Handy HILLMAN

The first of the Raymond Loewy studio design-influenced Hillman Minx saloons, the Mark III, was launched in September 1948, with a new full-width body.

Mechanically it retained the fourcylinder 1185cc sidevalve engine as used in the previous Phase I & II Minxes and their predecessors dating back to 1931. The Mark III had a simple horizontal bar grille and little in the way of exterior trim. In addition to the saloon, convertible and estate, an 8cwt van was available, initially still known as the Commer Supervan, like its predecessor. The Minx estate was effectively a Commer van with side windows and rear seats.

The Mark IV Minx of October 1949 had enlarged bumpers and separate sidelights below the headlights, and the van and pickup were similarly updated and renamed the Commer Express. The engine was enlarged to 1265cc. In October