For Sale: 1967 Hillman Imp

The Hillman Imp is a small economy car that was made by the Rootes Group and its successor Chrysler Europe from 1963 until 1976. Revealed on 3 May 1963, it was the first British mass-produced car with the engine block and cylinder head cast in aluminium. Being a direct competitor to the BMC's Mini, it used a space-saving rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout to allow as much luggage and passenger capacity as possible in both the rear and the front of the car. It used a unique opening rear hatch to allow luggage to be put into the back seat rest.

This Example Description by seller: 'Donny' was purchased from a haulage truck owner in Kempton a few years ago. I had been negotiating this deal for almost 10 years. The car was dry stored its entire life and originally yellow in colour. Springs have been lowered in the front but not very scientifically - it just looks cool - but possibly would need some TLC on set-up for excellent handling. The steering rack gaiter is perished and will need to be replaced.

The front brakes shudder and it could be due to the incorrect shoes (being the Datsun 1400 ones and they are a little wider than the Imp ones) or it might simply be drums out of centre - I am having this sorted out. The engine in the car at present is the engine that I used in my race Imp for my first year of racing. It has lightened and polished conrods, lightly ported head and an R17 cam (fast road cam) twin Strombergs and a factory sport exhaust manifold. If the buyer prefers a tamer ride, I would be happy to replace the performance mill with a more standard one. Car is licensed but would need police clearance to complete change of ownership, which I will do. There are a few small blemishes in the paint work and paint overruns.

The windscreen is not cracked but it has a few scratches in the line of vision and the doors need the rain scraper rubbers fitted. The carpets, although done throughout, are already showing wear so a better quality pile would make sense. Similarly the upholstery also seems to be wearing quickly. Presently running 13-inch Minilites shod with semi-slicks. The tyres are not as old as the car but I feel that are now far behind. This car is available to view by appointment in Johannesburg.

Reminders to bidders:

A buyer's premium of 5% (which includes VAT) for cars and bikes applies. The minimum buyer's premium is R5 000 incl. VAT for cars and bikes (eg. if R50 000 is bid, buyer's premium = R5 000 and total cost = R55 000). The maximum buyer's premium is capped at R100 000 incl. VAT for cars and bikes (eg. if R3 000 000 is bid, buyer's premium = R100 000 and total cost = R3 100 000).

Classic Car Africa aims to present each lot as accurately as possible but it is the responsibility of the bidder to be 100% satisfied with the condition of the lot before placing a bid.

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