Hillman Imp Californian
Overview
| Produced: |
1968-1970, 440032 produced. ((all Imp models)) |
|---|---|
| Types: |
Coupe,2 doors,4 seats |
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 Hillman badged coupe model was known as the Imp Californian, Hillman once again resurrecting a model name from its past. Power for these small fastback coupes came from a an all-alloy engine developed from a Coventry-Climax unit. Despite only having 875cc the Imp engine provided plenty of power and was matched to an equally good gearbox.
Source: Motorbase
Engines
| Capacity | Config | Model | Bore/Stroke | CR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 875cc | S4 OHC | Hillman Imp engine | 68mm x 60.375mm | 10 |
Drivetrain and Suspension
| Drivetrain | Steering | Front Suspension | Rear Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
Performance
| Top Speed | 0-60 | SQM | MPG | Engine Pwr | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 mph | 22.1 s | 35 mpg |
Auction Sales History
| Lot Num |
Description | Auctioneer | Date | Hammer Price | Hammer Price (inc premium) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 009 | Hillman IMP Californian | BCA | 31 Jul 2004 | - | £3959.00 |
Magazine Articles
| Title | Pages | Options | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article |
Group Test - Family value |
20 |
 |
|
| Publication | Practical Classics November 2008 | |||
| Group Test - Family value- Ever see those sad words in the classifieds? 'Baby forces sale'. Not with these four cars, it doesn't. We reckon you can enjoy classic motoring, family style, just the way it was 30 years ago. 1974 Saab 95, 1972 Triumph 2500PI, Range Rover Classic, Hillman Imp. | ||||
| Article |
Modified IMPS - Little Devils |
56 |
|
|
| Publication | Practical Classics Spring 2004 | |||
| Modified IMPS - Little Devils - Hold the head gasket! Wind down the water pump! Keep away from the kingpins! And meet a sextet of imps that shows what imps can really do once the power potential is unleashed in that little aluminium engine. | ||||
| Article |
Buyer's Guide Express - Hillman Imp |
76 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 16 November 2011 | |||
| Buyer's Guide Express - Hillman Imp - Cute, sprightly and great fun to drive - can there possibly be a catch to owning a Hillman Imp? MIKE LE CAPLAIN has the answers. | ||||
| Article |
Buying Guide - Hillman Imp & Derivatives |
48 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 7 April 2010 | |||
| Buying Guide - Hillman Imp & Derivatives - Are you after a cheeky rear-engined saloon that offers bags of fun at a bargain price? You should try a member of the Hillman Imp family, says BEN WANKLY, fresh from doing just that. | ||||
| Article |
Mission: Impossible |
36 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Mart February 2007 | |||
| Mission: Impossible - Reader Clark Dawson faced a difficult challenge - restore not one but two works Imps...and then rally them. By David Bowes. | ||||
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