By the time this car was produced, the Rootes group was losing money hand over first with the Imp and Chrysler, who already had a 30% stake, finally acquired Rootes in 1967. But Chrysler failed miserably in funding development of new cars, so with Chrysler UK's demise in 1978, the Hillman brand sadly disappeared with it. I have found a handful of surviving Minx Serie III in The Netherlands but no Super Minx, let alone a Super Minx Serie III.
Every time I see the little chrome rimmed warning lights by the instruments I want to push the lenses up and down. There were two different illumination settings made possible by the plastic being thinner for the brighter setting. As a kid that was a fun thing to play with in my Dads Singer Vogue estate whenever I was waiting for him in the car. Another thing we did was play with that ribbed ash tray that was fitted to so many of these Rootes models. Things that amused children just under the age of 10 back in the 60s, what a simple carefree life we lived.
A friend of mine had a 1695 s/minx in the late 1970s. I can still remember the sound, comfort as well as the feel of it to drive. That was nearly 50 years ago btw!
This was a real trip down memory lane for me. When I joined the Electricity Board (remember them?) as a Management Trainee in 1966 I was driven to my first workplace in one of these, probably a MkV with 1725cc engine and a “C” reg (1965) plate. Same colour-inside and out. I swear I could smell Oakie’s (Mr Oakden’s ) cigar smouldering in the ash tray as he piloted us, resplendent in trilby hat and sheepskin coat. Not a company car. They were only for salespeople at that time. A real period executive car, brilliantly presented by Steph. Thanks very much.
Great presentation, Steph. As a kid, my parents had a 1965 Hillman Minx; in two-tone green no less! I loved it, the seats were so comfortable and soft.
@@idriveaclassicI am genuinely thinking about getting some of the cars you’ve reviewed because of all the info you give. Thank you for the great content!
I was at the Tatton Park show a couple of weeks ago, admiring a convertible Super Minx, a two-door variant which was virtually hand-built by Rootes' in-house coachbuilder Thrupp & Maberley. Sadly they only built a tiny number (150 or so if I remember correctly), but what a fabulous car.
Aussie here. My Dad had a Hillman Gazelle - it was a lovely car. Then he got a Hillman Hunter, a Chrysler car, of course, no comparison. I'd love to see you do a review on the Gazelle, 🙂
I believe the Hillman Gazelle was called the Singer Gazelle in Britain. I remember seeing a Humber Sceptre here in Melbourne. The Sceptre was a "dressed up" version of the Hillman Hunter. It was probably a private import and quite an unusual car.😊
I have a soft spot for Rootes cars. My Dad had an Arrows Singer Gazelle which was his favourite car and my older sisters still talk about it as they got to use it when they passed their tests. By the time I learnt to drive it had departed and he had a VW Camper which I was not allowed anywhere near. Ironically I now own the camper which I bought from Dad 35 years ago.
I had a Singer Vogue Mk. IV 1725 cc engine in NZ. Just a tarted up Super Minx!! But a lovely car and I still remember it with great affection. These Rootes Group cars (Hillman, Singer, Humber, Sunbeam and Talbot) were renowned for their build quality. I now have a Mercedes W124 in Colombia, but if these Rootes Group cars had ever been sold here, I would be sorely tempted!! Great memories........
In Australia we had the Humber Vogue the later edition had the Sunbeam Rapier engine. Sadly production of this car stopped when Chrysler Australia took over the Rootes Australia buiness.
What a wonderful model this was . It was so robust and roomy . My fathers friend had one which I borrowed when I was 18 and drove it 300 miles . I loved it !!
My father bought a Mark IV Super Minx in 1965 in the same two-tone green combination, but because he bought it when stationed in Rotterdam it was a left-hand-drive export version, making it a very rare car in Europe and back in England. He drove it several times all through West Germany on the way to Austria for holidays there, and it survived all-day flat-out-at-80MPH trips on the Autobahns without complaint, and it also survived the Netherland's notoriously rough cobblestone roads and streets with hardly a rattle or squeak. He had originally wanted a Mercedes that would probably have been a 220 Fintail, but because he had to buy a British car he chose the Hillman instead. After he returned to England it was registered as WJJ 188G, maybe the only G-reg 1965 car, let alone LHD as well, and after he eventually sold it we would see it for many years afterwards trundling around North Norfolk country roads, complete with its oval CD plate on the back. I wonder how long it lasted, and what the local constabulary thought of the CD plate! I still wish he could have bought a Fintail, but the Hillman was a pretty good alternative. Fun times.
My late father used to have a 1966 Estate version of the Super Minx. It was "written off" by an MGB. Oh how I miss it. I guess that's why I love Rootes Group cars. I must get my Series Va Super Snipe back on the road.
This was a great trip down memory lane. My dad had two Super Minxes; a green series one and then a light blue series four. I can even remember the registration plates. I know that is a bit sad. (YKY573 and KCX912E). He eventually replaced the latter one with a Hillman Hunter. Great video.
