1934 Hillman "Aero Minx"

Based in Ryton-On-Dunsmore, the Hillman Motor Company was founded in 1907 by William Hillman and although the company started out building bicycles, by 1932 their first car had rolled off the production line, cheekily named the 'Minx'. It featured a modest 1185cc engine and was available in a choice of body styles before production ceased at the end of the Second World War. Manufactured between 1933 -1935, the Aero-Minx was a bit more 'sporty' and with a number of chassis and mechanical modifications allied with stylish and appealing bodywork was designed to cater for a rather more selective market. The differences from the '33 Minx consisted of a lowered chassis underslung at the rear, a shorter wheelbase, a slightly raised compression ratio, downdraught carburettor, stronger valve springs and a higher back axle ratio. An aluminium head was available and all Aero models had a remote controlled gearbox with a short stubby lever.

However, it was its looks that seemed to capture popular imagination, with its beautiful roofline and sloping back patently influenced by the Art Deco movement, or perhaps more cynically by the competition. During 1934/5, there was a host of small British sporting saloons influenced by Deco and the need to produce an 'Aero' model. MG had their PA Midget 'Airline' Coupé, AC their 'Aero' Saloon, the Singer 9 Le Mans 'Airline' Coupé wasn't far behind as was the Talbot 105 'Airline' Saloon and the, less attractive, Riley Kestrel 'Airline'. These days we blame the fact that all small modern cars look similar, on Wind Tunnels and CAD. In 1934, it was probably Tracing Paper!

This beautiful two-tone Coffee and Cream example from 1934, spent most of its life in the U.K and was once owned by a Mr.G. Evans who acquired the car in 1981. It's thought to be one of the few unmodified examples left in existence. During his ownership, the car was extensively and carefully restored so as to retain many of its original features. The 'Chocolate Cheesecake' exterior looks superb and is nicely detailed, whilst the interior is really special in beige leather with 'sunburst' door cards, 'De Havilland' aircraft style seats, a polished wood dashboard, and a 'Bluemels' steering wheel. The engine bay looks tidy and we understand the car drives as well as it looks. A solid history file and a Buff Log Book accompany the car.

Subsequently sold to a Danish collector, this car is now offered for sale and is the ideal opportunity to purchase an important example of a Deco influenced 'Aero' car.