1962 Hillman Minx Series IIIC page

BEFORE	AFTER

This car has 75,000 Original Miles on it. Records that came with it show 61,443 miles in 1978, and 68,731 miles in 1983. I purchased it from the second owner, who bought it in 1966. Due to being driven in Baltimore weather, including rain, and snow and salt, rust is present in the lower panels.. However, because it was garaged when not driven - which was most of the time, the interior and rubber seals are all in very good condition. The IIIC was unique in that it was produced for the model years 1962 and 1963. In 1962, there was a Deluxe and a Special version, but in 1963 the Special disappered, and the "1600 Deluxe Standard" was born. This car is the "1600 Deluxe Standard" variety. In 1962, The Minx line consisted of the "Special" Saloon, the Deluxe Saloon, Convertible and Estate models. The 62 Deluxe Saloon was distinguished by a double chrome strip along the sides of the car. 1963 was the last year for 15" tires, the Lowery inspired roofline and body and was the last Series III model. All the chrome is in excellent condition, except for several "dings" in the bumpers. An accident damaged the original headlamp covers, so as a cheap replacemenr, simple chrome trim rings were used. The headlamp covers that came standard from the factory were painted body color, and could not be found in the late 1970's when the damage occured. Since the time when this photo was taken I have added the correct headlamp surrounds painted in a matching body color paint.
	With the exception of mounds of powdery foam seat padding all over the floors (rot caused by time), the upholstery is in first-rate condition - no seam rips or wear. Just a extreme "depression" in the driver's side of the front seat. Surprisingly, the steering wheel still retains 99% of it's original paint, which is very rare on any Hillman with this kind of mileage. This can be explained, however, as the lady owner always drove the car wearing a pair of gloves! Even the speedometer works! Everything is there, including the unscathed door lock knobs, horn emblem, and turn signal stalk. Door trim panels are dirty, but show very little wear. Windows operate smoothly and easily. It's fun to drive, runs quiet, starts immediately without the choke, and shifts smoothly. Also unique to the Series IIIC are the larger 9" drum brakes, short throw shift (like the Alpine sports car), and rounded bumpers.
A British mechanic maintained the car for most of it's life, and the motor hums nicely as a result. The regular servicing is also evident in the well lubricated door hinges, and lock assemblies. Driving the car is really a pleasure, and it really does not seem to run like a 75,000 mile vehicle. But when you open the hood, it becomes more obvious this is a high mileage car from all coating of grime accumulated over the last 38 years. This Minx was also stolen many years ago and the Police found it laying on the passenger side 5 miles outside of Baltimore, but nothing was damaged!
	As you can easily see in this photo, the tail lamp lenses are different colors. The more "amber" colored one is original, while the other one is a replacement from a slight "fender bender". The rear bumper is also bent up, but this and the front bumper creases have been hammered out since the photo was taken. I have also replaced the gas cap, which is dented as well but cannot be seen clearly in this picture. Tires are fairly new, modern radials, which are not dry rotted. The "fins" of this seriesIIIC Minx are also featured on the IIIB. The grille of the IIIC, while identical in design with the IIIB, is aluminum. The IIIB had a chrome over base metal composition that was very prone to rust and deterioration over time. I find it interesting that the supposedly "cheaper" aluminum subsitute actually is more durable in appearance, but easily dented or bent in case of a collision. This Series Minx model was the last vestige of the Rootes Group products before Chrysler Corporation redesigned the body shell with a different, more modern "look" in 1964.
Front view after bumper straightening	Rear view after bumper straightening
Side View	Interior view from rear seat
End of Story!