Hi Steph. As a young office junior working at Hastings Town Hall in 1966, one of my duties was to deliver the council minutes to the various councillors and Aldermen four days before the council meeting. I was driven to the councillors homes in a Hillman Imp by the Mayor's messenger dressed in a uniform with a high peaked cap. It's true that the car was chosen because of its headroom, which easily accommodated his headgear. No urban myth - absolute fact.

My aunt had one of these from new in 1970, the year I was born, she had 10 years and replaced it with one of the first Austin metro cars. Great memories Steph, thank you

Such enthusiasm for a much underated little car, so long as they were looked after and a bag of sand was put in the front they were great cars. Having looked at the prototypes I'm so relieced that someone with the gift of sight was allowed to design it 🤣

@davidbrowne862

2 жыл бұрын

I had several as road cars and racing and never ever had to put a bag of sand in the front!! It is false news!

@graemew7001

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidbrowne862 I was going off what a couple of friends who had an Imp and a Chamois had said to me, that the bag of sand made all the difference.....maybe they weren't driving them properly 😂

Random Imp fact: It was the last car sold new in Britain for less than £1000 - the *very* basic model (without so much as a heater) was selling for £998 in 1974.

@Graham_Langley

2 жыл бұрын

True, although I think it may have had a heater but not a heater blower. My '66 Super was like this until I found a Vauxhall Cresta (IIRC) fan could be made to fit.

A car living in the (not inconsiderable) shadow of the Mini, the oft-overlooked Imp is an absolute hoot to drive. I'd buy one just to be different. 60's/70's cars are just my kind of thing. The Imp has surely to be one of the more entertaining ones!

Thanks Steph for this. The Imp was my first car. First trip up the M1 was frightening as every juggernaut that passed us sent the car sailing out of our lane !! Soon remedied with a fully laden toolbox under the bonnet as ballast. Always overheating issues but just learnt to carry lots of water with me !! Great fun.

Thanks for another awesome review Steph! When I was little one of my neighbours had a Sunbeam Stiletto and then he got rid of that and bought a Hillman Imp. They had a couple of kids and I used to spend a lot of time with them and we used to go all over in the Imp and I was always very fond of it. I really think they had a lot to offer and should have sold in equal numbers to the Mini but thanks to the delightful trade unions, strikes and quality issues meant they never achieved the success they deserved.

My first (legal!) car was an Imp and I drove it flat out everywhere (foolish and young and the roads were often empty). It was so good. It handled superbly and I did many thousands of miles in it. I didn't need to put a sack of sand in the front and didn't find it under-steered either. when pushed hard it would do gentle 4-wheel drifts that could be provoked into over-steer with brakes and throttle. Brilliant car!

My sisters first car was a 1964 Imp. She chose it over a Mini as it had wind up windows ! I did a lot of driving 'experience' in that car with my sister. Later on, a friend had the Van version and always kept a bag of sand in the front 'boot' as when the back was loaded up, the steering was almost non existant ! Happy days - Thanks Steph for the step back in time - actually 50 years ! X X

My first vehicle in 1974 was an Imp van. It was like a little go-kart to drive, but I kept an old mattress in the back to dampen the noise and provide a softer ride for fellow teenagers riding in the back. It had the advantage that one could sit inside and work on the engine, even when it was pouring with rain. My mate and I drove it all the way from the Isle of Wight to the far north of Scotland on holiday in 1975. I sometimes wish I still had it (although I could say the same about most of the vehicles I have owned since).

Had one of these many years ago-it was a great little car and much better than the mini in my opinion.Woke up one morning in winter to find it buried in snow,for a laugh got in and spun the starter,never suspecting it would go, but it fired up right away blowing a stream of snow out of the engine cover!As you say,a very underrated car 😊

Oh,Steph, an Imp was my first car! WAR124M where are you now! I purchased half of mine from my Granny, the other half was an 18th birthday gift! My Imp was wardance red in colour with a tan interior. A lovely car to drive, but did need looking after carefully to avoid problems. I learned to drive with my Imp, with my dear old Dad sitting in the passenger seat giving me sound advice. Bless him, he even taught me to double declutch which I can still do. He must have been a good teacher as I passed my test first time! Seeing an Imp brought back so many memories, including backing into my Dad's garage door (slowly). The dent is still in the metal door to this day, although we sold the house back in 1996! Happy days!

