos, relaxing, knowledgable, intelligent and well put together with no smartarse Clarkson pretentiousness. And your feel for the period - well, clearly you've been here before.

  • @johnjephcote7636
    @johnjephcote7636 2 года назад

    In the mid fifties we had the earlier Minx, about the size of an A35. I never knew what series it was as there was a pre-war Minx. I learned to drive on a Husky. I liked that very much and it was useful. I picked up a cl.5 loco chimney in back of the Husky weighing 3.5 cwt. My neigbour had this larger Minx and I drove it once or twice. I think it had steering wheel shift.

  • @chrispenn715
    @chrispenn715 3 года назад

    When I was a kid, my grandad had a '59 Minx and my dad had a '60 Minx - both in two tone like this one, but with a turquoise rather than blue/gray. Good solid cars in their day. That bench seat was perfect for 6-year old me to sit between my grandparents.... Enjoyed the review thanks

  • @21stcenturyozman20
    @21stcenturyozman20 3 года назад +2

    Thanks, Ed, for another excellent vid!
    There were a few Minxes in my youth, including Pater’s 1948 model and an aunt’s 1956 Audax. (The ’48 Minx conformed to the stereotype of many British cars of that era: its 35 hp side-valve mill wouldn’t pull the skin off a cold custard, and with 24 seconds to attain 50 mph it was no rocket, even for its time.)
    I learned something new from today’s piece: that Raymond Loewy influenced its design (obvious, once you mentioned it, in the C-pillar style and also the bonnet/nose). As a big fan of 1950s Studebakers (among the few Yank tanks I ever liked - a ’53 Stude Champion was the first car I drove on a public road) I am an admirer of Loewy’s work. Thanks for making that connection.
    @ 10:42 - “Rootes cars have proper horns.” Indeed they did! I like a proper horn. Most of my old British cars, from the humble to the great, had proper horns, not the pathetic pipsqueaks of today.
    Keep up the great work, Ed! :-)

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks again mate :)

  • @paulmcaleer2736
    @paulmcaleer2736 3 года назад +2

    Another great review - you’re always very relaxing to listen to Ed! Please remember me when you make it big in TV!

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Haha thanks Paul :)

  • @valandilelfstone
    @valandilelfstone 2 года назад

    Beautiful cars remember them well and fondly and its still looking good

  • @kenthompson6539
    @kenthompson6539 3 года назад

    Thanks for all the info, I used to drive a Humber scepter. But it's long gone, but what I liked about it was overdrive in every gear, almost like 8 gears. I'm from N. Ireland

  • @jkk244
    @jkk244 3 года назад +3

    I really look forward to these videos and I always learn a lot.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Aww thank you mate ☺️

  • @markgatland977
    @markgatland977 3 года назад +2

    The first family car I remember us having when I was very young, (before we had our fantastic MK3 Cortina GXL), was a 'D' reg ('66?), blue Hillman Minx 😊

  • @800beemer
    @800beemer 2 года назад

    Just subbed and thank you for your channel mate. You take me down memory lane. The Minx was my first car. An earlier model without the rear wings and column change (which I loved). I will stay tuned.

  • @stevenlawrie7819
    @stevenlawrie7819 3 года назад +3

    Brilliant as always Ed . Always loved the Minx. My father's neighbour still has a Husky estate :-)

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate :)

  • @TheHorsebox2
    @TheHorsebox2 3 года назад

    Wow. I'm currently restoring one of these. 1959, in those exact colours. Thanks for another excellent presentation. And the encouragement to keep going!

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Sean :)

  • @bignaughtydog
    @bignaughtydog 2 года назад

    Beautiful. Thank you. Steve Cornwall UK.

  • @davidtaylor351
    @davidtaylor351 3 года назад

    In New Zealand the local builder and distributor of Rootes Group and Chrysler vehicles Todd Motors. Sold both the Hillman Minx and a re badged version called the Humber 80. And also later, alongside the Hillman Super Minx, a version called the Humber 90. These cars had different trim details and grille designs etc, from their Hillman stablemates. Todds did this because, in those days in NZ. There was an import licensing scheme applied to vehicle imports. (Long since gone). So by effectively creating new and separate models, from the same car. It meant, they could import twice as many (ckd) assembly kits and components. And therefore produce and sell twice as many - of essentially the same car.