My first car was a 1962 Hillman Minx with 1600 engine and four on the floor gear change - what a delight that car was. Years later I drove a 1969 Hillman Hunter Royale - what a disappointment - not the same build quality under Chrysler ownership. I live in Melbourne Australia and love your videos Steph.
Excellent video Steph - obviously ! That car is in beautiful condition. My Dad almost bought one in the 60s, but he wasn't quite ready to give up his Mk2 Ford Zodiac. He did in fact change it for a 1966 Vauxhall Victor 101, but was never happy with it, so it quickly made way for a Mk3 Zodiac ! I'm sure if he had plumped for the Hillman he would have loved it - much stronger and better made that the Victor. Thanks for the brilliant review - take care 🙂
I can see a family resemblance to the Humber Super Snipe (another Rootes Group product) from the same year. This car is one of those forgotten British classics. This model of Hillman was quite popular in Australia and New Zealand in its day.😊
I had one for two years in the early 70's. CSM515C. Brilliant car. creamy white with dark green roof and side trim. I couldn't afford a Sceptre but I was definitely not short changed with the Super Minx.
SM is a Carlisle registration, that brings back memories having been born in Dumfries, we had a Gazelle and a Minx 3A in the mid 70's, I much preferred the Gazelle even at 5/6 years of age myself......must have been a snob 😂
Passed my driving test in the family 1966 1725 mkIV... this was in June 1967. Discs on the front, drums on the rear, no overdrive. The engine had a five bearing crankshaft, a first for Rootes.
Thanks for doing this one Steph. Here in NZ my dad had a 1965 1600 super Minx. It was white with a red interior. It was UK assembled too, having been brought in by my Grandfather privately as he had overseas funds from a trip he took there at retirement. I was told he was a bit annoyed, in that by the time it arrived here by boat the 1725cc model had been released. I remember it had that straight gear shift like the one you tested while many of the NZ assembled ones had a bend in it. What was unusual was that it only had one strip of chrome down each side like the earlier models did with the wrap around back window. I never saw another flat back window one with only 1 strip in NZ......good memories you have brought back. Talking about the ribbing around the radio. I believe that ribbing is still under the wood veneer on the dash.
Love your channel Steph. Your personality and passion for cars shines through. Been watching for a good few years now. You have always been good. But you’re continually improving. I’ve said it before. You should be fronting a mainstream car themed tv show. You’re relatable to people, well researched and have a great personality and presenting style. Keep up the good work. I love the variety on your channel. Never know what to expect next. Love the variety of vehicles, the interesting people who own them. All the advice. Plus love the practical demonstrations and repairs. When I was ill and going through a very difficult time. You, Ian from Hubnut, Matt from Furious Driving and Ed from TwinCam all kept me going and provided a great distraction. You will never know just how much all of your channels helped me during those dark times. Hope you have a great week.
my uncle had a minx....and a ford anglia.... my dad had a zephyr 4 and a ford pop.... me born in the 60's love the old 60's british and american cars....
😊 Still see a few of these classic Hillmans on the roads over here in my country New Zealand. So clearly a large number of them were exported over this side of the world !.. Your one is a lovely looking example........
A super episode and the perfect host. This is a might be said ‘a proper car’! I cannot tell you the sheer pleasure that you bring in the detailed yet approachable manner you have. One extra request if I may please as you sometimes do (it may not always be relevant or appropriate) include mention of any books that add to the marque history.
Same year, same colour as the one Grandad gave my Dad back in 1986… I remember the floor mounted full beam switch and the deep blue of the full beam light 😎
Brilliant nice to do video on Chrysler Avenger 1.6 Had one - it was a pleasure on work on engine & easy to change clutch Mine was sold with only 129k mileage.
Hello from New Zealand. In N.Z. the Hillman Super Minx was known as a "Humber 90" . When I went to high school, in the late 1960's, the main teachers car park held about 50 or so cars and the "Humber 90" was one of the most popular with about 10 of them. In my last year (1972 ) this had increased to about 20. The discussions in the staff room must have been that these were very good cars. Cheers B.
The thing I like about these old Rootes cars is that all the different variants (Singer, Sunbeam, Humber etc) had their own unique body styles, although they were the same underneath.
The Rootes group were masters of badge engineering. Hillman Imp, Singer Chamois, Sunbeam Stiletto, all the same car but with different trim and interior.
Lovely.... My Grandad had one, but not sure if it was a Mk3. Still, you did take me back along memory lane thank you. God bless you on your car adventures.
You're spot on with the Roots cars, My Dad had Hillmans which I leant to drive in and my Brother had a Sunbeam Rapier, a George Hartwell tuned car which was very quick. Great cars. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Bob.