My first car (in 1985)... an 1973 model in that colour too. Thank you for the memories. When the camera swung around the the dashboard it was like meeting an old friend for the first time in 35 years...

My first car in 1977 , constantly suffered head gasket failure, overheating all the time , many a time me and my mates had to urinate in the rad as a emergency measure 🤣

@thebossdebz3060

3 ай бұрын

More head gaskets than could be manufactured.

Mum had 1 of these back in about 1980 ish , she only had it about 6 months then got rid for something more reliable, I’ve never known a car refuse to start from cold 1st thing in the morning as much as mums imp , she’d say “ come on I’ll drop you off at school if she’ll start “ 😂 , I’d say 50% of mornings it just wouldn’t start and we’d both end up walking to the bus stop , she always used the choke from cold but it would just turn over and over until it was either flooded which happened a lot or she ran the battery flat, once running she was great all day but that initial 1st cold start of the day was a nightmare 😂 , I remember 1 morning, I was maybe 14 or 15 , she held out the keys and said “ you might as well try and start her, you might have more luck “ I went to take the keys and she said “ I was only joking , ohh what the hell you can’t do any worse than me “ and gave me them , after getting in the imp and checking she was in neutral I turned the key but she didn’t start , then I remembered the choke on the floor, full choke and tried, she started, I gave her some revs and gently backed her out the garage so mum could see and hear her , the following morning she gave me the keys to start her and guess what ……. She wouldn’t start and I flooded her AND ran the battery flat trying 😂 , the good old days

As you know the Imp was built in Linwood Paisley which was served by Ravenscraig Steel. I remember passing Ravenscraig&Gartcosh on the train. I drove my OHs 1980s Škoda Rapid 1.36 rear engined. It might not be an Imp but I still have many fond memories.

Brings a smile to my face seeing the Imp. I worked on hillman /Chrysler cars when i first left school 1975 at a dealers in Heswall. Now a Sainsburys shop. If you ever get chance to test drive a Stiletto version they were a quick car once you got used to the light front end .

I remember when I was a child, 2 guys stopping outside our house in a blue imp with steam pouring out of the back. They just got out, walked off and never returned! The council came and took it away a few weeks later. An odd episode that always sticks in my mind! Great video as always Steph. Thank you.

@glenjarnold

2 жыл бұрын

Probably mine - the water pump went on it 😂

@robertsmith9810

2 жыл бұрын

i think if the water pump failed it was engine out job or was it the thermostat ,if i`m wrong i know someone will correct me cheers

@promerops

2 жыл бұрын

A friend and I used to rally his Imp. We'd be doing very well when the engine would start overheating. I think it consumed more coolant than petrol. Nonetheless, it was a pleasure to drive and I always enjoyed its Corvair-derived styling.

My dad used to work in the factory in Linwood @ Paisley near Glasgow when these were in production. They also made the Hunter & Avenger & the Sunbeam.

Learned to drive and passed my test in a Hillman Imp in 1976.

Lovely review. I had a 1976 Imp Super as a first car which was why I went especialy to Drive Dad's Car back in August. It was a 150 mile trip from the South East to be told..oh the irony..it was broken down that day and was unavailable! Great car, great venue..but we are talking about British built hardware here..!

Nor seen one of theses for over 20 years, gorgeous car thank u

Another great video Steph! Back in the 70's in our teens one of the boys had an Imp. My party trick was to pull the key out when it was running ( because you could) and then he couldn't shut it off So many good memories of a very fun little car. Cheers, Greg..