  • @gryfandjane
    @gryfandjane 3 года назад +2

    Very enjoyable review! I recall seeing the various Rootes models here in Missouri USA as a kid in the 60s, and I loved their styling even then. Until you mentioned it, I didn’t realize that Raymond Leowy was behind their design, and yes... you can easily see many design cues that also distinguished Studebakers of the era. Thanks as always!

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate ☺️

  • @davidhynd4435
    @davidhynd4435 3 года назад +1

    Enjoyed the video. I learned to drive in my mum's 1960 Series IIIB Minx with a column shift. I don't think synchromesh was available until about the Series V or VI cars, so if this example has synchromesh on first it must be fitted with a later gearbox. The paintwork on this example is not original. The upper colour on two tone cars should extend down to the boot and down as far as the chrome strip on the rear wings. My mum's car was Moonstone over Windsor Blue, a popular colour combination. All Minxes of this era had white painted wheels, which, if memory serves correctly, was the same as the upper colour on my mum's car, Moonstone. Rootes cars commonly had either red or blue upholstery which was very hard wearing. Hillman Minxes were solid, dependable cars with, as you mentioned, splashes of Raymond Loewy styling flair. Popular enough here in Australia that they were assembled from CKD kits at the Port Melbourne factory. One of the biggest issues with them was rust. The Audax Minx was Rootes' first real foray into fully monocoque construction. They hedged their bets a bit, however, and if you look underneath the front of the car you can see large chassis rails that run from the front of the engine bay to about where the firewall is. Rust was common at the base of door panels and wings because Rootes, apparently nervous about monocoque construction, built the Minx with inner, outer AND centre panels. It made for sturdy construction, but created very narrow gaps at the bottom of doors and wings where the three panels came together meaning that moisture tended to remain trapped there, leading to rust. The little Minx. Largely forgotten, perhaps, but there are those of us who do remember them as well built, endearing little cars.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks David.
      I’m just taking my information from the sources I find. Every one of them states that one of the changes for the 3B was synchros all through the box.

  • @dougnolan5567
    @dougnolan5567 3 года назад +3

    Excellent..love these cars..👍👍

  • @riotagus
    @riotagus 3 года назад +1

    Another great video, thank you.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate ☺️

  • @generatorjohn4537
    @generatorjohn4537 3 года назад

    I'm from the states. My grandfather bought a Hillman Minx wagon, believe year 1959. It had the shifter on the column. Your featured car's instrument panel looks very similar to my grandfather's dash. Nice job on the video.

  • @juanjodrax1209
    @juanjodrax1209 3 года назад

    To an American observer the grill and front end lines are very similar to the Ford Anglia 105E. Love your videos on quirky little cars we don't have many of across the pond!

  • @bobatwell7505
    @bobatwell7505 2 года назад

    Learned to drive in my fathers Hillman Minx .
    The handbrake was on the right and the floor was prone to rot where it was situated !!
    Interesting video .

  • @Colin623
    @Colin623 3 года назад

    Great video, my best friend had one of these as his first car back in 1971 😂 but it was fine, quite dated by then but it done the job ok, especially when after a few months later I bought my first new car an Autin 1300 GT which really made the Hillman look out of place for a 18 year old to be driving 😂 also compliments to you for showing these cars in such detail but with all the knowledge required to carry it through successfully 👍🥂

  • @paulbennell3313
    @paulbennell3313 3 года назад

    Lovely wee thing. A very underrated car. Saw them everywhere growing up in the 70's.

  • @alejandrayalanbowman367
    @alejandrayalanbowman367 3 года назад

    I had a 1956 Hillman Minx that was known as the 'Gayline' with the full width grill. Prior to that I had a 1952 Minx Mk 5, both of there were excellent cars.

  • @judethaddaeus9742
    @judethaddaeus9742 3 года назад +2

    Lovely video, as usual. As an American, I know less about the overlooked Rootes cars than I do the marques that came together under BL, even though I’ve long been more interested in Rootes. So I genuinely appreciate your efforts here. Knowing that they were high-quality cars with sensible luxuries often missing on competitors, just reaffirms my interest in and admiration for Rootes. Sweet styling and lovely interior? What’s not to like?
    Here in Portland, Oregon, I see an eggshell white Sunbeam-badged Minx VI saloon slipping through traffic on occasion, and I always glance admiringly at it. Still running and still looking proud and sweet.
    Thank you for using your platform to bring to light overlooked cars like these. It’s time very well spent.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Jude :)
      It's lovely to hear things like this.