In the early 1970's I worked in a survey company, in Northern Victoria, Australia. My boss had a Hillman Hunter Wagon but whenn he went on holliday, he chose to swap out Holden Kingswood Wagon for the duration. The Hillman Hunter was rubbish, compared to the Holden Kingswood. We hated it, until we got our survey wagon back again. The Kingswood was great, but became hugely improved when we got RTS suspension in the HG. That was a galaxy ahead! We also had a Chrysler Valliant Wagon (great car) and an NSU Ro80 as a survey car. an eclectic fleet back then! I dove a Toyota Celica LT and loved it for nearly trouble free 100K Km. Later, my family Holden Commodor VH Wagon clocked up 1 million kilometres, trouble free. Though the insides had chewing gum and spew marks fron the kids. Great motoring !
My grandad has a 1962 mk1 superminx, withthe more rounded almost vauxhall cresta style rear window, much more attractive in my opinion, nice video steph very enjoyable 👍👍
Great to see the original bill of sale. I knew it was a Bath car from the 'GL' reg which lasted until 1974. Windsor garage became a Chrysler dealer, then Talbot in 1978 and eventually changed name to Oval Peugeot in the early 90s and was completely rebuilt with modern facilities in the late 90s. Sadly it was closed just a couple of years later when those premises became an Argos, it's now a Gym! Keep the videos coming..😂
That car is the same colour scheme as my Dad's old Singer Gazelle we had in the mid 70's when I was 5/6 years old and I still remember how much I loved that car so I'm sure I'd love this one being a Rootes Group car too. In fact we replaced it with a Minx 3A when someone in a Marina wrote the Gazelle off when parked up.
So glad we change gears with our right hand. Seems to me it is much easier especially the second to third gear change, as it is a push rather than a pull as it looks from here.
What a lovely little car. A superb design. The only downside for me is the acceleration. It would be dangerous entering the dual carriageways around here. The Minx was sold here, but the Super Minx was not. Worse luck. Still, well done video. The car is almost as lovely as you!
Excellent channel, I love it. Great video Steph. I’m a big fan of Rootes Group cars, this Super Minx is a a very good quality car, you can tell by that superb dashboard. One thing that I noticed that surprised me was that the fuel gauge was in gallons and litres which is very useful and not something that you’d expect on a British car of that era. The engine and transmission sounds fantastic, reminds me of my 1973 Hillman Hunter GL that I had when I was 18.
Yes quite possibly, Steph. Rootes tried to capture as many foreign markets as they could, and it was certainly one of their most stylish saloons at that time.
I agree Steph the Rootes range of this period Humber Hillman and Singer variations were the nicest on the road my dad three Minxes they were all great cars
Great video as always Steph. Rootes cars were so stylish. My dream would be to have a Sunbeam Rapier & a Humber Imperial from that era. And I adore your matching outfit! 💕 Have a great week! x
Great review and I agree it's a crying shame the Rootes Group brand disappeared. I have very fond memories of my mum's Sunbeam Rapier. Two Tone Green - loved that car.
Said it before on here and will say it again - I am coming up on 63 and when I was growing up Rootes Group cars were considered just classy and above the rest.- I remember when my Dad got a Mk2 Cortina 1600E and felt he had a classy car then our neighbour bought an Arrow Singer Vogue ..... one was jumped up "class" ( ours) the Vogue however was a history of class.
I was lucky enough to see one of this model in my local area only the other day. What a refreshing change from all the boring modern stuff. Well done Steph great review as ever also you look great in your outfit.
Thanks for your review of the super minx. Great to see the rootes group vehicles are appreciated these days. We still have quite a few Hillman super minx and Singer (aka here in Oz) Humber vogues in car clubs locally. I gather our dry climate assists in their longevity. I personally have two 1965 Humber Vogue automatics in my shed and wouldn't part with them for the world.
I bought a beautiful Hillman Super Minx in 2021; from a collector in John 'o' groats in Scotland. It had only 28k on the clock. It was a delight to drive! Got as far as Birmingham on the M42; and a white van driver slammed into the back of me in the slow lane and he was doing 80 miles and hour?! Wrote my car off! It was so sad! The Car had been around since 1962, untill some reckless pleb destroyed my beautiful car?! I still get angry when I think about it?! I hate the stupidity of the human condition?!
The sales receipt is very interesting. The OTR price of the car (£778 17s 1d) is equivalent to approx £14,720 in 2024 money. With the Rootes Group no longer existent, today's closest equivalents would be the Vauxhall Astra 1.2 petrol turbo from £26,970 and the Ford Focus 1.0 petrol mild hybrid from £28,500. (Prices are for the entry level version of each model.) In other words, car prices today are literally double relative to 60 years ago.