My first car was a Hillman Imp. Loved it! My Mum owned one and also a sporty Singer Chamois. Great cars!

Oh wow now there is a blast from the past. My Aunt had one of these in that very colour when I was a wee lad. I spent many a happy journey sliding about on the back seat(no seatbelts) on days out and about or our holidays to Arbroath. Such a great wee car that holds many memories for me .. Thanks for sharing Steph..

Hi Steph love your channel i am 67 years old and served my time as as a motor mechanic from 1975 in New Zealand I have owned and repaired a number of the vehicles you test on your channel I love your impressions I have not often seen someone whom has such insite please keep doing what you are doing Thank You R

I Had one in 1968. Took out the auto-choke and replaced it with a manual one. Put a high-lift cam in . Disc brakes installed. British Racing Green paint job. A sandbag in the front for ballast. Loved that little motor. Blew the doors off most Minis.

They were good little cars - my parents had one. My grandad had one and years later I had one as my third car. My mum also had a brand new Imp van for her job. When we were kids, my parents would take four kids (and a dog) camping in the Imp. :-)

These were available across the pond as well,along with the Hillman Minx.This car's adorable.

Lovely video Steph.. Love your enthusiasm and connection to this little car. 👍 This place is on the bucket list if I ever get back to the UK.

My dad had a Hillman Hunter in the early 80's.

You do such a great job on your reviews. I have been waiting for you to drive one of these as I have not been able to get as much information on these as I'd like. I'm unusual as an American that I enjoy cars of this size. It is stylish, unusual and just cool.

I had one back in the early 90's. FIC 541. The 875cc all alloy engine was a development of a Coventry Climax engine used in portable water pumps (used by the fire brigade it the latter stages of WW2, I believe.) Super little car to drive, nippy and very direct steering, drum brakes all round required a bit of respect. Choke down in front of the handbrake and the petrol tank was just above your feet...

@Graham_Langley

2 жыл бұрын

Correct. The water pump engine was the FWM, the automotive version was the FWMA and the Imp engine was based on this. With Chrysler Comps 'Monte Carlo' springs which lowered the car 1" and stiffened the rear, stiffer bushes modified at the front to stop the swing axles moving under braking, the kingpin carriers modified so the wheels came upright under braking and a decent set of radials it was a hoot.

Awww steph seeing that little Asia Rockstar really was the highlight of my day, you looked super happy, shame they are so rare now. Another amazing video and im so glad your feeling better after your surgery too :D

Lovely video Steph! Such a delicious color. Hope you feel a lot better already✨.

Remember these well, back in the day, a neighbour had a metallic blue one and we had a mini, these vlogs bring back memories of childhood days which is lovely.

GFR 208 D - my Dad's first car - an Imp in Harvest Gold if I recall correctly Ooooo look - an Avenger pulls up next to the Imp - my first car was an Avenger - PCW 879 J - yes we were a bit of a Rootes family back in the day

When I was 13 my older sister and I were offered one of these in Brown for £50. But we chose a Datsun 100A instead. I've always liked the Imp.

@robertamoyaw1979

2 жыл бұрын

Cheeky Imp!!!

Yay! My first car! ❤️ Mine was a 1966 model (old 'D' reg) although I obtained it in 1979. It had the old style dash with the wide speedometer.

This car really suits you! Lovely shot at the end of it driving from the outside, I’d love to see more shots like this. Another great review 👏🏻 🩵

Thanks for the video. It bought back memories of my mum's gold Imp. Right down to the interior door handles, the choke on the floor and the quietness of them with the engine behind you. I still have a 2 door car with the engine in the back but about 10 times as powerful!

Great Video Steph thanks for Uploading I remember being driving home from Sunday school in a super de -lux on in Dark Green, I hope your Surgery went well.

Another great video Steph love at first sight here with the Imp👍

I’m subscribed. Great little vid on a cute little car. I love your style Steph such a refreshing change.

