Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Fatbloke · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2014 4:54 pm Post subject: Pre war cars

Hi All,

As I said in my introduction, I have developed and interest in pre war cars and my current pipe dream is to own one!

Specifically a 1932 Hillman Minx as it was my Granfathers 1st car.

So I have several questions for you.

Are there any good ones left and how much would I have to save up to be able to buy a good one?

How different would a pre war car be to maintain and work on to my Triumph Herald? Any specific skills/tools I would need to aquire?

What would parts availability be like for the Hillman in particualr but pre wars in general. (Apart from Austin 7's. 2 Reasons. 1. I doubt it would fit me and 2. Too many around.)

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22837 Location: UK

Welcome aboard.

1930s Hillmans turn up from time to time. I'd have thought a smart one should turn up for about £5000-7000, maybe less.

Driving a pre-war car does require a slightly different mindset when compared to driving a classic-era car, but it's not a night-and-day thing. You'll need Whitworth spanners Smile

There are quite a few owners of pre-war chariots on this forum, so hopefully you'll get some useful replies.

This is what I'm currently driving:
http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/vintage-drive.htm

RJ

PS this '33 Minx was recently advertised for £5500 on C&C:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C422591
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peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7219 Location: Edinburgh

Hi Mike,

Welcome to the forum.

As regards pre-war parts it's more a question of buy them when you see them than buy them when you want them. Such things as shell bearings can be hard find. Ball bearings are usually easier to find. Paper gaskets you can make yourself but head gaskets may be hard to find unless the Hillman club has had some re-made.

Body and trim parts you might need to make for yourself.

Tyres are not a big problem as there are several manufacturers making common old sizes.

Good luck with your quest and please let us know what you find.

Peter
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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

Fatbloke · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 9:06 am Post subject:

Thanks Rick. The Dodge looks great! Thanks for the link to the Hillman too. Prices don't seem as alarming as I 1st thought.

Thanks for your advise also Peter. Although the thought of making my own parts IS quite alarming but sounds like it might be fun and cheaper than buying repair panels for the triumph?!

Unfortunately, my eldest still has 2 years to go at University and at least 5 years until my youngest has started and finished uni so this is still very much at the pipe dream phase at the moment. However, I've decided to spend the time by gaining some bodywork skills on the Herald and researhing pre-war cars thouroughly so I am ready when the time comes.

My extensive research already carried out consists mainly of drooling over pictures!

So Roll on 2020!! Very Happy

_________________
Mike,

A Fatbloke in a Herald.

Rootes75 · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 9:46 am Post subject:

The Minx was introduced in 1932 and its probably its rarest year for survivors. I'd look at the 33 to 35 Minx as they do come up occasionally and they only differ from the 32 in small ways, more of a slant on the grill etc.

Nice cars and simple to work on to, many parts are common throughout different pre-war models. Mechanical spares are still about but as with many classics, body panels etc are scarce.