1962 Hillman Super Minx owner here in Australia. Firstly, how did this car get a dealer sticker on the back window from Horsham? That dealer is in the state of Victoria in Australia and is where my car was sold new!! We are only a few hours from Horsham. Mine is a Moonstone White over Jade Green sedan with 4 speed column shift, cast iron head, and drum brakes all around. It's a little ripper and gets driven everywhere 😊.
Australia, having originated from a group of 6 British colonies, borrowed a host of names. 5 of the 6 states have a town or capital city suburb named Richmond.
The home where I grew up, next door neighbour had a Blue 1500cc, C Reg Superminx , from new and his only car until he passed at an old age…then a young couple up the street had it but for them it was just an old unreliable car… I remember being flattered when he asked me to change the rubber seals in clutch slave and master cylinders when I was around 19, days of car checks every so often… 😊
It's nice to see Hillman getting back into the public eye thanks to people like Steph. They were rather obscure for a long time. You for got to tell us what the coloured lights are for. Are the reversing lights original?
I am in Australia, Sydney. My second car was a 1962 Singer Gazelle, Manuel. The car had travelled a long way when I bought it. I really enjoyed driving the Singer, which had a very powerful second gear, but no syncro', second to first gear.
For the Minx & Gazelle models, synchromesh was added late in the Series V production run (informally known as Series Va). Continuing in Series VI, that model of gearbox shifts "like a hot knife through butter" that Steph mentioned here. The complete 1966 power train (from engine to rear axle set) would have fitted into your car without modification.
As a keen motorcyclist, I had one of these in the early ‘80’s as my “rain vehicle”. Pale yellow with a white strip, and nearly 20 years old by the time I got it, it ran like a sewing machine. I sold it to go travelling but I wish now I’d stuck it in a garage somewhere for safe keeping. Would love to have it now.
Great content Steph. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Landcrab & bringing her back to life….. but if time and finances ever allows, a Sceptre or a Minx would be her stablemate!
We had the Humber Sceptre mk1 when I was a child - it was a beautiful car. The overdrive was pretty unreliable though - I think most of the time we had it it wasn't working!
Stylish car, beautiful outfit Steph and excellent presentation. Would love you to take my car out! Nice bit of history with that car. Have you ever taken out a Viva HA? I grew up with one same age as this car.
@@idriveaclassic My classic is a Triumph, but I'd like to own a Vauxhall HA just for the pure personal nostalgia as we had many happy outings in it as children. Not many on the road now.
Came here for cars.
Stayed for Steph.
I’ll send you that tenner in the post 😉😉😉
By the time this car was produced, the Rootes group was losing money hand over first with the Imp and Chrysler, who already had a 30% stake, finally acquired Rootes in 1967. But Chrysler failed miserably in funding development of new cars, so with Chrysler UK's demise in 1978, the Hillman brand sadly disappeared with it. I have found a handful of surviving Minx Serie III in The Netherlands but no Super Minx, let alone a Super Minx Serie III.
Every time I see the little chrome rimmed warning lights by the instruments I want to push the lenses up and down. There were two different illumination settings made possible by the plastic being thinner for the brighter setting. As a kid that was a fun thing to play with in my Dads Singer Vogue estate whenever I was waiting for him in the car. Another thing we did was play with that ribbed ash tray that was fitted to so many of these Rootes models. Things that amused children just under the age of 10 back in the 60s, what a simple carefree life we lived.
A friend of mine had a 1695 s/minx in the late 1970s. I can still remember the sound, comfort as well as the feel of it to drive. That was nearly 50 years ago btw!
This was a real trip down memory lane for me. When I joined the Electricity Board (remember them?) as a Management Trainee in 1966 I was driven to my first workplace in one of these, probably a MkV with 1725cc engine and a “C” reg (1965) plate. Same colour-inside and out. I swear I could smell Oakie’s (Mr Oakden’s ) cigar smouldering in the ash tray as he piloted us, resplendent in trilby hat and sheepskin coat. Not a company car. They were only for salespeople at that time. A real period executive car, brilliantly presented by Steph. Thanks very much.
Great presentation, Steph. As a kid, my parents had a 1965 Hillman Minx; in two-tone green no less! I loved it, the seats were so comfortable and soft.
Best channel for cars. Even better channel for information. You always bring us great videos, keep up the great work!
You’re too lovely. Thank you x
@@idriveaclassicI am genuinely thinking about getting some of the cars you’ve reviewed because of all the info you give. Thank you for the great content!
I had a 1963 Super Minx Estate. Lovely car, the front seats were so comfortable and the driving position was the best I have experienced
What a lovely car. Suits you!
It does! Keep your eye out please 😂
As a 17 year old in 1969 I bought one of these in a lighter blue colour. 7079 NF. Nice drive, happy days.
I was at the Tatton Park show a couple of weeks ago, admiring a convertible Super Minx, a two-door variant which was virtually hand-built by Rootes' in-house coachbuilder Thrupp & Maberley. Sadly they only built a tiny number (150 or so if I remember correctly), but what a fabulous car.
