HOW TO BUY A… Deal breaker An exclamation mark indicates key areas where you have the greatest bargaining power. Use them to your advantage. Practicality What does it do well? The Imp can carry four people in comfort, and there’s a surprising amount of room for luggage. The area behind the rear seats is accessed via the glass hatch and provides a useful space. Working on these cars is a doddle – even removing the engine can be done in about an hour by an experienced owner. What can’t it do? BUYING GUIDE No. 159 If you want to run it on unleaded, the best advice is to at least upgrade the valve seats. If you’re going to cover lots of miles, fully reconditioned cylinder heads are available. Rear seatbelts were never fitted, which means you’ll have to get a bespoke setup if you want to carry children in the back. Why you'll love it Hillman Imp Forget the Mini – if you want an entertaining small British car from the 1960s, try Rootes’ little gem instead. Words by James page Photography by Flow Images Production Timeline Servicing and maintenance Every 5000 miles / 12 months ■ Change oil and filter. ■ Renew contact breaker points and capacitor. ■ Check spark plugs. ■ Set ignition timing. ■ Check for any deterioration of heater pipes. ■ Check throttle cable for signs of fraying. ■ Inspect Rotoflex couplings. ■ Check antifreeze strength. Every 15,000 miles ■ Check valve clearances. ■ Replace air filter. ■ Replace transaxle oil. Coventry Climax engine. There was also independent suspension all round and rack and pinion steering. The Imp was fun to drive and seemed destined for big things. Unfortunately, early cars developed a reputation for unreliability and later industrial unrest at the Linwood plant didn’t help. Mud sticks, and the Imp never achieved its potential. These days, however, most of the problems can be engineered out, and what you’re left with is a truly impressive little car. It’s good even in standard spec, but like its rival over at BMC, the Imp proved popular with the motorsport crowd. The free- revving Climax engine could easily be tweaked to provide serious performance. So whether you’re looking for an economical urban runaround or a competition car, the Imp has got all bases covered. In the present market, it also offers superb value for money compared to some of its rivals. May 1963 October 1964 September 1965 Imp introduced with all-aluminium overhead-cam engine developed by Coventry Climax. Singer Chamois variant introduced with overriders, extra brightwork and more trim. Series 2 version launched with improved interior, different wheel trims and more sound deadening. ● Keen performance. ● Economical. ● Innovative design. ● Good spares availability. ● Enthusiastic club backup. ● Easily upgraded. ■ Rust This can strike everywhere. Check all the body panels as well as underneath the car. ■ Overheating The Imp’s engine is still vulnerable to problems with the cooling TECH SPEC Hillman Imp 1963-76 ■ engine 875cc all-aluminium inline-four ■ power 34bhp ■ transmission Four-speed manual, all-synchromesh, rear-wheel drive ■ front suspension Coil springs, swing axles ■ rear suspension Every 20,000 miles Coil springs, trailing arms, telescopic dampers ■ BRAKES Drums fitted all round ■ Drain and reverse-flush cooling system. ! Common faults How to buy a… T Hillman Imp The Imp’s Coventry Climax engine was derived from a lightweight fire-pump unit. ! he Imp was a bold step forwards for Hillman, who’d spent years churning out traditional, dependable family saloons. Rootes went as far as to invest in a new factory for their latest model, which boasted a rear-mounted all-aluminium HOW TO BUY A… DID YOU KNOW? system. Ask the vendor how old the radiator and water pump are. ■ wheels & tyres 4 x 12 (later cars had 4.5 x 12), 5.5 x 12 tyres ■ top speed 80mph ■ 0-60mph 23sec ■ Seals Door seals can perish over time, and modern replacements don’t always fit as well as the originals. ng buyiip t our search to gy Widenin r and Sunbeam e the Sing gives you more versions ce of finding chan u want. what yo Market overview Condition 1 – £3000 Absolutely perfect concours cars might command more, but realistically this will get you a top-notch example such as the one shown on these pages. Condition 2 – £1500 This is the upper level for solid, usable cars. You may well be able to get something for around a grand. Condition 3 – £500 Cars at this money will need some work doing. Total basket cases are worth as much as you’re willing to pay for them. In other words, not much. October 1966 Sport version introduced with twin Stromberg carburettors, uprated engine and servo brakes. October 1968 Restyled front end and interior layout updated. October 1974 Alternator fitted in place of dynamo. Heated rear window fitted as standard. Spring 1976 Imp discontinued after 440,032 had been built. May 1963-Spring 1976 106 CLASSICS MONTHLY JANUARY 2010 JANUARY 2010 CLASSICS MONTHLY 107 HOW TO BUY A… HOW TO BUY A… DID YOU KNOW? Hillman Imp Hillman Imp Development engineer Mike Parkes was a successful racing driver who later drove in F1 for Ferrari. Interior ! Engine The Imp’s 875cc engine is a willing performer and easily tuned. Overheating is the powerplant’s main enemy, though. It leads to warping in the faces of the aluminium cylinder head and block. The use of that material means that the head bolts are set