1st Oct, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1956 Hillman Minx MK8 Convertible
Painstakingly restored over a four year period and just 34,000 miles from new
Registration - SLX 569
Chassis - A1543700HC0
M.O.T. - January 2024
Odometer - 34,160
This delightful and ultra-rare (only five remain in the UK) Minx convertible is arguably deserving of its own feature film. Back in March 2019, rotten as a pear and stripped for spares following zero interest in it as complete project, it was three days away from an appointment with the crusher when the vendor came galloping over the hill on a white charger (we made that last bit up) and rescued it for the princely sum of £400. The first task was to source a pair of new rear wings and door shuts, as the originals were long gone. A trusty fabricator friend of the vendor then began the long road to recreating the shell, while another rebuilt the engine and gearbox, while yet another (Paddy from VC Classics of Doncaster) dealt with the Minx’s reassembly, respray in Rover Old English White, installation of new carpets etc. The painstaking rebuild was carried out to original specification with one obvious exception – due to a lack of hood and hood frame, the car was reconfigured as a roadster with tonneau; something that can easily be reversed for the cost of a bespoke hood, if and when required.
‘SLX 569’ started life in black and was first registered in Park Lane, London in March 1956. No more is known of its history until it was purchased by a Mr Scutter of Reading in 2001. It then languished on his farm until his death in 2017, at which point the rights passed to his son from whom it was rescued two years later. Unsurprisingly the vendor now considers the 1390cc four-cylinder engine, column-change four-speed transmission, bodywork, paintwork and cream upholstery to all be in ‘excellent’ condition. Only completed in January this year, this splendid phoenix of a Hillman is now ready for some lucky new owner to enjoy. It comes complete with a separate rebuilt gearbox (the one in the car is slightly noisy in first and reverse due to a chipped tooth), splendid two-tone tonneau cover, history file and a current MOT valid to January next year.
In summary:
- A unique four-keeper, 34,217-mile example
- Rescued from certain destruction and lovingly rebuilt over 4 years
- Understood to be one of only five such convertibles left in the UK
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £7,200
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - SLX 569
Chassis - A1543700HC0
M.O.T. - January 2024
Odometer - 34,160
This delightful and ultra-rare (only five remain in the UK) Minx convertible is arguably deserving of its own feature film. Back in March 2019, rotten as a pear and stripped for spares following zero interest in it as complete project, it was three days away from an appointment with the crusher when the vendor came galloping over the hill on a white charger (we made that last bit up) and rescued it for the princely sum of £400. The first task was to source a pair of new rear wings and door shuts, as the originals were long gone. A trusty fabricator friend of the vendor then began the long road to recreating the shell, while another rebuilt the engine and gearbox, while yet another (Paddy from VC Classics of Doncaster) dealt with the Minx’s reassembly, respray in Rover Old English White, installation of new carpets etc. The painstaking rebuild was carried out to original specification with one obvious exception – due to a lack of hood and hood frame, the car was reconfigured as a roadster with tonneau; something that can easily be reversed for the cost of a bespoke hood, if and when required.
‘SLX 569’ started life in black and was first registered in Park Lane, London in March 1956. No more is known of its history until it was purchased by a Mr Scutter of Reading in 2001. It then languished on his farm until his death in 2017, at which point the rights passed to his son from whom it was rescued two years later. Unsurprisingly the vendor now considers the 1390cc four-cylinder engine, column-change four-speed transmission, bodywork, paintwork and cream upholstery to all be in ‘excellent’ condition. Only completed in January this year, this splendid phoenix of a Hillman is now ready for some lucky new owner to enjoy. It comes complete with a separate rebuilt gearbox (the one in the car is slightly noisy in first and reverse due to a chipped tooth), splendid two-tone tonneau cover, history file and a current MOT valid to January next year.
In summary:
- A unique four-keeper, 34,217-mile example
- Rescued from certain destruction and lovingly rebuilt over 4 years
- Understood to be one of only five such convertibles left in the UK
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 1st Oct, 2023
Our October auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes.
Viewing Days:
Saturday 30th September, 1pm - 7pm
Sunday 1st October, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
