1934 Hillman Ruskin Saloon
Result: PASSED IN
Specifications
| Engine | 4 cylinder, 1185cc |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 4 speed Manual |
| Body Work | Saloon |
| Colour | Maroon with Black Guards |
| Interior | Maroon |
| Trim | Leather |
| Wheels | Wire-Spoked |
| Brakes | Drums |
Description
William Hillman, a talented engineer, made his fortune building bicycles before turning his attention to building a motor car, entering the market in 1907 with a splash - the Louis Coatalen-designed model debuted in the Tourist Trophy that year. For the next twenty years, Hillman built a series of small, conventional road cars but the Depression resulted in the formation of the Rootes Group, made up of Hillman, Humber and the Commer Commercial Vehicles Company. The Minx name was used by Hillman on a range of different models over the years, all of them squarely aimed at the family-car buyer. The earliest Minx arrived in 1932, with a pressed-steel body and an 1185cc side-valve engine developing 30 bhp, along with Bendix brakes and wire-spoked wheels. Hillman offered a range of body styles, including a tourer, sports tourer, 4-light saloon, 6-light saloon and drophead coupe. A notable first for the Minx was the standard issue radio, a first on a British production car. In 1934, Hillman made a few improvements, including a slight v-shape in the radiator grille and a four-speed transmission. The model proved a great success for the Rootes Group and effectively saved the Hillman brand.
