HILLMAN CAR CLUB
OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC

1932-1935 Hillman Minx
(the first Minx models)
HILLMAN CAR CLUB
OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC


Produced:  Humber Road, 1931-1935.  43,306 cars built
General layout:  Separate steel chassis-frame, 4-cylinder engine and wide choice of saloon, tourer and DHC (drop head coupe) bodies.  Front-mounted engine driving rear wheels.
Engine and transmission:  Hillman engine, 4-cylinder, side valve, in-line, 1,185 cc, 63 x 95 mm, approx. 30 bhp, torque not revealed.
At first:  3-speed gearbox, no synchromesh.  From May 1933: optional 4-speed gearbox with freewheel, still without synchromesh, cost an extra £2/10/0.  From August 1933: this optional gearbox became standard, as well as a freewheel on all except the basic model.  From September 1934: 4-speed all-synchromesh gearbox, no freewheel.  Centre-floor gear-change.  Live (beam) rear axle with spiral-bevel final drive.
Chassis:  Beam-axle front suspension, half-elliptic leaf springs.  Worm-and-nut steering.  Live (beam) rear axle, half-elliptic leaf springs.  Front and rear drum brakes.  4.50-18 inch tyres.
Dimensions:  Wheelbase 7 ft. 8 in.  Front track 4 ft. 0 in.  Rear track 4 ft. 0 in.  Length 11 ft. 2 in.  Width 4 ft. 10 in.  Height 5 ft. 9 in.  Unladen weight (saloon) approx. 1,680 lb.
Distinguishing features from previous models:  Completely different type of Hillman compared with previous models, fitted mainly with standard Pressed Steel body shell having family resemblance to original Wizard of 1939 period.
Typical performance:  Maximum speed 59 mph.  Typical fuel consumption 35 mpg.
Derivatives:  1932 Aero Minx used same basic running gear, but sleek sporty bodies.  1935 Minx Magnificent used same running gear, but new chassis and body styles.
Fate:  Discontinued in 1935 in favour of next-generaton Minx Magnificent.


An artist's impression of the first generation Minx, sold in 1932.
The radiator and grille are completely flat and upright.

1934 Minx – from 14 November 1933 edition of The Motor magazine (UK).
Minx Family Saloon price £159.  De Luxe Saloon with Clutchless Gear Change price £179.
The radiator grille is slightly tilted and curved.

1934 Minx – a poor photocopy from January 1934 edition of Modern Motoring magazine (UK).
The radiator cap is external to the body.

1935 Minx Family Saloon – from the 1935 Hillman models catalogue.
The radiator cap is inside the body.

Forward to Michael Ford's 1932 Minx

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