Rootes fitted the Minx a Smiths Easidrive, the first dual-clutch transmission ever put into production.
Median 101 hp across 463 similar cars
Lead trim: 1,390 cc four (Series I–II) · up to 65 hp
Hillman Minx Series I–VI "Audax"1956–1967
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Hillman Minx Series I–VI "Audax" yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactRootes fitted the Minx a Smiths Easidrive, the first dual-clutch transmission ever put into production.
The Audax body of the Hillman Minx was designed by the Rootes Group, helped by the Raymond Loewy design organisation, which had been involved in the design of Studebaker coupés in 1953. Announced in May 1956, the car went through a succession of annual facelifts each given a series number, replacing the mark number used on previous Minxes: the Series I in 1956, the Series II in 1957, the Series III in 1958, the Series IIIA in 1959, the Series IIIB in 1960, the Series IIIC in 1961, the Series V in 1963 and the Series VI in 1965; there was no Series IV. Over the years the engine was increased in capacity from 1390 cc (in the Series I and II) to 1725 cc in the Series VI. A variety of manual transmissions, with column or floor change, and automatic transmissions were offered: the Series I and II used a Lockheed Manumatic two-pedal system, the Series III a Smiths Easidrive, the first production dual-clutch transmission, and the V/VI a Borg Warner; the Series VI was fitted with an all-synchromesh gearbox. A Series III deLuxe saloon with the 1494 cc engine tested by The Motor in 1958 had a top speed of 76.9 mph and could accelerate from 0–60 mph in 25.4 seconds.
Collectors Spotted in the Hillman Minx Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Hillman Minx yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
4 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,390 cc four (Series I–II) | 1956–1958 | 1.4 L Inline-4 | 48 hp | 70 lb-ft | — | — | — | — |
| 1,494 cc four (Series III) | 1958–1967 | 1.5 L Inline-4 | 49 hp | 78 lb-ft | 25.4 s | — | — | — |
| 1,592 cc four | 1958–1967 | 1.6 L Inline-4 | 53 hp | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1,725 cc four (Series VI) | 1965–1967 | 1.7 L Inline-4 | 65 hp | — | — | — | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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