Thanks Steph, great video. I drove lots of different cars back then but never one of those, very interesting.

A really cool car! Thanks for presenting it. I saw one in the museum in Glasgow, but I’m glad you were able to drive one around and show us how it runs.

That was great Steph, I love the way that you loved that Imp.

When I was young I had a date with a girl I had been pursuing for ages. I was really pleased with myself. I cleaned the inside of my Hillman Imp, I washed it, and tuned it so it was running fine. Then I went to pick the girl up and she refused to get in the car. When I asked her why she just said, 'I'm not getting into that. I'd rather walk.' I had to go home and nick my brother's Ford Cortina. I didn't hold it against the Imp. I thought it was a good car. The last time I saw my date she was driving a Sinclair c5.

@chrisweeks6973

2 жыл бұрын

You had a lucky escape there, son!

I loved watching this Steph. My first car in 1976,I was 18 years old. Life was simple back then- no seat belts,headrests,centre console and a truck steering wheel - that I changed for a small 3 spoke sporty one 😂and a new cassette playing The Eagles - “Hotel California”.

Thanks for the heads up on this !

I drove this Imp, along with a Moggy convertible & a Reliant Robin. It was a real joy to drive!

One of my earliest memories is being lifted through the rear window /hatch as a small child. Safety was secondary in the late 70s. My grandad had 2 Imps and a coupe, either a Chamois or a Stiletto, so he must have liked them a lot. Replaced with my parent's Lada 1300 in 1983.

loved how excited you got about this little car

Great little film Steph - my mum had an Imp exactly like this one - same colour too. I remember it had a habit of stalling a lot but probably through a lack of regular carb maintenance rather than anything else. I recall reading that the Post Office gave their staff Mini vans, because the Imp was considered too fast (not sure where I saw that but other readers may be able to confirm of otherwise). Keep 'em coming Hun!

Hello Steph, I have always loved this car, such fond memories, my grandmother had a Stiletto in the 1970s, metallic brown with a vinyl roof....such an amazing little car!

I really don’t understand why Rootes/Chrysler cars are underappreciated. Of the scant videos I’ve seen of ‘60s and ‘70s models, everyone has glowing comments about how nice they are to drive, how they include extra, thoughtful detail touches, and how they’re usually quite well made. I’ve seen the Imp’s story and know why it didn’t sell that well and imperiled the company in the process. But it seems like the problems were worked out, even if the car wasn’t kept up to date in its 12-year life. Seems like a lovely little thing. That blue Avenger in the car park looks interesting to me, too.

It's lovely to see an Imp on your channel. My Grannies neighbour had one in maroon.

A really enjoyable upload well done keep up the good work on your channel 👍👍

Never heard of a Hillman Imp, but i like it when gals do car reviews.

Many years ago when I was 19 I used to drive my 1963 Anglia (then 7 years old and a bit tired to be honest) home from college. A fellow student who lived near me had an Imp and used to wait in a lay by for me to go past. He would then set off after me intending to pass me, which he invariably succeeded in doing despite my best efforts! His car was so much nippier than my old Anglia Those Imps were great cars and I wished I had owned one.

Had a late Imp (ORK958R), and absolutely loved it. So good to finally see one getting a decent KZread vid! They were so much better than their reputation.

I remember as a child of the 60’s some neighbours had one and I remember that in the winter the imp just wouldn’t start , it would come to life briefly and then die and after a number of attempts the battery would be flat.

Hi Steph (this is Dan). Thank you for saving the day while my dad and I visited the Great British Car Journey. Idiot boy here didn’t check his emails and realise that you’d have to prebook the date and cars you’d like to drive for the Drive Dad’s Car bit (that’d be far too sensible!). Luckily, and this is no joke, you booked the two cars we wanted to drive (no spoilers on the second car). Loved Dad’s little vox pop 🙂. Great vid, keep up the good work, you’re living the dream!

