1956 Hillman Minx Californian Coupe

The name Californian evokes images of bright, cloudless skies and warm sun, but despite the badge, as well as the fact that all Californians were based on Minx convertibles, the entirely non-structural hardtop remains permanently affixed.

Hillman peppered the car with added chrome, distinct badging, and upscale flourishes like two-tone paint, and despite the Californian’s target audience, at least a few RHD examples were made for domestic British markets as well.

Said to have been inspired by design genius Raymond Loewy’s hugely influential Studebaker Starlight coupe of 1947, the rear of the car incorporates a trio of windows capped on either end by curved panes.

Despite appearances, the car is in fact a pillarless hardtop, with the “B pillar” actually a simple piece of trim that retracts with the rear side window. Note the elegant “Californian” script along either front fender.

The lovely champagne colored dashboard features an instrument cluster mounted in the center, simplifying production of RHD and LHD variants. Texturing, typefaces, and materials are warm and “organic” feeling, with plastic reserved for smaller pieces of switchgear as well as the large, attractive steering wheel. Note the column shifter, which operates a 4-speed manual transmission.

Replacing the Mk5’s 1.3 liter side-valve four, all but the earliest Mk6 Minxes featured a new ohv 1.4 engine making 42 hp and a relatively beefy 66 lb-ft of torque. The factory quoted 70 mph flat-out, a perfectly respectable figure given a surprisingly stout 2,500 lb curb weight; though small, these cars are solidly built.

This car is offered without known history.

There are roughly 40,000,000 Californians in California, but perhaps just one or two of these Hillmans. Like many non-native residents, it looks right at home under amid L.A. skies, and navigates its crowded surface streets with ease, thanks in part to its compact dimensions and familiar left-hand drive. Estimated $3,000 - $6,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.