1959 Hillman Minx Series III

I found this Hillman online.    For many years I traded email with the original owner's ( he bought in 1959)  son in law.   in 2008 I got a call from the owner and we arranged a time for me to come and look at the car.    I was amazed at how complete the car was.    A short time later it was in my garage for some TLC.    The car was all original including paint, interior and everything else.    To get it roadworthy I did all the brakes and then gave it a good polish and installed new carpets.    It ran for about 100 miles before I determined it needed a full engine rebuild.   The motor came out and went to Mike Kodenko for a full rebuild.   I also redid the radiator and clutch. 

This is previous owner Dennis Huajardo and his wife.   After I got the engine rebuilt and on the road I showed it to Dennis and his family.   The story of him seeing his car again was a good one.    The family didn't tell Dennis about it and told him they were just going to dinner.   We timed it perfectly so as they got off the freeway the Minx and I passed just in front of them.    I could see Dennis' face light up so I knew he figured it out.    They pulled up next to me and Dennis told me "that's my car" and that I should pull over.    We pulled over and showed Dennis his old Minx all shiny and looking like new.   

Dennis and his wife took the car for a spin.   I was tempted to explain to him that the clutch was a little tricky and was easy to stall but I refrained.   Who was I kidding?    He drove off like it was just yesterday he had last driven it although it was probably closer to 20 years since his last drive in it.    In all my years with cars this was probably one of the most fun things ever.

Here's the Hillman getting filmed for movie.    The movie was about Reginald F. Lewis.    Reginald had a Minx in college and had to sell it to pay the bills.    Later in life his wife found the car and had it restored for him.    A true story.