76HM001 Oxford Diecast Hillman Minx Series IIIA

A 1:76 scale  classic British saloon car - the Hillman Minx Series IIIA, based on the later 50s and 60s vehicle featuring the Audax body designed by the Rootes Group.  The Hillman Minx had been on the roads of Britain since the early 1930s, classed as a mid-sized and large family car.  There were many variants over the years and Oxford’s choice of model comprises the slightly larger vehicle offered during the Audax era which spanned 1956-1970. From the early days of Hillman, there were many body variations from 2-door to 4-door, saloons, convertibles, coupés and vans.  The Hillman Minx series I was launched in 1956, manufactured at the Hillman plant at Ryton –on-Dunsmore near Coventry, the home of Rootes.  Annual facelifts saw our Series IIIA entering the scene in 1959. Engine capacity ranged upwards from 1390cc with the Series III sporting a 1494cc engine and a top speed of 76.9 mph. Fuel consumption was just under 32 mpg.  On the road, the car cost £794 including taxes.  The series also came with both manual and automatic transmission available. The Series III automatic had a Smiths Easidrive system which was the first production dual-clutch transmission.

With all this history under the bonnet, our 1:76 scale model appears as the four door two tone saloon in a warm caramel and Regency beige colour scheme  It is registered 302 UXE.  Exterior trim is silver including the window surrounds and the car comes with whitewall tyres and chrome inserts. The vehicle interior is moulded in beige as well, including the dashboard, seats and steering wheel.  The Hillman name is printed on the bonnet edge and again on the chrome boot lid catch.  The Minx title is inscribed below the quarter light windows on the driver and front passenger doors. A finishing touch comprises the distinctive silver and red Hillman Minx badge placed between the split silver and black radiator grille.

The Hillman Minx went on into the late 1960s including overseas production under licence from Rootes.