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'I have had a few runs out with the roof down, but as I only bought it last September, I am looking forward to using it in better weather'. With a car such as a Super Minx Convertible, it is quite understandable why Rob Foskett is anticipating the summer.

The white Hillman is ideal for trips to Swanage, picnics involving large quantities of ginger beer and Heinz Salad Cream - preferably accompanied by A Picture of You by Joe Brown and The Bruvvers.

The Super Minx family came about via the Rootes Group's plans to rationalise its midsize range. Ryton intended the Super Minx to succeed the Minx, the Vogue, the Singer Gazelle,  the Humber Sceptre and the Sunbeam Rapier.

Between 1962 and 1963 the Audax Estates and Convertibles were discontinued but some late planning meant that the saloons would remain in production to supplement the new generation of medium-sized cars.

The Vogue made its bow in July 1961, with the slightly cheaper Super Minx following three months later. Both the Hillman and the Singer were sold in saloon, and estate forms and Rootes also offered a Super Minx Convertible.

All models employed a 1,592cc engine with the drophead's body fitted with welded-up cross members and box bracings for additional rigidity. Extras included overriders (£4 10s), a clock (£5 11s 1d) and front seat belts (£4 15s each).

The Mk. II version, launched in October 1962, gained front disc brakes, plus a headlamp flasher, windscreen washers and a heater as standard.

As rather svelte but affordable open-topped transport the Super Minx had few domestic rivals – as Rob notes, he was attracted to the Hillman because it is ‘rare, convertible and a four-seater'. 

The Ford Consul Mk. II ceased production in early 1962, and although the Morris Minor 1000 Tourer and the Triumph Herald 1200 were very desirable cars, both lacked the Hillman's 1.6-litre power plant.

The brochure, with a moderate degree of hyperbole, urged potential buyers to 'feel the eager response of its power-packed 1.6-litre engine . . . appreciate the silence and refinement of performance throughout the entire speed range . . . and the easy, safe control'.

Moreover, 'You're swiftly off the mark . . . with quick acceleration through the gears' and that the Super Minx was 'new and youthful in its looks and zestful performance'.

Autocar evaluated the Super Minx in February 1964 and concluded that for £843 19s 6d it was a 'versatile, easy-to-handle family car for shopping, taking the children to school, and so on' – a conclusion that brings to mind images of polishing the Hillman in the driveway of an Acacia Avenue villa on a Sunday afternoon.

In September of the previous year Small Car – still some two years away from becoming Car magazine – evaluated the entire Hillman line-up.

The SC approach represented a new form of motoring journalism in the UK, as the writer noted how 'legroom for rear passengers is restricted, and so is the space in the boot, which suffers intrusion from a flexible plastic well for the folded hood. Two wide doors and individual tip-up seats mean that getting-in need not be such a painful business, but it does involve a good deal of shuffling about'. 

The scribe also noted that 'it is probably best to think of it as a fairly luxurious occasional seat for two rather than as regular accommodation, although children up to their middle teens are quite happy there even on long trips'.

By modern standards, a Super Minx does appear very compact, and even the saloon was best considered as an occasional five-seater at best. However, Small Car did praise how the hood was itself is something of a masterpiece.

It is styled to blend with the cars' lines in a way we have not seen equalled in a four seat application anywhere, yet it has a frame mechanism which makes folding or raising it the work of, literally, half a minute. This factor alone is enough to put the Super Minx convertible in a class of its own.

SC concluded that the 'convertible loses quite a lot of space and virtually all suitability for very bad roads but gains in glamour, versatility and (you may think) sex-appeal.

The Convertible was discontinued in 1964 with the introduction of the Super Minx Series IV. Rootes had already commenced work on the replacement "Arrow" series in 1963, which debuted three years later as the Hillman Hunter and the "New Vogue". 

The last member of the Super Minx family, the Singer Vogue Series IV Estate, remained available until early 1967.

Today cars such as AMU 156 A look as "Swinging" as a black & white episode of The Saint. It is not just the elegance of the styling, with the vestigial tail fins and the hoods over the headlamps, it is the detailing; the jewel-like warning lights, the chrome trim and the fresh air vent in the driver's footwell.

The Super Minx is Rob's first Rootes Group car and 'it still has original panels. It has been resprayed due to over-polishing by the first owner from '63 to '88!'.

In the last six months, Rob has 'replaced various perished rubbers’ and carried out ‘general cosmetic tidying'.

As for the responses from members of the public, 'I have been surprised by the reaction from people when I am out, waving, taking pictures when I park up and wanting to talk about the car.’ And looking at the photos, this is hardly surprising!

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover

• Static show cover

• Limit mileage discounts

• Choice of repairer

• 24-hour claims helpline

Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote today.