Lot details
Registration No: EAU569L
Chassis No: LH4137743828SAH
Mot Expiry: Nov 2006

"The fact remains, however, that the Imp can be hurled into corners at speeds which would be suicidal with most saloons and with very little roll and no tyre squeal it just motors round them. It is so close to being a neutral steering car that different driving techniques can tip the balance one way or the other" (Motor magazine, May 8th 1963).
Introduced in 1963, the Hillman Imp (known internally as 'Project Apex') was the brainchild of engineers Michael Parkes (later to find fame with Ferrari) and Tim Fry. Based on their small car experiments of the mid 1950s, its rear-engined / rear wheel drive layout was designed to maximise interior space. Penned by Bob Saward's styling department, the diminutive Hillman's crisp lines and cute detailing owed something to the contemporaneous Chevrolet Corvair. Built around a two-door monocoque bodyshell complete with hinged rear windscreen, it was equipped with all round independent coil-sprung suspension, four-wheel drum brakes and sharp rack and pinion steering. Powered by a Coventry-Climax supplied 875cc SOHC four-cylinder aluminium engine mated to a bespoke, alloy-cased four-speed transaxle, the featherweight four-seater made the most of its 39bhp and 52lbft of torque. As fun to drive and in many ways as innovative as its BMC Mini rival, the Imp never recovered from its early reputation for poor reliability (a corollary of being rushed to market by a cash-strapped Rootes group). Thus, by the time production ceased in 1976, Hillman (along with the rest of the Rootes Group) had been consumed by the Chrysler Empire.
Finished in red with black vinyl upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in good overall condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Reputed to have had "one owner from new" and to have covered a "genuine 17,151 miles", it is offered for sale with "all MOT certificates, original bill of sale, original handbook" and current MOT certificate valid until 12th November 2006.