VALUES

For a restoration project – for which, read something which is going to consume a lot of welding wire – expect to pay just a few hundred pounds. Good cars start at just over the £1000 mark, with £1500 buying a sound original example. Top end for regular Imps is around the £3500 mark, for which you can expect a really nice example. As a guide, add around 10 per cent for the faster Sport versions and the fastback body style. Modified or competition prepared examples can be worth much more and we’ve seen rally-prepped cars advertised for around £6-£7000.

ENGINE & GEARBOX

• Cooling is an Achilles’ heel of the rear-mounted Climax motor and the Imp gained a reputation for warping heads. Check the head gasket: is there oil in the coolant?
• The standard radiator was marginal even when new, so replace it with a high efficiency alternative from Imp Speed or Malcolm Anderson
• Valve clearances should be checked every 15,000 miles and as they’re shimmed, it’s a lengthy job. But the engine can be removed in under an hour, VW Beetle-style
• The popularity of the Climax motor makes engine parts easy to source and many bits are remanufactured
• Condition of the Rotoflex driveshaft couplings is important: if they’re cracked they could let go suddenly

STEERING, SUSPENSION, BRAKES

• Front tyre pressures are critical on the Imp: just 15 psi. Too high and it will feel like driving on ice
• The front suspension uses kingpins so check for play at the wheels. If it’s excessive, it’s an   MoT issue
• Grease nipples are provided on the front end, so check for evidence of regular attention
• Take time to get used to the rear-engined Imp’s handling before upgrading suspension or engine. They handle superbly but can break away quickly
• Brakes are drums all round and wheel cylinders can seize on little-used cars. Disc conversions are popular but can make the lightweight front end lock up too easily for many drivers’ tastes

To read the complete Buyer's Checklist feature buy the August 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart.

See our Hillman Imp modifying story right here.