Taken out of the line by Rootes, the Super Minx was launched as a model in its own right, although produced in parallel with the Minx Mark V till both models were discontinued in 1966.
On its launch, industry pundits voiced their opinion that the Super Minx was introduced to provide Hillman with entry and expanded presence in the up-market sector of the family car market.
As was always the case during the Sixties, Rootes span off (badge engineered) the Super Minx to produce the closely similar Singer Vogue of 1961-66 and the Humber Sceptre of 1963-67.
While the Super Minx’s 1592c four-cylinder overhead valve (OHV) engine and transmission were very similar to those being used in the contemporary Minx, almost every other aspect of the model was different.
At a casual glance, the Super Minx's verse-slope rear window looked slightly unsafe, but this was not so, thanks to its heavily wrapped rear awkward-sloping D and E pillars
The Super Minx ’s tiny, flattened rear tail fins were also a major recognition point.
With slightly more austere trim than the Hunter, the Super Minx came with front bucket seats and heater as standard.
Although launched initially as a four-door sedan, a convertible and estate version were soon forthcoming.
As usual with Hillman, though, the Super Minx was in a state of constant evolution, with no less than four versions being released in its six-year production run.
The Mk I, announced in mid-1961, came with 62bhp/1592cc, a four-speed gearbox but no first-gear synchromesh, with the option of fitting “Easidrive” automatic transmission and all-around drum brakes as standard.
The Mk II version launched in October 1962, came fitted with front-wheel disc brakes as standard, while, after experiencing considerable problems with Easidrive began to offer and Borg Warner automatic transmission in its place.
The Mark III was slightly different in appearance from its predecessors, with a near-flat rear window and three side windows.
Rootes, disappointed with sales for the convertible version of the Super Minx, decided to take that option off the shelf.
The final version of the Super Minx, the Mk IV, appeared in September 1965, fitted with a 1725cc engine capable of generating 65bhp with optional overdrive was optional. The saloon remained in production until August 1966 with the estate version phased out in the spring of the following year.
he Hillman Super Minx, like the Minx, was a reliable but uncharismatic family car that was competent and inexpensive to run and maintain.
Although Rootes became increasingly reluctant to reveal their production figures as the Sixties progressed, it is reasonable to estimate that several tens of thousands were sold of which very few are around today.
