It was one of the most modified small cars of the Sixties – and the Imp is still a great choice for fans of go-faster classics, as Paul Guinness discovers.

To say Rootes Group’s all-new rival to the Mini went against the latest trends of the time would be an understatement. In fact, when the square and boxy Hillman Imp was unveiled in 1963, its rear-engined layout surprised many. But that didn’t matter, because the engine itself was a joy – an all-alloy 875cc unit developing 37bhp in standard form and up to 51bhp in subsequent twin-carb guises, linked to a pretty slick four-speed manual ’box.

Even better, Britain’s amateur race and rally fans soon got to hear how easily this fabulous engine could be tuned and uprated, giving the Imp quite a reputation in competitive circles. And that still applies among Imp fanatics now.

Just like BMC, Rootes weren’t afraid to exploit badge engineering when the Imp arrived, which is why Hillman, Singer and Sunbeam versions of the saloon were produced, along with coupe, estate and (Commer) van models. Most desirable for enthusiasts though, were the twin-carb Sunbeam Imp Sport and Sunbeam Stiletto, the latter combining the coupe’s fastback styling with the Sport’s quicker motor. And with just 10,000 made of each, these are among the rarest of Imp survivors.

While the Imp developed a reputation for overheating and general fragility, much of this was down to neglect and poor ownership. And, of course, Rootes’ smallest offering also had its fair share of rust traps. Happily though, many on today’s scene have been nicely restored and – just as crucially – sensibly uprated.

Even in standard form, an Imp is competent and entertaining. But with a vast array of mods and improvements available to you, it’s not difficult to transform yours into a genuinely quick machine. And with specialists around who really know their stuff, there’s no shortage of help and guidance.

Talk to guys like Reg Patten, who specialises in Imp engines and mechanical upgrades. He’ll be able to supply just about everything, from twin-carb conversion kits and sports exhausts through to fully reconditioned engines over-bored to 998cc (or more) for the ultimate in Imp performance. The price? From £1180 for a 998cc recon’, through to £1320 for the ultimate 1040cc job. Or you can save cash by buying the parts and doing the job yourself, as many Imp owners do.

If that’s not within budget, you could simply invest in a Stage 1, 2 or 3 cylinder head upgrade, with even a Stage 1 875cc head adding around 7bhp. Then you can invest in modified road or competition springs, adjustable dampers, a close-ratio gearbox rebuild and a whole host of other upgrades available from the likes of Reg Patten and Malcolm Anderson – two experts who have decades of Imp mods experience behind them.

Produced: 1963-76
Engines: 875cc all-alloy 4-cyl
Prices: £150 (restoration case) to £3000-plus (superb Stiletto/Sport)
Upside: Small, entertaining and easy to modify – top priorities for many a fan!
Downside: Rust-prone bodywork and fragile engines when neglected or abused
Why You Want One: Whatever mods you go for, the Imp has got the Fun Factor. We love it!
Club: The Imp Club (www.theimpclub.co.uk)
Specialists: Reg Patten Engines (www.hillmanimpspecialists.com), Malcolm Anderson (www.malcolmanderson.co.uk), Corley Conversions (www.corley-conversions.co.uk), Merlin Motors (www.caerwyslocal.co.uk/merlin_motors), Speedy Spares (www.speedyspares.co.uk/)
Parts Prices: (via Reg Patten Engines): cylinder block converted to 998cc spec, from £446 (exchange); high-capacity oil pump, from £52; racing clutch assembly, £268; Stage 3 875cc cylinder head, £360 (exchange); 998cc reconditioned engine, from £1180 (exchange); Spax adjustable shock absorbers, from £57.60 each; small bore exhaust manifold, £130

Published in the August 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart.

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