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Early To Mid Fifties Hillman Car Info Wanted
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gresham flyer



Joined: 06 Sep 2008
Posts: 1435

PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 9:59 am    Post subject: Early To Mid Fifties Hillman Car Info Wanted Reply with quote

Hello,
I would like to find out more information about the range of vehicles they produced. Question

I have recently found a Hillman Californian coupe,stuck in a barn in deepest rural Lincolnshire and know nothing about them. Confused

I purchased it on the spot, and brought it home. Very Happy

Now I need to get it up and running.

Any help appreciated. Very Happy

Gresham.
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roverdriver



Joined: 18 Oct 2008
Posts: 1210
Location: 100 miles from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 10:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a workshop manual for 1956 covering Hillman and Commer. I think that the Californian is mentioned in it.

If you can't locate information closer to you, then I can scan relevant pages and e-mail them to you. Might take a day or two to organise that, so just let me know.
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Penman



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4850
Location: Swindon, Wilts.

PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 4:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi
Isn't it basically a 2 door minx with a 3piece wrap round rear screen?
Unless it is the later Californian (fastback) version of the Imp
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7211
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 6:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Gresham,

Here's the proper Rootes Workshop Manual for £11.35 including postage.

Peter

http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=2104323261&searchurl=bt.x%3D55%26bt.y%3D11%26sts%3Dt%26tn%3DThe%2BHillman%2Bminx%2Bworkshop%2Bmanual
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mikeC



Joined: 31 Jul 2009
Posts: 1808
Location: Market Warsop, Nottinghamshire

PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2010 9:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Penman wrote:
Hi
Isn't it basically a 2 door minx with a 3piece wrap round rear screen?


Yes, that's it - basically the predecessor to the Sunbeam Rapier - quite a rarity these days, I would think.
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gresham flyer



Joined: 06 Sep 2008
Posts: 1435

PostPosted: Sun May 30, 2010 1:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello,
Sorry I should have put the year 1955.

Hillman California 2 door pillarless coupe.

What is the difference from this to the convertible,it would be nice to retain the hard top for Spring and Autumn use,then remove it for summer use.

I don`t think the roof is structural,underneath the body is a substantial chassis.

Has anyone done this Question

Similar to the Mercedes,Stag ETC

As soon as we saw the car we loved it Exclamation

When the front and back windows are down it has that very American look of the time,50`s

Since getting it home progress has been made ,today i changed the oil and filter, and got it running,all lights and electrical items work. Very Happy

I am going to give it a pre MOT check,and put it in for its test. Very Happy

Then take it to our local Vintage and Classic club gathering as it is. Exclamation

Then give it a nice respray. Exclamation

I will post some photo`s.
Gresham
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Brian M



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 783
Location: Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

PostPosted: Sun May 30, 2010 7:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

One on ebay at the moment.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HILLMAN-CALIFORNIA-COUPE-1956-/220612842081?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item335d8cd261

I wouldn't think there is much strength in the c-pillar so your convertible option may be possible.
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1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk
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