    • @judethaddaeus9742
      @judethaddaeus9742 3 года назад

      @@TwinCam As an American, I don’t fully understand how Brits like you might receive or feel about compliments. But I hope you take them to heart, Ed. You do good work. You clearly care about it and enjoy it. So it only makes sense that it would resonate with folks like me who care, too. You are a proud Metro owner and care about and see the value in a lot of cars that most enthusiasts - much less the general public - overlook or even denigrate. At about your age, I was a proud AMC Gremlin owner attracted to similar stuff, and caught plenty of flak for it. So I hope you know how appreciated your work and your perspective are. Cheers. :)

  • @Tobadaddy
    @Tobadaddy 3 года назад +2

    Very good overview of the Minx. I appreciated the creative camera angle when you opened the trunk. Looking forward to your upcoming efforts.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Thanks mate :)
      Though I haven't uploaded anything since this, I'll be back in a few weeks.

  • @plym1969
    @plym1969 3 года назад

    Another wonderful video. Beautiful shot with great information professionally told. In the 1970's in a road of 40 houses there were only 10 cars and Mr Holness had a green Hilman Minx. One of the first cars I ever sat in. It was very rusty! I definitely remember that 1st gear whine.
    Great to have you back Ed. A real treat. No doubt it's a day early as you'll be too busy on Valentine's Day. 😉

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Phillip

  • @steamwally
    @steamwally 3 года назад

    Very interesting, thanks. What a great example too, patinated but obviously well cared for - perfect!

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate ☺️

  • @barryrathbone
    @barryrathbone 3 года назад

    Brilliant video again and a great car. It’s a Merioneth registration too. My dad drooled for weeks every Sunday at a used example in Windsor’s Wallasey until he finally went and it had been sold!

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Barry :)

  • @johnboulton1109
    @johnboulton1109 3 года назад +1

    Brilliant!! Great video Twin-Cam! This car was really quite progressive for its time with a more modern style dash cluster and heater! Thanks for another interesting and well researched video.

  • @grayfool
    @grayfool 3 года назад

    Great to see another really interesting video Ed. I remember travelling in one of these as a kid. One of my uncles had one. He later moved on to a Hillman Hunter which my fathe then bought from him. Thanks.

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks again mate :)

  • @jeromeemmanuel9604
    @jeromeemmanuel9604 3 года назад

    A very interesting presentation, very well documented on stylistic uses and their repercussions in the automotive world of the time. Excellent video, as usual. Thank you sir!

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate, that's very kind :)

  • @michaelshaules3197
    @michaelshaules3197 2 года назад

    very professional, great job

  • @Viking2dk
    @Viking2dk 3 года назад +1

    What a great review. Keep them coming!

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks mate ☺️

  • @georgechecker4941
    @georgechecker4941 2 года назад

    Excellent commentary, recommend watching this guy, well done.

  • @mar91169
    @mar91169 3 года назад +1

    Great and informative presentation, thank you.......

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Martin ☺️

  • @carsonbarclay5360
    @carsonbarclay5360 3 года назад

    Brilliant Ed. Love the little hillman minx.

  • @The-Rectifier
    @The-Rectifier 3 года назад +1

    Great vid (and a very ingenious solution for keeping the tailgate closed🤣🤣)

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад +1

      Haha thanks mate

  • @garygreen7552
    @garygreen7552 2 года назад

    One of my uncles here in Pasadena, Calif., USA, had at one time a Minx. It was unusual in that it had a fabric roof section that when opened made the front seat open-air, a half convertible. The car was a mid to late 50's model and had left-hand drive.

  • @johnvanstone5336
    @johnvanstone5336 3 года назад +1

    Excellent informative video, well worth watching 🇬🇧

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks John ☺️

  • @philtucker1224
    @philtucker1224 3 года назад

    Ed, another fascinating and informative episode. Also the location was clearly also kept and maintained in that lovely 1960’s style that helped to give the whole episode extra charm...- certainly good enough for ITV4 or similar main line TV I think. 👍🇬🇧

  • @PaulinesPastimes
    @PaulinesPastimes 3 года назад

    Another well presented and insightful review. We had a 1961 Minx with the dreadful Easydrive and then a Husky. My aunt had a 1965 Minx. I have very fond memories of Hillmans, excellent cars. 😊👍

    • @TwinCam
      @TwinCam  3 года назад

      Thanks Pauline :)

  • @andrewthompsonuk1
    @andrewthompsonuk1 2 года назад

    I remember sitting in the middle at the front many times.
    These cars were called Humber 80s in New Zealand. As far as I remember they were all column shift with 4 gears.