When I first glanced at the thumb nail I thought that is what this car was, I then looked at it properly!
Tatton always has gorgeous cars!
The blue and white one is owned by friend of mine, lots of time and hard work gone in to it.
Aussie here. My Dad had a Hillman Gazelle - it was a lovely car. Then he got a Hillman Hunter, a Chrysler car, of course, no comparison. I'd love to see you do a review on the Gazelle, 🙂
I believe the Hillman Gazelle was called the Singer Gazelle in Britain. I remember seeing a Humber Sceptre here in Melbourne. The Sceptre was a "dressed up" version of the Hillman Hunter. It was probably a private import and quite an unusual car.😊
I have a soft spot for Rootes cars. My Dad had an Arrows Singer Gazelle which was his favourite car and my older sisters still talk about it as they got to use it when they passed their tests. By the time I learnt to drive it had departed and he had a VW Camper which I was not allowed anywhere near. Ironically I now own the camper which I bought from Dad 35 years ago.
You. Have sold it to me Steph my father had one in the 60s thankyou for taking me down memory lane a joy.
Nice car presented by a lovely lady.
🥰
@@idriveaclassic say.. did you drop in some innuendos there on the dashboard and controls??
lovely presentation by charming steph..tout de meme..
My Dad had two, both baby blue. He loved them and said they were superb cars. Great review, brought back memories of childhood. Thank you.
Well done Steph, love the car and rhe outfit too, keep up the good work.
I had a Singer Vogue Mk. IV 1725 cc engine in NZ. Just a tarted up Super Minx!! But a lovely car and I still remember it with great affection.
These Rootes Group cars (Hillman, Singer, Humber, Sunbeam and Talbot) were renowned for their build quality. I now have a Mercedes W124 in Colombia, but if these Rootes Group cars had ever been sold here, I would be sorely tempted!! Great memories........
They’re just great. I do want one but my bank balance says ‘sort the house first’
In Australia we had the Humber Vogue the later edition had the Sunbeam Rapier engine. Sadly production of this car stopped when Chrysler Australia took over the Rootes Australia buiness.
What a wonderful model this was . It was so robust and roomy . My fathers friend had one which I borrowed when I was 18 and drove it 300 miles . I loved it !!
You’re videos are a treat for us old fogies, thankyou
My father bought a Mark IV Super Minx in 1965 in the same two-tone green combination, but because he bought it when stationed in Rotterdam it was a left-hand-drive export version, making it a very rare car in Europe and back in England. He drove it several times all through West Germany on the way to Austria for holidays there, and it survived all-day flat-out-at-80MPH trips on the Autobahns without complaint, and it also survived the Netherland's notoriously rough cobblestone roads and streets with hardly a rattle or squeak. He had originally wanted a Mercedes that would probably have been a 220 Fintail, but because he had to buy a British car he chose the Hillman instead. After he returned to England it was registered as WJJ 188G, maybe the only G-reg 1965 car, let alone LHD as well, and after he eventually sold it we would see it for many years afterwards trundling around North Norfolk country roads, complete with its oval CD plate on the back. I wonder how long it lasted, and what the local constabulary thought of the CD plate! I still wish he could have bought a Fintail, but the Hillman was a pretty good alternative. Fun times.
Many memories - my mum used to drive me and others to school in a bright red one of these.
My late father used to have a 1966 Estate version of the Super Minx. It was "written off" by an MGB. Oh how I miss it. I guess that's why I love Rootes Group cars. I must get my Series Va Super Snipe back on the road.
You must, they’re superb cars
What a super presentation of an absolute classic. Love this channel.
This was a great trip down memory lane. My dad had two Super Minxes; a green series one and then a light blue series four. I can even remember the registration plates. I know that is a bit sad. (YKY573 and KCX912E). He eventually replaced the latter one with a Hillman Hunter. Great video.
I just love the name! Would totally buy one for that alone. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful cars!
So many wonderful memories 💖
My first car was a 1962 Hillman Minx with 1600 engine and four on the floor gear change - what a delight that car was. Years later I drove a 1969 Hillman Hunter Royale - what a disappointment - not the same build quality under Chrysler ownership. I live in Melbourne Australia and love your videos Steph.
Excellent video Steph - obviously ! That car is in beautiful condition. My Dad almost bought one in the 60s, but he wasn't quite ready to give up his Mk2 Ford Zodiac. He did in fact change it for a 1966 Vauxhall Victor 101, but was never happy with it, so it quickly made way for a Mk3 Zodiac ! I'm sure if he had plumped for the Hillman he would have loved it - much stronger and better made that the Victor. Thanks for the brilliant review - take care 🙂
Love your voice overs, great content 🎉
Thank you darlin x
Your videos always make me happy! Thanks for all you do!
