For 1948 the Rootes Group called on the services of Raymond Loewy Studios to give the Hillman Minx a new '3-box body'. But the smart frock belied the old mechanics underneath, which included the 1185cc sidevalve engine, although better front suspension was given. There were 3 body types, the 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible built by Thrupp and Maperley, and a van-like estate car which was also sold without windows as the Commer Cob. In 1949 the engine was upgraded to 1265cc and called the MkIV. The MkV was sold from 1950, and in 1953 the MkVI was given a new rounded grille. There was also a new hardtop body designed by Loewy which built an attractive hardtop onto the convertible and created the California which clear designs on the American market. The Mark VII followed and in 1954 the final Mark VIII was launched with a new 1390cc ohv engine and a revised grille. Also in 1954 a new entry level model was announced called the Hillman Husky built as a 3-door estate on a short wheelbase and intended to be cheap to buy and run. In 1956 the Mark Minxes were replaced by the new 'Audax' Minxes, except for the Husky which continued until 1957.