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1. 1955 Hillman Husky.The Hillmans featured on this page are all very similar in age, and far more modern than their pre-war Minx predecessors - first up, a mid 1950s Hillman Husky: Les has sent in a number of his own photos from years gone by, including this one of him sat in front of his father's Hillman Husky estate car, c1955. |
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| The Husky was the smallest estate car in the Rootes catalogue in the mid 1950s, and was based on the contemporary Minx saloon, and example of which is shown below. The Husky's estate-car body shape could also be seen in the Commer Cob, light delivery van version, also dating to the mid 50s. |
2. 1955 Hillman Minx in New Zealand.Similarly aged to the Husky above is the Hillman shown in this photograph. Hans kindly sent this picture in:"The 1955 Hillman Minx (these cars were also sold as Humbers in NZ) belonged to a relation of my wife's. She doesn't know exactly who it was, she was only 4years old at the time." |
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Hans continued: "I don't have a classic car myself, though owned a few when they were "just old bangers" .... I was born and raised in Holland, but emigrated to New Zealand in 1970. My first car was an Austin A30, my second an A35. I've owned several Cortinas - Mks 1,2,3 and 4, plus Vauxhall PBs, a Triumph Herald estate, a Hillman Minx estate, 2 VW Kombis, 1 Beetle, a Mini, a 105E "anglebox"(both ex- my mum). Up until the early 80s, NZ's cars were mostly English, or American for the more affluent. Also of course the Australian Holden or Ford Falcon. Oddly enough, I never liked Holdens,and still don't. But never bought a Falcon either! My last 4 vehicles have all been Japanese, including a much loved Mazda E2000 van. I still regret selling that, and I still see it around now and then, but in a very sad state. My current mode of transport is, to quote J.Clarkson, "the most boring car in the world". I refer of course to the Toyota Corolla. Boring it may be, but it's one of the most reliable and cheapest to own. As a 1992 model with 130.000km under it's belt, it's still a great little runabout. Of course, if the opportunity to swap it for a running A35 van arose, I'd jump at it. Regrettably, I doubt whether there's more than a couple left in the whole of New Zealand. Even the saloons are pretty rare now. Still see quite a few Morrie Minors, some still in daily use. Cars do last quite well here, unless you live near the sea, or on the West coast. It rains a lot there, so cars rust away before your eyes. I'm also quite partial to the flowing lines of the Riley RMs, but again, few and far between. Sorry I've rambled on a bit, so I'll wish you all the best from the bottom of the world, and hope to see your site continue apace." |
3. An early post-war Minx parked outside The Old Cottage tea rooms.Another old photograph featuring a post-war Minx, perhaps a MkIV or V?? The young chap stood alongside the Hillman must have been proud of his smart modern car, surrounded as it was by numerous antiquated pre-war motorcars. The registration, JYS 789, shows that the Minx was registered in Glasgow. I've tried to find a reference to The Old Cottage tea rooms in that area, but as yet no success. I did find mention of a tea room still with that name down in Newton Abbot, so could that be the location of this scene? maybe someone recognises these tea rooms, and the other buildings visible. The photo is dated 17th August 1952. |
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4. A Minx photographed in 1952.Toby contacted me after seeing the photographs of old Hillmans on oldclassiccar, attaching this cracking old photo which was taken in 1952: "We had a '52, in maroon. Here is a B&W photo that was taken in 1952 after we'd bought it. My dad is at the wheel, I'm looking out rear driver side window (age 12 then, 68 now), and my 20-year old brother (now 76) standing. Hope you like it! It was a great car! We traded it in on a black '58, ALSO a great car. I have no photo of that one. That one had a great design, but the interior was not quite as good as the kangaroo cow-hide we had in the '52. Toby."Thanks for sending this over Toby!! A smart Phase VIII convertible can now be found here. |
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5. A c1952 Hillman Minx in BC, Canada.Maurie found the site, and sent over this original photo of a circa 1952 Hillman Minx that belonged to his family, living in BC (British Columbia), Canada. He adds: "I was going through some old photos, and I came across this family pic, my mother, and sisters then me with the cap. I think the car is a 1952 Hillman, and the picture is taken about 1954 in Trail, BC, Canada. Feel free to use it for your site". Thanks Maurie!". |
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6. Another '50s Minx parked at a restaurant.The Hillman in the next photograph was captured outside a restaurant in France. The Minx looks decidedly well laden, so they must have had a 'steady' trip to wherever this group's destination was. The menu (carte) is just visible in the window behind the car, as is a Martini Rossi wall thermometer near the door. A chalk-written menu board is leaning against the wall, with words such as "Potage" (soup) and "Pommes" (potatoes) discernible in the original photo. I might be wrong but the lady in the front passenger seat looks like a nun. |
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| Many more old motoring pics can be found in the vintage motoring photos section. |
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