1937 Hillman Minx Magnificent Drophead Coupe
Starting his career at a sewing machine company, and eventually designing a velocipede named the Kangaroo, William Hillman became a millionaire prior to the turn of the 20th century. With his new found wealth he began his career and dream of manufacturing automobiles and created the Hillman motor Car Company. After some limited early success he attracted the Rootes Brothers, who were looking to expand their auto manufacturing operation. They went on and eventually the Rootes Bros took over the company and retained the name. Their first real success was a car named the Minx and it started production in 1937.
From the "and now for something completely different" category, we give you a barn find condition 1937 Hillman Minx Magnificent Drophead Coupe. So called due to its feature of a folding convertible, 2 doors, and 4 seats. This very rare and never seen example comes to us via Canada, however was produced in jolly old England.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
Emulating most cars of the time, this mini Minx version of the Hillman Drophead coupe still has plenty of straight metal with curved fenders and small flared rocker "running boards". A cowled hood with a mesh metal V shaped grille is flanked by a single round headlight on either side and a split slightly curved bumper below. The steel shows plenty of patina with peeling paint and the passage of time with a very light coating of surface rust. No real invasive rust is noted, so it's an excellent candidate for a restoration. Signal lights and their respective bezels are present and will need re-chroming. Suicide hinged doors are on and an interesting feature just behind those doors is a pull out turn signal bar with a light on the end. A tan canvas 3 position top is on and shows some dry rotting and has a landau bar on the back along with a glass window. (Closed, Deville-format half open, and open fully). Other features include a fold out windshield, tail lights and steel drilled wheels. It is also made even rarer due to the fact that it is a left hand drive car, which none others are known to exist. Sharpen your sandpaper and test the spray gun. I feel a piece of history coming to life!
Interior
A swing of the suicide door and it appears a restoration has begun on at least the door panels. New wood sills and black vinyl panels have been put on and look fab! The remainder of the interior includes low back bucket seats, a restored and newer but dusty back seat, a wood dash which has also been restored, and rubber floors whose underpinning integrity are questionable. The factory large round plastic steering wheel is on and the central oval gauge cluster is intact and looking great. SO restoration has indeed begun and what was done is very nice.
Drivetrain
An 1185cc 4 cylinder engine is in and is in crank-able condition but does not run on its own. It has a 1-barrel carburetor and a 4-speed manual transmission on the back. A 5.33 rear axle is designed to this automobile. Plenty of surface rust and some missing parts are under this cowl.
Undercarriage
Lots of surface rust but was not on our lift so it will need an independent inspector to have a look for a complete factual evaluation. Leaf sprung suspension, and drum braking is all over the bottom of this car
A very rare example with no others known to exist, an investment if you will with some mighty potential. It's smaller than it looks in the pictures, but a nice example of early English motoring history. Cheerio!
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