to a lower torque than many other engines – it’s easy to overtighten them. Heater Check that this is working. The pipes run from the engine through box sections in the sills, and can pinch where they have to turn through two sharp angles. Check carefully for water in the oil and evidence of overheating during a test drive. Regular servicing, especially in terms of oil changes, is essential. Imp engines are known to leak a small amount of oil, but it shouldn’t be excessive. Water pump bearings tended to fail, and the pumps themselves could corrode. Later cars are better, but all will need checking. Ensure that the fan belt isn’t too tight and that the heater works as it should. A conscientious owner will know that regularly reverseflushing the system helps prevent blockages, and uprated radiator cores are available. Ask them how old the radiator and water pump are. Also check that the correct antifreeze mix with corrosion inhibitors has been used. ng buyiip t ical issues Mechan p are less on the Im an ensuring nt th importa ody’s sound. the b Window seals Original rubber fits well but modern replacements don’t always do the same. Ensure they’re not leaking anywhere, allowing moisture into the car. Bodywork John Holloway, Imp Owners Club The Imp’s structure suffers badly from corrosion, and they’re not easy to restore. To ensure you’re seeing everything, you’ll need to be able to get underneath the car to check the floor and the crossmember mountings. Early cars had drain holes in the floorpan as well as better-quality steel, so these can survive longer than later cars. Even so, examine the floors carefully, as well as the rear wheelarches. The sills and lower edges of the rear panels are also common weak points. Check carefully for filler. The areas at the bottom of the rear wings collect all sorts of moisture and debris from the road, so these can soon rot through. At the other end of the car, have a look at the condition of the front valance to make sure there are no cracks or corrosion. The whole of the front ‘boot’ panel is also susceptible to rust – check for bubbling paint as the first indication. 108 CLASSICS MONTHLY JANUARY 2010 Another vital reason for being able to get underneath any prospective purchase is to check the condition of the Rotoflex driveshaft couplings. Ensure they’re free of oil and cracks. If one was to break, the driveshaft could flail around and cause all sorts of damage to everything else in the vicinity. Kingpins must be greased frequently and properly, so check for evidence of that. The steering rack should be smooth and positive, with no ‘notchiness’ or excess play. Look at the dampers to make sure they’re not seized or leaking. Don’t be surprised to find replacement parts here – Spax dampers are a popular upgrade. DIY friendly Value for money 1 1 1 1 1 Total 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 21/25 We like… The performance on offer, superb handling, good interior packaging, great value for money, potential for engine upgrades. Mini £500-£8000 ! Owner’s view Running gear Practicality Economy Spares Or try these… Check that all these are present and working correctly. The dash layout changed significantly with the Series 2 cars of 1968, and finding switchgear can be hard. Useful rear glass hatch gives good access to area behind seats. Hillman Imp £500-£3000 We don’t like… The rust problems and potential overheating from the Climax engine. The cooling system can be high-maintenance. Instruments “I bought my first Imp in 1976 to go rallying with. I’ve owned plenty of them over the years, but I didn’t actually intend buying this one. It was being sold by the daughter of the chap who’d owned it since new. He’d really looked after it – writing down everything he did in notebooks that came with the car. I’d intended to sell it for his daughter, but once I saw it I knew I had to have it – you don’t see many of them like this. “I’ve had to change the clutch, the front dampers and the carpet, but other than that it’s hardly needed any work. We’ve gone from John O’Groats to Land’s End on a charity run, doing 250 miles a day, and it was superb. However, you do learn to carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go.” CM says… Great parts and club backup, but an obvious choice and getting more expensive. Cooling is the major consideration on the all-aluminium engine. Clubs & specialists ■H illman Imp Owners Club Active club with superb internet forum and excellent spares division. www.theimpclub.co.uk Super was a mid-range model with better interior trim and other upgrades. Worthy upgrades ■ Inertia reel seatbelts. Static Rootes also made Singer Chamois and Sunbeam Stiletto versions of this model. belts standard in front. No rear belts but these can be retrofitted – seek specialist advice. ■ Electronic ignition. ■ Disc brakes. ■ Temperature gauge – not fitted to all models as standard. ■M alcolm Anderson Imp specialist 01823 350360 www.malcolmanderson.co.uk Ford Anglia £300-£2000 Capable and charming, with nimble handling and keen engines. Good value. ■ S peedy Spares All Rootes Group cars www.speedyspares.co.uk Thanks to John Holloway for bringing along his immaculate Imp for us to photograph. Renault 8 £1200-£3500 Packaged in a very similar way to the Imp, but rare on UK shores these days. Turn over to P111 for your Hillman quick view checks JANUARY 2010 CLASSICS MONTHLY 109 HOW TO BUY A… DID YOU KNOW? Hillman Imp The Imp’s testing took in routes around London and Birmingham, as well as a 2500-mile continental version. QUICK VIEW Checks 10 Essential Reminders Key areas to inspect carefully. Your final offer price should reflect their condition. Tick off our vital checks for peace of mind 2 Floorpans Earlier cars were made with better metal, but whatever the age of Imp, lift the carpets and check the floorpans. 