Aw thanks Russ. Have a super day x
I can see a family resemblance to the Humber Super Snipe (another Rootes Group product) from the same year. This car is one of those
forgotten British classics. This model of Hillman was quite popular in Australia and New Zealand in its day.😊
Same nave plates on the wheels.
6:00. You look spot on in that car!
I had one for two years in the early 70's. CSM515C. Brilliant car. creamy white with dark green roof and side trim. I couldn't afford a Sceptre but I was definitely not short changed with the Super Minx.
SM is a Carlisle registration, that brings back memories having been born in Dumfries, we had a Gazelle and a Minx 3A in the mid 70's, I much preferred the Gazelle even at 5/6 years of age myself......must have been a snob 😂
Passed my driving test in the family 1966 1725 mkIV... this was in June 1967. Discs on the front, drums on the rear, no overdrive. The engine had a five bearing crankshaft, a first for Rootes.
My dad had one of those in Californian red and black. That is a really nice example.
Thanks for doing this one Steph. Here in NZ my dad had a 1965 1600 super Minx. It was white with a red interior. It was UK assembled too, having been brought in by my Grandfather privately as he had overseas funds from a trip he took there at retirement. I was told he was a bit annoyed, in that by the time it arrived here by boat the 1725cc model had been released. I remember it had that straight gear shift like the one you tested while many of the NZ assembled ones had a bend in it. What was unusual was that it only had one strip of chrome down each side like the earlier models did with the wrap around back window. I never saw another flat back window one with only 1 strip in NZ......good memories you have brought back. Talking about the ribbing around the radio. I believe that ribbing is still under the wood veneer on the dash.
Love your channel Steph. Your personality and passion for cars shines through. Been watching for a good few years now. You have always been good. But you’re continually improving. I’ve said it before. You should be fronting a mainstream car themed tv show. You’re relatable to people, well researched and have a great personality and presenting style.
Keep up the good work. I love the variety on your channel. Never know what to expect next. Love the variety of vehicles, the interesting people who own them. All the advice. Plus love the practical demonstrations and repairs.
When I was ill and going through a very difficult time. You, Ian from Hubnut, Matt from Furious Driving and Ed from TwinCam all kept me going and provided a great distraction. You will never know just how much all of your channels helped me during those dark times.
Hope you have a great week.
my uncle had a minx....and a ford anglia....
my dad had a zephyr 4 and a ford pop....
me born in the 60's love the old 60's british and american cars....
I love the Superminx. My parents had one in the late 70s. It felt very posh. And it was very reliable too. Great car.
😊 Still see a few of these classic Hillmans on the roads over here in my country New Zealand. So clearly a large number of them were exported over this side of the world !.. Your one is a lovely looking example........
A super episode and the perfect host.
This is a might be said ‘a proper car’!
I cannot tell you the sheer pleasure that you bring in the detailed yet approachable manner you have.
One extra request if I may please as you sometimes do (it may not always be relevant or appropriate) include mention of any books that add to the marque history.
Same year, same colour as the one Grandad gave my Dad back in 1986… I remember the floor mounted full beam switch and the deep blue of the full beam light 😎
Brilliant nice to do video on Chrysler Avenger 1.6 Had one - it was a pleasure on work on engine & easy to change clutch Mine was sold with only 129k mileage.
Hello from New Zealand. In N.Z. the Hillman Super Minx was known as a "Humber 90" . When I went to high school, in the late 1960's, the main teachers car park held about 50 or so cars and the "Humber 90" was one of the most popular with about 10 of them. In my last year (1972 ) this had increased to about 20. The discussions in the staff room must have been that these were very good cars. Cheers B.
The thing I like about these old Rootes cars is that all the different variants (Singer, Sunbeam, Humber etc) had their own unique body styles, although they were the same underneath.
The Rootes group were masters of badge engineering. Hillman Imp, Singer Chamois, Sunbeam Stiletto, all the same car but with different trim and interior.
@@volvo480 But for the larger cars, prior to the Arrow series, they did actually have different body-styles.
Yes just like B.L.
Lovely.... My Grandad had one, but not sure if it was a Mk3. Still, you did take me back along memory lane thank you. God bless you on your car adventures.
What a nice car! Roots sure deserved a longer life!
You're spot on with the Roots cars, My Dad had Hillmans which I leant to drive in and my Brother had a Sunbeam Rapier, a George Hartwell tuned car which was very quick. Great cars. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Bob.
A great review, well done, Mum and Dad had one when I was younger, a two tone version, they were very happy with it…
I like how ALL instruments on British cars, from Minis to Rolls Royces, are made by Smiths Instruments!
In 2009, I used to see a white Minx convertible where I used to live in Centereach, NY. It was in a garage on an outdoor service lift.
