1971 HILLMAN IMP SUPER
ENGINE 875cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 37bhp@4800rpm TORQUE 49lb ft@2600rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 78mph 0-60MPH 25sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 40-42mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 25,776 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Any Imp that’s in fine fettle should be a lively little thing, but this one’s inherent tightness makes it really stand out. The engine starts well and soon settles to a smooth tickover. The gearchange feels smooth and precise with no synchromesh issues and the car picks up speed remarkably well. The steering is sharp and the all-drum brakes bring this Imp to a stop with little effort.
BODYWORK CHECK
There are no signs of rust issues or previous repairs; the original-looking white paint is thought to be an older re-spray, carried out to a high standard. It looks exactly as it would have done from the factory, with only the tiniest signs of patina, including a few small stone chips on the front panel and some very minor discolouration (but no corrosion) where the lower valance joins the front wings. The front boot area is tidy and features original paint with no signs of rust and the underside is equally original and rot-free. Minor pitting on the bumpers would probably polish out, but one hubcap has some flaking chrome. The matching Falken Sincera tyres look new.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The original vinyl-covered seats are in excellent condition with no signs of sagging or major wear and the carpets are remarkably unworn. The door cards and padded door tops are equally good, as is the black padded dashboard, with the dials and instruments all working as they should. Even the paint on the steel door pockets is fine, showing hardly any signs of wear. The rear boot area (accessed by the trademark top-hinged rear screen) is well-presented and the folding rear seat is in excellent condition and is still fully functioning, just as Hillman intended.
UNDER THE BONNET
The rear engine cover opens to reveal a tidy, original-looking engine bay. Fastidious types might want to improve this area aesthetically; the engine and ancillaries are in very presentable order but the paint around them would benefit from a bit of a clean to make it easier on the eye. This is being picky, of course, but at least it gives the Imp’s next owner a chance to carry out some weekend work to make the car even more showworthy. As with the rest of this remarkably well-preserved little Hillman, there are no signs of structural corrosion.
THE CCW VIEW
If you’re looking for an Imp that’s had no previous welding repairs, has almost certainly covered its indicated mileage of just 25,000 and is ready to press into immediate service this summer, this one is well worth a look. It’s easily smart enough to take to any classic event with nothing more than a quick wipe over, while leaving scope for its next owner to bring it up to a concours finish should they wish to.