The Hillman Imp was a small economy car produced by the British manufacturer Hillman from 1963 to 1976. It was designed to compete with other small cars of the era, such as the Mini and the Ford Anglia. The Imp was known for its rear-engine layout, which was relatively unusual for a small car at the time.
Here are some key features and details about the Hillman Imp:
The Hillman Imp had a distinctive and compact design. It featured a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which allowed for a spacious cabin despite its small overall size. The car had a sleek and modern appearance, with a curved roofline and a rounded front end.
Engine: The Imp was powered by a rear-mounted, all-aluminum, water-cooled, inline-four engine. Initially, it had a displacement of 875cc, although later versions were introduced with larger engines, including a 998cc and a 1,147cc option. The engine was known for its compact size and good fuel efficiency.
Performance: The performance of the Hillman Imp varied depending on the engine size and model. The smaller engine versions had modest power output, with around 39 to 46 horsepower. However, the larger engine options offered improved performance, with top speeds ranging from 80 to 90 mph (130 to 145 km/h) and 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration times in the range of 15 to 20 seconds.
Variants: The Hillman Imp was sold under different brand names and variations. Besides the Hillman Imp, it was also marketed as the Singer Chamois, Sunbeam Imp, and Hillman Husky (an estate version). These variants often had minor differences in trim, branding, and features, but they shared the same mechanical platform.
Innovative Features: The Imp introduced several innovative features for its time, such as its aluminum engine, all-independent suspension, and disc brakes on some models. It also had a spacious interior considering its size, thanks to its rear-engine layout.
Popularity and Legacy: While the Hillman Imp had some positive aspects, it faced various issues during its production run. The early models had reliability problems, particularly with the engine's cooling system. Additionally, competition from other small cars, including the highly successful Mini, affected its sales. As a result, the Imp's production ceased in 1976, and it didn't achieve the same level of popularity as some of its competitors.
Despite its limited success, the Hillman Imp still has a following among car enthusiasts and collectors today. Its unique design, rear-engine layout, and historical significance as one of the few British mass-produced cars with a rear-mounted engine make it an interesting piece of automotive history.
Rootes Cars refers to a range of vehicles produced by the British automobile manufacturer, the Rootes Group. The Rootes Group was a conglomerate that existed from 1913 to 1967 and consisted of various brands, including Hillman, Humber, Singer, Sunbeam, and Talbot.
Here are some notable Rootes Cars and information about them:
Hillman: The Hillman brand was known for producing affordable, mass-market vehicles. The Hillman Minx, introduced in 1932, was one of the most successful models, and it underwent various iterations over the years. Other notable Hillman models included the Hillman Imp, as mentioned earlier, and the Hillman Avenger, a compact family car introduced in 1970.
Humber: Humber cars were known for their luxury and higher-end positioning. The Humber Super Snipe, introduced in the 1930s, was a prestigious model with features like advanced suspension and a powerful engine. The Humber Hawk was another popular model that offered a combination of style and comfort.
Singer: Singer cars were positioned between Hillman and Humber, offering mid-range vehicles. The Singer Gazelle and Singer Vogue were well-known models. The Singer Gazelle was a compact executive car, while the Singer Vogue offered more luxury and refinement.
The Rootes Group experienced financial difficulties in the 1960s, leading to a takeover by the American automaker Chrysler Corporation in 1967. Chrysler's ownership eventually transitioned into the creation of Chrysler Europe, which later became part of the Peugeot-Citroën group (now Stellantis) in the 1970s.
Rootes Cars, particularly models like the Hillman Minx, Hillman Imp, and Sunbeam Alpine, have left a mark in automotive history and continue to be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts for their unique designs, performance, and historical significance within the British automotive industry.
Car Photos of Hillman, Humber, Singer, Sunbeam, humber sceptre, singer vogue, singer gazelle, hillman minx and humber hawk etc
humber sceptre, singer vogue, singer gazelle, hillman minx, humber hawk
Edited and Produced by John C Guest
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