In the early 1970's I worked in a survey company, in Northern Victoria, Australia. My boss had a Hillman Hunter Wagon but whenn he went on holliday, he chose to swap out Holden Kingswood Wagon for the duration. The Hillman Hunter was rubbish, compared to the Holden Kingswood. We hated it, until we got our survey wagon back again. The Kingswood was great, but became hugely improved when we got RTS suspension in the HG. That was a galaxy ahead! We also had a Chrysler Valliant Wagon (great car) and an NSU Ro80 as a survey car. an eclectic fleet back then! I dove a Toyota Celica LT and loved it for nearly trouble free 100K Km. Later, my family Holden Commodor VH Wagon clocked up 1 million kilometres, trouble free. Though the insides had chewing gum and spew marks fron the kids. Great motoring !
Very good description of the car and i like the way you explain finer aspects so precisely, keep it up good work 👍
Thank you so much 🙏🏼
I gave you a thumbs up before watching the video....JUST FOR THE AMAZING DRESS!!
You're the best!
I always liked these Steph, a good choice and an excellent video as always.. Rootes did make some excellent and classy cars back in the day.
My late dad owned two of these beautiful cars in the 1960s
A brilliant review Steph. I really enjoyed this Rootes journey. Many Thanks!
My dad had one same colour. Lovely car. My first two cars were Rootes as well, a Chamois, followed by an Alpine IV.
I loved seeing the Rootes group cars in the 60s, as I do now.
This was a great review of a great car.
Looked like the Vauxhall victor B.
And that's probably the reason why I overlooked them as a kid.
My grandad has a 1962 mk1 superminx, withthe more rounded almost vauxhall cresta style rear window, much more attractive in my opinion, nice video steph very enjoyable 👍👍
Great to see the original bill of sale. I knew it was a Bath car from the 'GL' reg which lasted until 1974.
Windsor garage became a Chrysler dealer, then Talbot in 1978 and eventually changed name to Oval Peugeot in the early 90s and was completely rebuilt with modern facilities in the late 90s. Sadly it was closed just a couple of years later when those premises became an Argos, it's now a Gym!
Keep the videos coming..😂
Great video, factually presented. I remember seeing Hillman cars like this in the wild!
More top content from Step the top classic car girl, thanks again.
Love the classy facia! Surprised at the real wood - would (lol) have thought they'd have reserved that for Singer...
Even thou Im in the U.S.A. I always like the Rootes Brand, My first car was a 1957 Hillman Minx, it was a fun little thing,,
Thank you putting up this great video
That car is the same colour scheme as my Dad's old Singer Gazelle we had in the mid 70's when I was 5/6 years old and I still remember how much I loved that car so I'm sure I'd love this one being a Rootes Group car too. In fact we replaced it with a Minx 3A when someone in a Marina wrote the Gazelle off when parked up.
So glad we change gears with our right hand. Seems to me it is much easier especially the second to third gear change, as it is a push rather than a pull as it looks from here.
What a lovely little car. A superb design. The only downside for me is the acceleration. It would be dangerous entering the dual carriageways around here. The Minx was sold here, but the Super Minx was not. Worse luck. Still, well done video. The car is almost as lovely as you!
Excellent channel, I love it. Great video Steph. I’m a big fan of Rootes Group cars, this Super Minx is a a very good quality car, you can tell by that superb dashboard. One thing that I noticed that surprised me was that the fuel gauge was in gallons and litres which is very useful and not something that you’d expect on a British car of that era. The engine and transmission sounds fantastic, reminds me of my 1973 Hillman Hunter GL that I had when I was 18.
I wonder if it’s to benefit the export market?!
Yes quite possibly, Steph. Rootes tried to capture as many foreign markets as they could, and it was certainly one of their most stylish saloons at that time.
I agree Steph the Rootes range of this period Humber Hillman and Singer variations were the nicest on the road my dad three Minxes they were all great cars
Great video as always Steph.
Rootes cars were so stylish.
My dream would be to have a Sunbeam Rapier & a Humber Imperial from that era.
And I adore your matching outfit! 💕 Have a great week! x
Thank you! You have a super week too xx
Great review and I agree it's a crying shame the Rootes Group brand disappeared. I have very fond memories of my mum's Sunbeam Rapier. Two Tone Green - loved that car.
Lovely example. Looks very smart with the side stripe. 🤩
Said it before on here and will say it again - I am coming up on 63 and when I was growing up Rootes Group cars were considered just classy and above the rest.- I remember when my Dad got a Mk2 Cortina 1600E and felt he had a classy car then our neighbour bought an Arrow Singer Vogue ..... one was jumped up "class" ( ours) the Vogue however was a history of class.
Great 60s car, really suits you Steph 😊👍
In the 1960s British medium saloons were Hillman Super Minx, Vauxhall Victor FB, Ford Cortina Mk1 and Austin Cambridge/ Morris Oxford.
Brilliant stuff. Great to have another Rootes convert around. Maybe see you at one of the Gaydon Rootes events some time.
