IMP ESTATES & VANS
Rootes launched the Commer Imp Van in September 1965 to replace the Hillman-minx-based Commer
Cob. With 70 cubic feet of space the bodywork could accommodate an upright milk churn and the lack of a passenger sun visor, temperature gauge or nearside opening quarterlight kept the price pegged at £408. Extras included a passenger seat and a heater for £8 each, a windscreen washer for 25/– and a choice of five £12 paint finishes.
Commercial Motor thought: ‘With a hundredweight of ballast in the front compartment I would find it difficult to complain and my fuel bills would drop considerably’. Unfortunately the Commer Imp proved too fast for the Royal Mail – despite its low-compression engine – fearing that it would encourage over-enthusiastic driving.
The Imp-based Hillman Husky, with sliding rear windows, a back seat and a standard tune engine, followed in 1967. At £630 8s, it was £18 cheaper than the Austin Mini Countryman/morris Mini Traveller and boasted a 50 cubic feet boot and excellent road manners. Further sales advantages included radial-ply tyres and uprated rear dampers and rear springs. The Husky also gained strengthened wishbones and trailing arms from the Sunbeam Imp Sport and, unlike the Commer, was powered by the standard 875cc unit.
The Husky impressed Autocar, who noted ‘as acquaintance grows one appreciates its great economy and load carrying capabilities, the lusty little engine, excellent steering and “ready and willing” attitude to any work. The Husky has no less performance than the Hillman Super Imp that we tested in October 1965 and it is in some instances a little quicker’.
Rootes facelifted the Commer as the Hillman Imp Van in 1968 and the Husky gained the Imp saloon’s modifications. Unfortunately, production ended in 1970, with domestic Husky sales amounting to just 10,490 units.