76HI005 Oxford Diecast Hillman Imp Safari Beige

It’s back to the early Sixties for this Hillman Imp, which hit the British road scene in 1963 as a direct competitor to the Classic Mini which had seen success since 1959.  Small, light and featuring an innovative rear mounted 875cc engine, the Imp was way ahead of its time. Additional innovations included an aluminium engine block and cylinder head, rear-wheel drive, coil springs, an opening rear hatch, automatic choke, as well as temperature, voltage and oil pressure gauges,   For these reasons and also the large passenger and luggage space facilitated by a folding rear bench seat, the Imp was highly popular.

Our little two-door Imp is decorated in Safari Beige with a matching beige interior. It is registered UTK 971L from 1972, four years before it ceased production under the Rootes Group.  Exterior trim is finished in both silver and black, including a sporty line along the waist. The Hillman name is printed off centre on the front of the grille.

The Hillman Imp was quite impressive on the track too in its day, so not just a pretty face!