Our subject car is referenced as a 1969 “Sunbeam” Imp but I believe it’s actually a Hillman Imp (as the engine hatch badge indicates). These were also referred to as a Sunbeam Imp likely due to the Rootes Group (and later Chrysler Europe) ownership of both marques. Regardless, this recent import to the U.S. is a model not seen often on these shores and this particular car has undergone some substantial modes. Calling Raynham, Massachusetts home, this green U.K. import is available, here on eBay for an opening bid of $5,000.
The Hillman Imp was produced between 1963 and 1976 and spread across three different series, the Mark I, II, and III. Our subject car, being a 1969 edition, places it in Mark III (’68-’76) territory. Mark III body styles included a two-door sedan, a two-door estate (station wagon), and a panel van. This Imp is a right-hand driver and was imported to the U.S. in 2016. Not much is said about the body but it has some obvious problems with rust divots, missing bumpers (removed but included), and trim. The seller does note, ” Needs welding – see pictures – front and rear of sill/rocker panel. Panels are available from UK“. All-in-all, this Imp presents pretty well but I’d be concerned about that welding business and what it really entails. Oh, and those 13” wheels are from a Chevrolet Monza.
Under the boot is an 875 CC, inline, four-cylinder engine (originally 42 HP) that has undergone extensive modifications – there is a comprehensive list of improvements and replacements noted in the listing. The engine has been rebuilt and has experienced only 5,000 miles of use. The seller describes this car as a “Rally Project Car” so if it has been so used that way, those 5K miles may have been less than kind. A four-speed manual transaxle puts this rear-mounted engine’s grunt to the back wheels. The seller states, “Runs and drives perfectly. Very quick and very fun“. A spare engine and transaxle are included in the sale.
The interior is currently gutted but the removed seats are included. The dash appears to have been removed and replaced with a competition gauge cluster. In original form, this would be a spartan interior so it’s probably not going to be a big challenge to make it into something a bit more inviting and functional. The listing mentions new wiring (21 circuit Painless) and that’s always a good move!
So, now it’s what to do with it time. Well, it’s gone beyond the point of return for a stock restore and that’s probably not the most desirable direction anyway. So, one could continue to push the rally car direction, or set it up as a streetable hot-rod with sound road manners, or…?
Good heavens, it’s got one of those “fart can” mufflers so annoying at 2am. When I was a teen, a guy down the block raced a NSU Prinz and very similar car. Apparently, it’s no secret, this and the NSU 4 took Corvairs styling and downsized it. Saw a couple, mostly racing at Road America, but Americans had several “mini” cars to choose from, Austin America/Morris, Renault, Fiat, but none did particularly well. The Asians changed all that. I’m not sure about any kind of racing, I think they still do that out east, but I think it would be a cool car for a European setting. For our RAM infested 6 lanes, still be out of place.
If only it were a Sunbeam Stiletto or Californian.
The cost of developing this car, and the construction of a new factory in Scotland to produce it was instrumental in the eventual collapse of the Rootes Group in the 1970’s. In the interim, it was acquired by Chrysler Corporation, a move that they would regret.
I was under the impression that the Imp was extinct. It was not well received when it was new, but does have a certain charm. It would surely be hard to find parts for, but perhaps they could be sourced in the UK. I’ve spent time there over the years, and I never saw one.
You would the only one at any car show.
You are correct Richard about why Chrysler got involved with Rootes Group but the charm of these cars is that they are an absolute blast to drive, and rally in. The handling is like that of a very fast go-cart!
There is still huge following for these cars in the UK and parts will be easily sourced if you have deep pockets. I have been searching for a Sunbeam Imp to restore to factory original.
And a huge following in South Africa where it was modified to within an inch of its life. Highly competitive at the time as it was a downsized Coventry Climax engine.
These little power units absolutely screamed – they could really rev to the high heavens. Roger Nathan was the ultimate engine builder / performance guru. The Imp’s motor was used in the famous Costin – Nathan sportscar.
If this is a basic UK RHD sedan., it is a Hillman. There was a Sunbeam version of the sedan sold in the UK, bit twin carb and quicker ( Sunbeam Sport). There was a Singer badged version of both specs.
In European export markets, Hillman brand was usually changed for Sunbeam, which was more premium. The cars were and still are extensively raced and rallied in the UK, where they are extremely quick in the hands of specialists.
So that’s the problem here. All parts are available from the UK upto 110bhp/5 speed power packs. But you’d need that UK network to support you, and be a good intuitive race engineer to tread that lonely path.
Whereas anyone can race a Mini!
I’ve just read the v comprehensive spec list. It all seems like good stuff and should give about 70hp. These all-Aluminum engines rev like crazy and are extremely tuneable.
But the first thing people do when building an Imp is go to 998cc. The fact that this stayed at 875cc makes me wonder
I’ve seen Imps (of various flavours) that have been fitted with BMW K-series motorbike engines. A decent power increase without tuning or loss of reliability! My Imp-restoring pal regards this as heresy…
There’s still a railway bridge in Paisley which has an advert for Rootes/Linwood painted on it.
Like it , had one when i lived in England as a teenager ,they make great rally cars.
I loved the 1965 I had. Not fast, but it felt fast. The handling was direct and crisp. They had overheating problems during the first year, like so many brillant designs rushed into production with insufficient development, but hat was corrected quickly. Nevertheless, they were tainted with a reputation for unreliability which, in my experience (and I drove the nuts off mine), was undeserved. A great little car.
Didn’t these have an engine made by Coventry Climax?If I remember correctly, These engines were originally made to power portable water pumps used by fire brigades in the UK
They were extremely in race cars… formula Junior?
That’s right. It was built for lightness which is why the car didn’t wag its tail with the engine hanging out the rear.
A downsized Coventry Climax. The standard castings were made by the Aeroplane and Motor Company of Birmingham, and castings numbers have ‘AM’ in front of them. Aero Engineers ‘AE’.
Honestly speaking this is a steal at $5000. Read the original listing, and take a look at the spares on the blue tarp. More than one complete spare engine, and two transmissions. Some pictures show the new exhaust, other show the previous spare header and exhaust. This would make a great Autocross, or weekend track car. Depending on the roads and traffic where you live, you might even take it on the road for a limited basis.