Hillman Imp

Following the Suez Crisis in 1956, demand increased for economy cars. This is the story of how Rootes Group fulfilled the challenge by developing a mall car to rival the BMC Mini—the Hillman Imp. The new Imp was developed against a backdrop of strikes, uncertainty and a challenging market. This book explores the initial development of the Imp, manufacture at both the Linwood plant in Scotland and Coventry in England, through to the last Imp off the production line and beyond into the 21st century and the experience of owning an Imp today.

The book covers the various variants and modifications that were produced through the years, from the Mk 1, through the Husky, commercial vans and finally the Caledonian. It also covers the Imp’s considerable success on the rally stage and racing circuits of Europe, where its excellent handling qualities helped it to shine. The Imp won the British Saloon Car Championship three times between 1970 and 1972.

Written by the Chairman of The Imp Club and two classic Imp owners, the book gives an unrivalled insight into owning and running a Hillman Imp today. Illustrated with a wide range of archive and modern photography as well as technical drawings and advertising materials, this book is a complete concise guide to one of Britain’s most popular small cars.