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1939 Hillman Minx convertible
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Rick
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Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 2:31 pm    Post subject: 1939 Hillman Minx convertible Reply with quote

I really like the shape of these, although by all accounts this era of Minx wasn't the most gutsy (not that it matters really).

Worth restoring?

http://ebay.to/1QA69gv



RJ
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Rootes75



Joined: 30 Apr 2013
Posts: 3788
Location: The Somerset Levels

PostPosted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 3:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

When I saw this on fleabay last night I actually enquired with the wife whether we should go and look at it, although a trip to Chelmsford from Somerset is a bit of a trek.
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Various Rootes Vehicles.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6286
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 10:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't think it's worth restoring. I could be wrong of course but the costs would be high and spares hard to find. Looking at the photos, there seems to be something wrong with the ride height and the position of the rear axle makes the wheel look odd in relation to the wing.

On the other hand, most cars, when they get very down at heel, cost more to restore properly than they are eventually worth so someone will no doubt take it on...
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 11:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agreed with Ray on the long stroke engines but I'm inclined to disagree on this car. I don't think there is anything sinister about it.
Sure, it needs a lot of work but the engine looks nicely untouched.

Peter
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1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6286
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 12:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I imagine that it would make a satisfying project for the D.I.Y. restorer who could take their time over it. Rootes Group cars do rot badly though and I remember having a fair bit of trouble with a Sunbeam Talbot of the same year. Those cars shared the same engine except they had an aluminium cylinder head with a bad reputation for sticking to the cast iron block - something which I don't think will be a problem for this minx as it should have a cast iron head, I believe.

I can see it would make a pretty car when finished and I don't say it shouldn't be restored just that it might not be worth doing financially - but if prices keep going the way they are, it might be.

I would still like to know if it's sitting right? I don't think the wheels are smaller than original so perhaps the wrong spring hangers have been fitted at some time -maybe to give more ground clearance? It just looks a bit odd to me.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C563537
====================================
This saloon may not be as sought after but this is how we like to find 'em. It's not cheap.... then again, try finding another one as good and original.
Over 100 photos!
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C583449
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mikeC



Joined: 31 Jul 2009
Posts: 1771
Location: Market Warsop, Nottinghamshire

PostPosted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 8:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It always amuses me when a seller describes a derelict wreck as 'running when parked up' Smile
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 8:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

To my eyes the wheels look to be located the same in both cars although I admit the wreck is sitting higher. Are any old cars worth restoring financially? Certainly not if you are paying someone to do it for you but if DIY then you are doing it because you enjoy the work.

Peter




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1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon
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Rootes75



Joined: 30 Apr 2013
Posts: 3788
Location: The Somerset Levels

PostPosted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 9:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think they are pretty little cars but it would cost a bomb to restore correctly. Its definitely worth saving though.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6286
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 11:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rootes75 wrote:
I think they are pretty little cars but it would cost a bomb to restore correctly. Its definitely worth saving though.


You should go for it! It is such an "honest" car. So often we see half finished projects where the intrigue has been swept away. This, if you can afford to do it, would be a satisfying restoration and eventually a very nice car.

If I had the garage space I would be right on it -I say hang the cost and take a gamble!
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PAUL BEAUMONT



Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 1281
Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

PostPosted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 12:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

To answer Rick's original question with a question: When did you last see one?? If like me you answer "Can't remember if I ever have" it must be worth a go, however 1939 cars often had short production runs so donor vehicles and spare parts could be very scarce - but it should give someone a lot of fun!
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Rootes75



Joined: 30 Apr 2013
Posts: 3788
Location: The Somerset Levels

PostPosted: Tue May 05, 2015 9:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I see she sold for £1600 in the end, higher than i thought she might go in that condition.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6286
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Tue May 05, 2015 11:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

"Return to your fortress, Oh prisoners of hope; even now ... I will restore twice as much to you". Zechariah 9:12 Very Happy
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