Hillman Imp
Model Introduction
The Hillman Imp was Rootes’ bold answer to the Mini, launched in 1963 as a compact, rear-engined saloon with engineering and ambition far beyond its size. Designed and built in a brand-new factory in Linwood, Scotland, the Imp featured an all-aluminium 875cc engine derived from a Coventry Climax fire pump unit, offering lively performance and refinement that stood out in its class. It was also the first British mass-produced car with an aluminium engine block, and the first to feature a rear-opening hatchback window for extra versatility. Its swing-axle rear suspension and rear-mounted powertrain gave it sharp handling and excellent traction, and while early reliability problems dented its reputation, it matured into a well-liked, forward-thinking small car. The range expanded to include the Singer Chamois, Sunbeam Imp Sport, Sunbeam Stiletto, and various coupe, van, and estate body styles, each adding trim or performance tweaks while sharing the same nimble character. In competition, the Imp proved its mettle in both rallying and circuit racing, especially in the hands of privateers.
It's the well-dressed one...
January 1965 – Small Car
Last month we showed you what Zagato could do to Rootes's rather prosaic smallest son with the elegant Zimp. This month we're going to show what the Zimp itself can do in a full-scale road test.
Gents! At £950 it's the slickest, quickest Imp yet
February 1965 – Small Car
To be really interesting to cynics like small CAR, an Imp variant has to have something to make it stand out from all the other Imp variants. Like sheer power, as in the Emery Imps. Or far-out body engineering, as in the Zimp. Or a mixture of both as in the Imperator GTS. Which is what this aggressive Abarth-esque model is called
Cut 'n' shut GT
February 1965 – Small Car
Emery Imp GTI
Giant Test
March 1965 – Small Car
Singer Chamois v Fiat 850
Giant Test
June 1966 – CAR Magazine
Wolseley Hornet II v Hillman Super Imp
Giant Test
December 1966 – CAR Magazine
Morris Mini Cooper v Sunbeam Imp Sport
Californian here we come
March 1967 – CAR Magazine
Or do we? CAR takes a critical look at the Rootes Group's adventurous notchback
Badge Engineers, unite!
October 1967 – CAR Magazine
Sumbeam Stiletto and Humber Sceptre
Stiletto
December 1967 – CAR Magazine
Sharp number from Rootes
Nine of the nicest?
January 1970 – CAR Magazine
Lynton Imp
A Sportique Imp
March 1970 – CAR Magazine
Garage Sportique Hillman Imp
Giant Test
December 1970 – CAR Magazine
Mini 1000 v Hillman Imp
Rock bottom motoring
December 1971 – CAR Magazine
Citroen Dyane 4 v Renault R4 v Hillman Imp v Austin Mini v Fiat 500
Two quick Chrysler cars
December 1971 – CAR Magazine
Hartwell Imp and Hartwell Avenger
Hartwell's Clubman
May 1973 – CCC Magazine
Hartwell tuned Imp
Custom Car : Kevin's Imp
November 1973 – Car Mechanics
This hairy 115mph Imp has been built by Kevin Jones with bits from more than fifteen other cars
Hillman's long-term winner
November 1973 – Car Mechanics
Traditional motorists were shocked to the core way back in 1963 when the Imp appeared with an aluminium engine lump, in the back, canted sideways and with an overhead cam. Now everyone has done it but the Imp still has a major claim to distinction - it is the cheapest British four-wheeler.