3 Rear arches Moisture and debris thrown up from the rear wheels tends to collect around the arches and rot them out. Sills ! Check all along their length to make sure they’re solid. Repairs or weak spots on the inner section are easily hidden with decent outers. 4 Front bootlid The leading edge and the rear corners are susceptible to rust. Also check the shallow channel running beneath the lid’s rear edge. 9 cut along dashed line and take this guide with you on the daY of viewing These can wear out at the rear of the base. The mounting points on the crossmember can also wear so check the seat is securely fitted. 7 Switchgear It can be difficult to source the correct parts for some versions of the Imp, so make sure the interior’s as complete as possible. ! Check for milky deposits that signify there’s water in the oil. 7 10 3 1 2 8 Seats Oil filler cap 6 4 5 6 5 Cut out this page 1 8 Kingpins ! 9 These must be greased frequently and properly. Check for recent attention. Front wing 10 Pay special attention to the area at the back of the front wing, where moisture coming down the A-post can get trapped. Doors Look along the bottoms of the doors for rust, and make sure the panel gaps are even all round. JANUARY 2010 CLASSICS MONTHLY 111 HOW TO BUY A… Hillman Imp Glovebox Wizard Our vital, take-with-you guide. It could save you a lot more than money. Tick off our vital checks for peace of mind Viewing an Imp Overall condition, originality and completeness should dictate the price you pay. Glovebox Wizard is designed to act as a timely reminder when viewing, drawing your attention to areas it’s easy to forget or which an unscrupulous seller might try to distract you from. Begin by judging the overall appearance of the car. What are the panels gaps like? Is the engine original? Resprayed? Pre-viewing questions Glovebox Wizard can also be used to ask questions confidently whether via phone or computer before you commit time and incur costs to view. Knowledge is power when buying any car so arm yourself from the start and get the best deal possible. Caveat emptor If the deal is too good to be true then look carefully for the catch. Buyer beware. Fit your garage? Engine ❏ Length 11ft 9in ❏ Width 5ft ❏ Height 4ft 6in Cold and off ❏ Check oil filler cap for milky deposits Identification Cold and running ❏ Chassis ID plate On early cars, on the side of the engine bay above the three-way bleed valve. Later models had a plate on the centre of the front slam panel. ❏ Fanbelt not overtightened ❏ Even idle ❏ No excessive smoke ❏ No ‘clattering’ noises Warm and running ❏ Revs freely ❏ Not overheating Do Don't ✔ Get underneath the car to ✘ Worry too much about minor check properly for corrosion. ✔ Make sure the engine’s cold when you arrive, and allow it to build to temperature. ✔ Check the paperwork to see that service schedules have been adhered to, and to check the age of components in the cooling system. ✔ Take the car on a longenough test drive to take in different types of road. ✔ Expect a good Imp to drive well. If the gearbox feels dodgy or the engine won’t pull, suspect problems. ✔ Join the owners club. They’ve got an excellent online forum that’ll provide valuable info. mechanical problems if the car has a solid shell. Bodywork considerations are more important when looking at an Imp. ✘B uy one if you’re not convinced by it. You’ll be able to find another one. ✘ T hink that because an Imp looks solid on the outside, it’s okay underneath. ✘ S et your heart on a Sport if you’ve found a really solid base model. Buy on condition, not spec. ✘B e surprised to find all sorts of upgrades. Imps lend themselves well to engine and suspension mods. Bodywork Interior ❏ Sills ❏ Wings ❏ Bootlid ❏ Door bottoms ❏ Suspension mounts ❏ Seats mounted securely ❏ All instruments present ❏ No tears ❏ Condition of door glass seals ❏ Heater working Test drive 112 CLASSICS MONTHLY JANUARY 2010 A good Imp will be a revelation on the road. cut along dashed line and take this guide with you on the daY of viewing The driving position in an Imp should be comfortable for short and tall drivers alike. The pedals are slightly offset to the left but you get used to that. The large glass area means that visibility is superb all round. Glass is still available secondhand if needed. Even in standard tune, the little Coventry Climax engine should run sweetly and offer impressive performance. They love to rev, too. If the car you’re testing feels sluggish, something’s amiss. The gearbox is one of the car’s strong points. It should feel positive, quick and run quietly. If there’s a whining noise that disappears when you put the clutch pedal down, the input bearing is worn. Another way to spot a worn clutch is to drop the car down to 20mph in top gear, then accelerate hard. The drum brakes are good, and should pull you up in a straight line.