That Horn sounds like it's featured on the Record by Madness. ' I like Driving in my car '
Very attractive car. Gotta love a horn ring!
A lovely car. I was lucky enough to see and meet the owner of an estate version a few years ago. Maybe find a bit more garage space for one
I was lucky enough to see one of this model in my local area only the other day. What a refreshing change from all the boring modern stuff. Well done Steph great review as ever also you look great in your outfit.
Thank you. It’s one of my favourites x
love a good rootes group ❤❤❤...i used to own a humber vogue❤❤❤
I do like the car a lot. Thanks for an excellent review.
Thanks for your review of the super minx. Great to see the rootes group vehicles are appreciated these days. We still have quite a few Hillman super minx and Singer (aka here in Oz) Humber vogues in car clubs locally. I gather our dry climate assists in their longevity. I personally have two 1965 Humber Vogue automatics in my shed and wouldn't part with them for the world.
I swear Australia has all the best cars 😂
I bought a beautiful Hillman Super Minx in 2021; from a collector in John 'o' groats in Scotland. It had only 28k on the clock. It was a delight to drive! Got as far as Birmingham on the M42; and a white van driver slammed into the back of me in the slow lane and he was doing 80 miles and hour?! Wrote my car off! It was so sad! The Car had been around since 1962, untill some reckless pleb destroyed my beautiful car?! I still get angry when I think about it?! I hate the stupidity of the human condition?!
My Dad had a 1961 Hillman Minx Deluxe was a good car best regards Andy Allen.
The sales receipt is very interesting. The OTR price of the car (£778 17s 1d) is equivalent to approx £14,720 in 2024 money. With the Rootes Group no longer existent, today's closest equivalents would be the Vauxhall Astra 1.2 petrol turbo from £26,970 and the Ford Focus 1.0 petrol mild hybrid from £28,500. (Prices are for the entry level version of each model.) In other words, car prices today are literally double relative to 60 years ago.
1962 Hillman Super Minx owner here in Australia.
Firstly, how did this car get a dealer sticker on the back window from Horsham? That dealer is in the state of Victoria in Australia and is where my car was sold new!!
We are only a few hours from Horsham.
Mine is a Moonstone White over Jade Green sedan with 4 speed column shift, cast iron head, and drum brakes all around.
It's a little ripper and gets driven everywhere 😊.
Ahh we also have a Horsham in Surrey in the UK 🙂
Australia, having originated from a group of 6 British colonies, borrowed a host of names.
5 of the 6 states have a town or capital city suburb named Richmond.
The home where I grew up, next door neighbour had a Blue 1500cc, C Reg Superminx , from new and his only car until he passed at an old age…then a young couple up the street had it but for them it was just an old unreliable car… I remember being flattered when he asked me to change the rubber seals in clutch slave and master cylinders when I was around 19, days of car checks every so often… 😊
It's nice to see Hillman getting back into the public eye thanks to people like Steph. They were rather obscure for a long time. You for got to tell us what the coloured lights are for. Are the reversing lights original?
I’ll find out x
I am in Australia, Sydney. My second car was a 1962 Singer Gazelle, Manuel. The car had travelled a long way when I bought it. I really enjoyed driving the Singer, which had a very powerful second gear, but no syncro', second to first gear.
For the Minx & Gazelle models, synchromesh was added late in the Series V production run (informally known as Series Va). Continuing in Series VI, that model of gearbox shifts "like a hot knife through butter" that Steph mentioned here.
The complete 1966 power train (from engine to rear axle set) would have fitted into your car without modification.
As a keen motorcyclist, I had one of these in the early ‘80’s as my “rain vehicle”. Pale yellow with a white strip, and nearly 20 years old by the time I got it, it ran like a sewing machine. I sold it to go travelling but I wish now I’d stuck it in a garage somewhere for safe keeping. Would love to have it now.
Great content Steph.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my Landcrab & bringing her back to life….. but if time and finances ever allows, a Sceptre or a Minx would be her stablemate!
Saaaaaame!!!! I’ve got my eye on a Sceptre locally (the one I tested). I so desperately want it.
So you’ve got your eye on the one I was considering buying (and should have done) decades ago!! Love it! 😀
Always loved these cars😮😮
We had the Humber Sceptre mk1 when I was a child - it was a beautiful car. The overdrive was pretty unreliable though - I think most of the time we had it it wasn't working!
They are nice gearboxes, my dad a 1962 minx in forest green I loved driving that
Stylish car, beautiful outfit Steph and excellent presentation. Would love you to take my car out! Nice bit of history with that car. Have you ever taken out a Viva HA? I grew up with one same age as this car.
I haven’t taken out a HA yet. Would love to.
@@idriveaclassic My classic is a Triumph, but I'd like to own a Vauxhall HA just for the pure personal nostalgia as we had many happy outings in it as children. Not many on the road now.