I owned one, bought it in 1977, had it for a couple of years, great little car easy to maintain. Great video

My best friend and I were given an Imp by our physics teacher back in the late 80’s!! It needed a fair bit of work (in the eyes of amateur but enthusiastic teenagers!!) and we made a complete hash of it! We ended up selling it at a steam rally! I’ve wanted another one ever since and your review echos my love for these cars! Really enjoyed that! Thank you👍

The Hillman Imp! Yes, I had a die-cast model of this car as a kid in the 1960's and I always loved the weirdness of the rear engine and opening rear window! The "frunk" is something way ahead of its time!

Great fun Steph! Thank you very much! 😉

Tim Fry (One of the two designers) admitted years later, that the problem of front end lift could be cured with a front dam, they only discovered this years after the Imp was out of production.

@stu3245

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with many of the comments, I had one in the 1960's and loved it, it was however too light at the front and this affected the steering when having to brake hard resulting in skidding, I never heard of the trick to carry something in the front luggage compartment unfortunately, to give the steering more grip, as a result I suffered two accidents. It didn't have the road-holding of the front wheel drive mini

My first and second car both imps, i absolutely loved them, brilliant in the snow go any where, easy to work on, i could have the engine out in 20 mins, great little cars!.

What a treat on a Sunday morning. I'm at a bus stop. Tell someone a better to pass time. Hope your well.

I've always loved the Imp, although I've never owned one. My grandad did own a Husky; but is was plagued by the quality issues which the car has become known for, and his was replaced by a mini (Which also had issues of it's own!). I am a big fan of the rear engine layout. Many cars of the 50s and 60s gave the layout a bad name because of badly designed/setup rear suspension, but a well sorted rear engine car is such a joy to drive. Thank you for another great review. :-)

Nice one Steph. Can't wait for the next film

Excellent video!

My second car was the Singer Chamois variant of the Imp. Lovely engines, great handling, more fun than a Mini with more space and versatility.

An entertaining vid! Hope you are recovering well.

In 1969, my father bought me a 1966 Hillman Imp manual, for passing my School Certificate exams when I was 16. He paid $200 AUD for it. I drove it for my last two years at high school. It was a beaut little car, but I drove it a little more harshly than you did. It was hard pressed to carry 4 schoolboys in it, and it was truly slow up hills, but it was my freedom ride and it started me on my motoring life. Great memories, thankyou.

Delightful, Steph! Thanks for another good one.

As a driving instructor in 1972, I taught in a Hillman Imp. They were not suited to the task as the rubber donuts were always breaking. This was due to the harsh treatment given to the car by learners. I liked the car and this video brought back memories.

Good video, despite the technical issues. I could tell that you really loved the car. Nice anecdote on the other vehicle as well. Funny how vehicles can take you back to another time and place. Take care hun and good luck with your personal journey as well.

My first car was an imp. I had so much fun in that we car miss it still 35 years later.

My 1st car . Bought XAB 308G in February 1979 , a standard car in white. A technical marvel , with a sweet OHC engine , good packaging 2 boots including the extended parcel shelf via the window hatch at the back. Sunbeam Stilleto would have been the Cooper S of the range. I think one of the reasons I bought it was to be “different” as a lot of 1st cars for people was the Mini or a 1100/1300 Mk1 Escort. Great car .

Hi Steph, Great review! - it brought back many memories. My mum’s best friend had an Imp and she often let me drive it. I found it to be a great little car to drive and was easily as much fun and had as good handling as the Minis of the day. I definitely remember the slightly bouncy ride and light steering that you mentioned. It’s a great pity that the Imp wasn’t the success that it deserved to be. One thing though - you mentioned the engine seemed a little difficult to start and and it appeared to cut out initially, so I was wondering if the engine was cold at the time and needed the choke to get running properly…….? The reason I ask is that in the Imp, the choke control is in a really unusual place: it’s a small lever right down on the floor pan between the front seats next to the gearstick that you lift up to operate and push down again once the engine is warm. (Necessary to place it there because of the rear engine layout of course). - Apologies in advance if you already k new that!

