William Hillman was born in 1849 and began his career with the Coventry Machinist Co. In the early 1870's he founded the Hillman and Herbert Cycle Co., which later became the Premier Cycle Co and later Coventry Premier and eventually the Hillman Motor Car Co. Ltd.

1907 Hillman driven by its designer, Louis Coatalan	1931 Hillman Minx Saloon	1960 Hillman Husky

1932 Hillman Wizard (3013 cc, 6 cylinder engine)

The Wizard was one of three new models planned by Rootes after its 1929 take over of Hillman but it was two years before the first one came off the production line in 1931. As the first "all Rootes" car great emphasis was placed on how new and modern it was. Company advertising coined the phrase "The Car of the Moderns" and how the Wizard was "the answer to modern demands of beauty, luxury, performance and reliability at a low price". This car can be seen at the Museum of British Road Transport. 

Hillman Minx, 1934

The Hillman Minx was economical to run and simple to maintain. The price in 1934 was also reasonable at £179. This particular model was fitted with a fre-wheel device which disconnected the drive to the wheels each time the throttle was closed. Although it aided economy, brakes wore quickly if it was overused. This car can be seen at the Museum of British Road Transport. 

Hillman Aero Minx, 1935

The Aero Minx was the first attempt to streamline the family Minx. Although the car has a sporting shape it is only based on the 10 hp Minx chassis and therefore does not have the performance of a sports car. The main body was made in Aluminium although the bonnel and wings are of steel.  This car can be seen at the Museum of British Road Transport. 

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