husky drvr
Platinum Level Sponsor
Mike,
I don't see it stamped on the block, either. I just went by what the OP posted. No problem, Just thought he was seeing something I couldn't. Notice I said "I think."
Deleted.
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Getting To The "Rootes" Of The Matter...
- Thread starter MidcenturyMillennial
- Start date
Mike,
I don't see it stamped on the block, either. I just went by what the OP posted. No problem, Just thought he was seeing something I couldn't. Notice I said "I think."
Deleted.
MidcenturyMillennial
Donation Time
Mike, you're absolutely right, and your eyes are clearly better than mine! I misread "LSX" as "108" somehow.
Husky, thanks Indeed for that Awesome info! I'm very impressed. Where did the Minx Series III Special and it's 1494 CC engine fit into the Hillman lineup?
MidcenturyMillennial
Donation Time
Rainy day today (poor light), but I think I found it! Damn near unreadable, though.
Attachments
RootesRooter
Donation Time
I see a "...1123...", which matches your VIN plate.
MidcenturyMillennial
Donation Time
Well well! The old girl isn't entirely dishonest after all! 
husky drvr
Platinum Level Sponsor
Think of Rootes Group as being the UK's GM. Rootes was the second largest auto manufacturer in the UK, but very much smaller than GM. Also keep in mind that the UK was still recovering from the economic drain of WW2, resources were somewhat still limited.. The UK was the last country to end all rationing started in WW2, in 1954.
Hillman was the equivalent of GM's Chevrolet division. A product designed to be serviceable, dependable, and sold at lower price point. When the sIII Minx was in production, I think the only models Hillman produced were the Minx in the two trim levels with various body configurations, and the Husky. The Super Minx and Imp were still a couple of years to introduction.
The link is to Wikipedia for the Audax range of vehicles. The entire Minx article is about Minx models beginning to end of production.
Hillman Minx - Wikipedia
MidcenturyMillennial
Donation Time
Found it! Looks like March of '59. Found something else too.
Attachments
MidcenturyMillennial
Donation Time
Welp, my local Britcar specialist essentially threw up his hands. Bad ignition, bypassed fuel pump, badly replaced ignition switch, fan blade installed backwards, there's just too much that's been messed with, and messed with hurriedly. I'm For- It, lads!
Now to try and get out from under it with a shred of dignity intact. Would anybody here like it for parts? At the very least, we've got a good set of wheels and tires, decent glass, good plastic indicator and taillight lenses, decent bonnet and boot lids, trim, good seats...
Bad ignition, bypassed fuel pump, badly replaced ignition switch, fan blade installed backwards, there's just too much that's been messed with, and messed with hurriedly. I'm For- It, lads!Now to try and get out from under it with a shred of dignity intact.
Would anybody here like it for parts? At the very least, we've got a good set of wheels and tires, decent glass, good plastic indicator and taillight lenses, decent bonnet and boot lids, trim, good seats...
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studmobile
Diamond Level Sponsor
Or a good start for a dark side conversion...Welp, my local Britcar specialist essentially threw up his hands.
Now to try and get out from under it with a shred of dignity intact.
From the pictures you posted, the car looks pretty solid. It does not look like a parts car. That list of issues you mentioned are all pretty minor. It might not be that much effort to get it to a driver. Then if you still want to sell, you should get a higher price.Welp, my local Britcar specialist essentially threw up his hands.
Now to try and get out from under it with a shred of dignity intact.
Mike
MidcenturyMillennial
Donation Time
I'm glad you think so, Mike! My guy's grim prognosis left me feeling pretty bad, and I'll confess to a touch of self pity when I wrote that post on Saturday. He's a purist, so maybe this Frankenbeam is already damaged goods in his eyes.
Oh well, new week tomorrow. Time to start looking for a second opinion! While I bet I can find some local guys who would be open to a resto-mod, that might exceed my budget by a bit. Gotta find somebody who isn't frightened of British electrics!
RootesRooter
Donation Time
Don't give up! There's gotta be more wrong with it than the list you gave. I've found worse on several Alpines I've bought - tho the backward fan is a first. And yes, finding a Hillman engine in my new Alpine would not be the highlight of my day. Is your British specialist maybe shy about working on Sunbeams?
MidcenturyMillennial
Donation Time
I think I broke him.
After looking at my car, he said he didn't want any more clients, that the was finally going to sell his shop, and retire to the countryside!
MidcenturyMillennial
Donation Time
Much obliged for the encouragement, Bill! The goal was to get my hands on something with a four cyl. and a manual to cheerfully scoot around town in, but I broke a lot of the standard practice rules for buying a car sight unseen because the 'Doctor No'/'Butterfield 8'/'Get Smart' angle was too hard to resist.
Now (not for the first time, but the first time in a while), I've got something that I don't have the expertise to fix myself, and my keeping it will rely on a relationship with somebody who knows these cars better than I do.
*My local German car expert, who tended two Benzes I've owned over the past decade) has kindly consented to try and get it running. Or at the very least, letting me tow the car to his garage, which is farther than I ever got with the local Britcar "wizard"!
Now being sold on BAT.
bringatrailer.com
This thread sure got lots of replies and potential help for this poor owner......
No Reserve: 1963 Sunbeam Alpine Project
Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1963 Sunbeam Alpine Project at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #130,210.
bringatrailer.com
MidcenturyMillennial
Donation Time
And don't think I don't appreciate it!Now being sold on BAT.
This thread sure got lots of replies and potential help for this poor owner......No Reserve: 1963 Sunbeam Alpine Project
Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1963 Sunbeam Alpine Project at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #130,210.
Nobody ever profits on the sale of an old car, but let's see if I can get outta this one with my skin, fellas!
MidCenturyMillenial: I'm sorry you took such a financial beating on the car, but you can certainly be proud of the honest way you sold it. I'd buy a car from you anytime!