1960s Hillman Super Minx Mk3 - a rare British classic car!

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.

[Pickchore]

Came here for cars.
Stayed for Steph.

[volvo]

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.

[Quinntheeskimo]

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.

[terrybrett]

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

[Bezart]

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.

[JohnSmith-]

As a 17 year old in 1969 I bought one of these in a lighter blue colour. 7079 NF. Nice drive, happy days.

[Edwards_second_channel]

Best channel for cars. Even better channel for information. You always bring us great videos, keep up the great work!

[fruitychink]

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 !!

[Shane-zxps]

You’re videos are a treat for us old fogies, thankyou

[robertjoy]

What a super presentation of an absolute classic. Love this channel.

[russbringhurst]

Your videos always make me happy! Thanks for all you do!

[jamesdonald]

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

[robertseaman]

You. Have sold it to me Steph my father had one in the 60s thankyou for taking me down memory lane a joy.

[philiptidmarsh]

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.

[anthonytallarida]

Well done Steph, love the car and rhe outfit too, keep up the good work.

[andrewgreen]

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.

[johncraig]

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.

[nigelcharlton-wright]

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.

[AllanT-nurw]

Every time I see the little chrome rimmed warning lights by the instruments I want to push the lenses up and down. There were two different illumination settings made possible by the plastic being thinner for the brighter setting. As a kid that was a fun thing to play with in my Dads Singer Vogue estate whenever I was waiting for him in the car. Another thing we did was play with that ribbed ash tray that was fitted to so many of these Rootes models. Things that amused children just under the age of 10 back in the 60s, what a simple carefree life we lived.

[bernardcromarty]

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.