The Hillman Imp
Discussion
swiveleyedgit said:
Many years ago one of my mates bought one of these, the Bond 875...
... not this actual one, picture stolen from the internet, I don't remember all the details but some bright spark had shoved a breathed on motor in the back. To this day it remains the most dangerous vehicle I've ever travelled in, it went like s
t off a shovel but that was it's only party trick. My mate used to commute from Dartford in Kent to Rosyth dockyard in the bloody thing, he was an apprentice in the RN at the time, and would have to replace the brake linings after practically every trip.
The Bond 875 always looked frightening enough in standard trim, with the detuned van engine. I guess the rear-mounted lump made them handle better than the Reliant Regal, though. ... not this actual one, picture stolen from the internet, I don't remember all the details but some bright spark had shoved a breathed on motor in the back. To this day it remains the most dangerous vehicle I've ever travelled in, it went like s
t off a shovel but that was it's only party trick. My mate used to commute from Dartford in Kent to Rosyth dockyard in the bloody thing, he was an apprentice in the RN at the time, and would have to replace the brake linings after practically every trip. 
gareth_r said:
Wasn't there an "upgrade" involving the later, stronger block from a Chrysler/Talbot Sunbeam (or is my memory playing tricks)?
Yes, the 928cc engine from a "1.0L" Sunbeam will fit, although some work is needed. Either the scroll must be machined from the Imp crank so the oil seal can be used, or the Imp flywheel drilled to fit to the Talbot crank (five bolt fixing rather than four bolt). The Talbot crank also needs to be drilled to allow the longer Imp first motion shaft to fit inside and an extra sleeve added between the Imp bearing (can't remember the name, it's the one that stops the first motion shaft flapping around in the end of the crank) that slides in the end of the crankshaft to support the Imp bearing - the hold in the Talbot crankshaft is shallower and larger diameter.The Imp front cover over the cam chain is needed as the Talbot has completely different engine mountings, and I seem to recall having to do something creative to mount the alternator. Obviously Imp cylinder head, sump, oil pickup etc are required as the Talbot engine runs upright rather than at 45 degrees.
As you may be able to tell, I've done this conversion. 20 years ago, when you could still get a Talbot short engine new from Speedy spares for £100 and an Imp crank for £40.
neutral 3 said:
I'm trying to save a very original, late 60s one at the moment, in a very period nice color, will post some details and photos if I do.
Please do!My brother is a big fan and has 3. A Californian he restored about 5 years ago, then bought an early MK1 to restore (it still had the hudraulic throttle!), he too intends to restore this as period.
I love them too, but I love my MGB V8 and Anglia 105E too much to substitute...
Zagato Imp (Zimp) on ebay right at the moment, time ending shortly.
Can someone post link plz as having temporary probs with my phone.
Beautiful car, one of 3 I believe. Rare chance to see one.
Edit - this is the link
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/One-of-the-only-three-pr...
Can someone post link plz as having temporary probs with my phone.
Beautiful car, one of 3 I believe. Rare chance to see one.
Edit - this is the link
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/One-of-the-only-three-pr...
Edited by quiraing on Sunday 31st May 13:07
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