Should compete with the Mini
The Hillman Imp was the Rootes group's venture to poach customers from the British Motor Company's bestseller: The Mini. Rootes chose a different solution than BMC. In the advertisement, the Hillman Imp's advantages compared to the Mini were pointed out. The 875 cc OHV engine was cast in aluminium. The engine could be removed and installed in a short time (as on a public car). Autochoke, pneumatic throttle transmission and no lubrication points. Normally, early 60's cars required lubrication every 1500 km or so. It would appear that Rootes had put a lot of effort into creating a car that was affordable to maintain. But judging by the pictures, it seems quite tight to get to the engine compartment of the Imp. But of course it was tight to work in the Mini's engine compartment, too!
Scotch whiskey gave better handling
I sew old advertising posters and car tests when the Hillman Imp was launched. Rootes built a brand new factory in Linwood, Scotland, to produce the new cars. I chuckle at one artikkel the pressure in The Practical Car Driver. One of their reporters had been sent all the way up to Linwood to test drive the new Hillman Imp. Motoring writers were well looked after in those days. Rootes had set up a drive that passed several excellent whiskey distilleries. Our man was able to inform us that there was room for 54 bottles of 16 year old single malt whiskey in the front boot. I'm sure these bottles were sponsored by the promoter. I don't know if the test tasting made the driving experience better, but the whiskey in the front at least gave better weight distribution in the car. Normal weight distribution was 42/58 front/rear. However, the undercarriage of the Imp was designed to counteract oversteer. Some actually experienced it as too much under-managed, but it was probably fixed a little later in production.
Lacked cult status
If we compare the Mini with the Hillman Imp, it is obvious that the Mini drew the longest straw. Today's small cars are based on the same chassis as the original Mini. Seen in today's eyes, the Imp is left as less practical, despite having loading through the rear window, folding rear seats and a small living room in the back. The Imp was produced right up to 1976, - the last few years under the Chrysler logo. Although the Hillman Imp looked quite modern and chic, it never managed to achieve the same cult status as the Mini. All British pop stars had a Mini, - although they also had Rolls-Royces in their garages. Who doesn't remember Twiggy and her Mini?
Interesting as a hobby car
As a hobby car, I think the Hillman Imp could be a fun challenge for DIY mechanics. For a car that has been active in motorsport for so many years, I'd be surprised if there isn't a good selection of parts to build a new, sporty chassis with upgraded brakes, - and a go-cart-like driving experience. Perhaps you can switch to the slightly larger rally engine, or something similar from Chrysler Sunbeam's parts warehouse? With contemporary Minilite rims, the Hillman Imp can look quite alright.
- Or completely original - as in the pictures?
The pictured car was photographed somewhere west of Oslo. I know there is an environment for Hillman Imp, where spare parts from previous dealers are also taken care of.
RCCN – Rootes Car Club Norway websites
1963 Hillman Imp Road Test (reviewed on DrivenToWrite.com)
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