Great video as allways . I think the Hillman imp one of coolest small British cars of it time .so stylish. 🙂👍

I had one around 1977 and it was a little belter. Started well unless engine was hot and drove well.

The Imp was the default small car in my family rather than the Mini. There were quite a few of them and the final one was an Imp Super which my grandfather owned, same colour as that. JHH 200N.

My Granddad back in the 1970's owned a Hillman Imp in a darker blue colour. There was many times, he would puck my Mum, Dad, my Sister and I up in it from Birmingham New Street station after we had travelled up to the Midlands by train for the school summer holidays. The car would often have my parents, sister and I on the back seat with my Grandparents sitting in the front seats. Great memories of how my Granddad used his Imp. Afterwards, he owned another quite rare car here in the UK which was a Vauxhall Viva.

Excellent video as always Steph, great looking little car. Guess you must have been there at weekend as you seem to have got a longer route than Mr Hubnut. Defo something I need to book for next year. Hope you are doing ok and feeling better.

In production for 13 years from 1963 to 1976. early cars in the 60s were generally in sombre colours, the later ones in the 70s were available in a choice of brighter colours like orange and yellow, but by 1970 the van, Husky, Chamois and coupes had finished except for the Stiletto until 1972. The Hillman Imp models were Imp basic, de luxe and super saloon, Singer Chamois saloon and coupe, Hillman Californian coupe, Sunbeam Imp Sport saloon and Stiletto coupe, Commer Imp van and Hillman Husky estate..

The memories come flooding back Steph thank you!! We had a couple of Imp variants, mum had a white Husky, which looked like a miniature ambulance and I had a bright yellow Sunbeam Stiletto with a black vinyl roof. Both fun cars to have.

I loved my Imp my neighbour had one as well

That is the cutest little car I've ever seen! Granted, for my daily driver and love of my life, Luigi ('09 Grand Marquis), that little Imp would look like a lifeboat for him... LOL... I think I might have a sidetrip planned now for my upcoming trip to the UK...

I've been to that car museum ...it's awesome I would recommend anyone go have a look round, some great cars to see...

So very interesting, Steph. Well done as always. I do not remember ever seeing an Imp in person. Somewhere during the run of these cars, Rootes was bought by Chrysler, and dedicated Rootes dealerships were closed. I know we got some of the Rootes cars here, some badged as Captive Imports, some wearing Sunbeam badges. Brings back some neat memories either way.

@rumcove07

2 жыл бұрын

Here in the US I own a 69 Sunbeam Alpine coupe and a 72 Plymouth Cricket that I will restore.

Had one of these. Put rad in front, replaced engine with will ringed 998cc. Was properly fast against minis and loved the handling, easy to get sideways. Clutch change and engine out in afternoon. Really loved the styling. Hit a telegraph pole which finished it. But fond memories

Great stuff Steph, was me husband's Dad's first brand new car in the 60s many......many years ago now. I've been regaled over the years with stories from my husband that his dad told him. One was he had to put a concrete slab in the front to keep the front end from been too lively in the snow!!!

Perfect wee motor for learners you can see all around you

My mum had one of these from new and it was a bugaboo. They overheated very suddenly and this caused the alloy head to warp, which was an expensive fix. The were problems with the clutch as well, which was also a pricey job. It also had electrical gremlins - especially in the rain. Fully sorted and souped, it was a smashing little motor and proved itself time and again in rally cross and other contests. It won the British saloon car championship 3 times on the trot if I recollect...

Great drive, I had a sunbeam sport Imp which was a lot of fun. Well done. Bob

great vid Steph i love imps , i had loads of modified imps in the 70s inc a Hartwell 998 imp would be worth a fortune now , only a few years ago i sold my clan crusader which has imp running gear

Got two here at present , A 65 Singer version and a 66 Commer version , superb fun motoring