1968 Hillman Imp

Hillman Imp 1963 - 1976

The Hillman Imp is a small car made by the Rootes Group, first released in the UK in May 1963. It employed a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout using a 4-cylinder 875cc overhead camshaft motor and used four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs. It was the first mass-produced British car with both block and head cast in aluminium.

The car was originally released in Basic and De Luxe trims, the latter benefitting from a heater, screen washers, stowage pockets, carpets and swivelling rear lights. In 1965, the Basic Saloon was discontinued and the Hillman Imp Mark II De Luxe gained such wonderous upgrades as underseal as standard, leathercloth padding for the parcel shelf and ashtrays in the rear. More practical improvements were an improved clutch, larger valves and a modified accelerator pedal. At the same time, the Super Saloon (known as the Super Imp) was introduced with contoured rear seats, courtesy lights, chrome rubbing strips on the engine cover and two-tone horns; just the thing for the man-about-town.

In January 1967, the Californian Fixed-Head Coupe was introduced, filling an otherwise unexplored gap in the market with a car that included twin front ashtrays. Later that year, the Husky Estate was introduced.

When the Rootes Group was taken over by Chrysler in 1968, the range was revised. Although not officially designated the Hillman Imp Mark III, it is commonly known as the 'Chrysler Imp'. The interior dash and steering wheel were re-designed, and before long in 1970 the Californian FH Coupe and the Husky were discontinued.

In October 1975, the Saloon Caledonian limited edition was released, as the De Luxe but featuring cloth trim, reclining front seats, overriders and reversing lamps, but the writing was on the wall. In October 1976, the Hillman Imp range was discontinued.

Various badge-engineered variants of the Hillman Imp were made. Between 1965 and 1970, a van based on the car was offered known as the Commer Imp, and from 1964 the luxury Singer Chamois was offered. In 1966 the Sunbeam Sport, another variant, was introduced.

The Hillman Imp had a good reputation as a competent rally and touring car racer, with Bill McGovern winning the British Saloon Car Championships three years running in an Imp from 1970 to 1972.

Today, the Hillman Imp is a distinctive and quirky classic that will attract attention at any show. The engines tend to overheat unless the coolant is maintained correctly, and as with many alloy engines, the heads can warp leading to head gasket problems. In common with most other cars of the era, rust is a problem; look for it everywhere. Interior trim is another issue: finding replacement parts can be very difficult.

Period alternatives to the Hillman Imp are the Austin/ Morris Min and the Fiat 500.