The Rootes group launched its answer to the BMC Mini in 1963, the rear engined Hillman Imp. The Imp was quickly "badge engineered" into Singer and Sunbeam derivatives including some pretty "fastback" models. The standard car used a two door bodyshell with a novel opening rear window/hatch, all Imp's were built in a brand new factory built in Glasgow with government grants.
The Singer "Imp" was known as the Chamois and was intended to be seen as the luxury model in the range. Extra equipment and interior appointments such as a walnut dash all added to the luxury theme, the Chamois also featured wider wheels and a special front grille.
In addition to the standard saloon and coupe versions of the Chamois a more Sport model was introduced in 1966. The Chamois Sport had a twin-carb engine tuned to produce 51bhp. From 1969 the model also received a more distinctive four headlamp front.
