![]() ![]() ![]() This led the Rootes Group to produce a special rally converted Imp under both the Hillman and Singer marques, known as the Imp Rallye. Its image was further enhanced in 1965 when competition success in the form of a Tulip Rally win came courtesy of driver Rosemary Smith. Rootes built a new plant in Linwood, Scotland to build the new car and press reaction was very favourable. This was mated to an all sychromesh four-speed alloy transaxle, an advanced combination in 1963 (Mini designer Sir Alec Issigonis had recently described the fitting of synchromesh on all forward gears as ‘impossible’.) The engine was canted over at a 45° angle to keep the centre of gravity low and optimise road-holding. The water-cooled four-cylinder engine was based on the Coventry Climax FWMA fire pump engine, featuring an all-aluminium alloy construction, and an overhead camshaft. But this is exactly what the Rootes Group did in 1963.ĭesigned as a rival to BMC’s 1959 pace-setting Mini, the Imp employed a layout unused by British manufacturers until this point, and managed quite a number of other firsts too. The chances of it succeeding would be slim to say the least. It is the responsibility of the Buyer to ensure that the Lot conforms to the description in the catalogue, H&H strongly recommend viewing the lot prior to bidding as all bids are subject to standard terms and conditions.If a mainstream motor manufacturer launched a small utility car with a rear-mounted highly advanced engine in 2021, car buyers wouldn’t know what to make of it. Whilst every effort is made to view all vehicles, H&H has to rely on information as to the date, condition and authenticity provided by the Seller and does not provide its own description. You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:Īuction: H&H Live Auction Online, 24th Nov, 2021ĪUTOMOBILIA - Our Automobilia auction will commence from 10amīIKES & CARS - Our Motorcycle and Motorcar auction will commence from 1pmġ5% (plus VAT 20%) for Motorcycles & Automobilia Offered as a stalled restoration project, ‘OKY 736H’ is accompanied by a quantity of spares (as pictures) and a history file containing a current V5C copies of previous logbooks a selection of invoices and a BT Phone Card.Īll successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest. Finished in Maroon with Black interior upholstery, the Imp entered current ownership in 2013 as a restoration project having remained with the previous registered keeper from 2001. Originally fitted with the 875cc straight-four engine mated a manual gearbox transmission, the Hillman is provided with a Sport engine that was previously overhauled, although has remained unused since overhaul. This Californian was manufactured in 1970 and was supplied new to the UK being first registered on the 14 th of May that year. Some £71 more expensive than its Saloon sibling, the handsome Coupe accounted for circa 6,100 domestic sales before production ceased in 1970. The work of in-house stylist Ron Wisdom, its svelte lines hid a revised front suspension set-up (less positive camber and reduced ride height) that resulted in more predictable/exploitable handling. ![]() Launched in late 1966 with the slogan 'Hallo Beautiful - meet the Imp with the fast-back look', the Californian also sported a raked windscreen, lowered roofline, dropped steering column and curved side windows for increased shoulder room etc. It brought additional brightwork over-riders dummy front grille wheel trims full carpet added sound-proofing and a generally upgraded interior, including door-operated courtesy lights and integral ashtrays. The upmarket Super Imp variant arrived in September 1965, co-incident with the MKII version of the standard car. The result was decidedly innovative and reportedly the first mass-produced car equipped with an all-alloy engine and the first volume-made British one to have its powerplant mounted in the rear. It was manufactured in the tiny town of Lindwood, Scotland and designed by Michael Parks and Tim Fry. Launched in 1963, the Imp was the Rootes Group's counter to the already ubiquitous Mini. Supplied with an overhauled Sport engine and a quantity of spares.Offered as a stalled restoration project.Current ownership since 2013 and showing six former keepers. ![]()
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