A 1932 Hillman Minx is the latest addition to The Great Collector's stable, and what a charming little car it is.

Billed as the "Tickford Foursome Coupé, it's a three position drophead...

... but its most endearing feature is that the hood is wound up and down by a removable handle.

Quite why MG and just about every other manufacturer of DHC's didn't follow Tickford's example is beyond me.

Performance isn't startling, but the Minx glides along at 45mph with ease, its 'cushion power' 1185cc engine pushing out an advertised 30hp. The 'cushion' refers to the engine not being bolted directly to the chassis but allowed some movement restricted by a leaf spring. I'll have to look into that when it's next on the ramp.

The Great Collector's Edwardians would look a little understated when next to this US restored 1912 Oakland Model 40 I happened upon in Waldringfield. A 5.2L engine nestles under the bonnet - you wouldn't want to get the ignition settings wrong when swinging that (electric start wasn't introduced until 1914).

In an idle moment, I took apart the Hillman's faulty starter fandango and have sent off for some special glue samples with which to experiment. It's not effective on Neoprene so I'll have to source some round rubber stock of a suitable size.

More thoughts on the bonnet hinges for the coupé were prompted by Learned Counsel sending me pictures of his recently restored Triumph Spitfire.

On the same day, my chum Rolls poled up in his E Type and I noticed the rather neat internal bonnet catches...

... that operate a simple locking system on the engine side of the firewall. The boot lid catch is also hidden in the cockpit - very neat.

This is the general idea...

... which I can engineer around the two beams left from the old radiator and bumper support frame. Excellent!