Sunbeam Imp

Sunbeam Imp, Montée Historique de Beaune-St Romain 2016.

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Rootes Group, Linwood Scotland.   The Hillman Imp and its badge engineered derivatives such as the Sunbeam Imp were Rootes' competitor to the Mini from 1963 to 1976.  Unlike the Mini it had a rear engine with the engine being based on an aluminium 875cc Coventry Climax unit.  The cars were built at the Rootes' Linwood plant near Glasgow in Scotland.  Badge variations included Hillman, Sunbeam and Singer.  There was even a Commer van version.   In France I believe the Sunbeam name was used exclusively for the Imp.  The Imps had successful Motor Racing careers with Bill McGovern winning the British Saloon car championship in a George Bevan prepared Sunbeam Imp from 1970 to 1972.  Rosemary Smith won the 1965 Tulip Rally in a Hillman Imo.

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1964 Zagato "Zimp" Prototype

Zagato "Zimp" Prototype - RetroMobile 2016.

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Zagato, Milan, Italy.  This Zagato Prototype is based on the Hillman Imp chassis.  It was produced for the 1964 London Motor Show.  Only 3 were built.   The bodywork was aluminium. It has a standard lightweight Hillman Imp 875cc motor which was developed from the Coventry Climax engine. It is known as the Zimp. Top speed was about 140kph/87mph.  Chrysler vetoed turning the prototype into reality as it would have been expensive compared to cars like the Mini Cooper or Sunbeam Stilletto.  Nevertheless, a great looking car.