Hartwell SubaImp
Discussion
Hi Guys, so I didn't want to spoil the other thread but another project I would like to share and document the build of.
So about 3 weeks ago an Imp fitted with a Subaru turbo engine appeared on good old eBay, I called the owner had a chat and was happy he seemed genuine and the car actually ran.
Next thing I know I put in a low bid and 2 hours later I was informed i had won ....... oh well lol
So its basically a 1974 imp shell with the front and back cut off and a complete space frame chassis contructed through and around the original steel shell, a 1994 Subaru wrx thingy was then driven into the back of it and welded in lol with the 4 wheel drive being converted to 2 wheel drive.
Another 94 subaru front subframe and all steering and suspension components was then stuck on the front.
Sounds a bit heath robinson whoever he is but I have to say I am really impressed with the standard of work carried out by the previous owner Alex who did a great job, of course there are bits I don't like but thats personal preference mainly and my OCD lol.
What we now have is a mid engined circa 275 bhp 750kg ? trackcar.
Basically all the oily bits are done, the car starts, stops, brakes, and we drove it onto the trailer home.
As you can see it needs fibreglass arches made onto the already Rawlson style wide body kit, paint, seat, harness, perspex windows, fire system, wheels etc etc.
The plan is to make an exact replica albeit a silhouette of my original car, once the bodywork is complete I will strip off all suspension and powder coat, as you can see suspension is all fully adjustable so should be up to the task after a service.
A few pictures below to get the ball rolling ....
So about 3 weeks ago an Imp fitted with a Subaru turbo engine appeared on good old eBay, I called the owner had a chat and was happy he seemed genuine and the car actually ran.
Next thing I know I put in a low bid and 2 hours later I was informed i had won ....... oh well lol
So its basically a 1974 imp shell with the front and back cut off and a complete space frame chassis contructed through and around the original steel shell, a 1994 Subaru wrx thingy was then driven into the back of it and welded in lol with the 4 wheel drive being converted to 2 wheel drive.
Another 94 subaru front subframe and all steering and suspension components was then stuck on the front.
Sounds a bit heath robinson whoever he is but I have to say I am really impressed with the standard of work carried out by the previous owner Alex who did a great job, of course there are bits I don't like but thats personal preference mainly and my OCD lol.
What we now have is a mid engined circa 275 bhp 750kg ? trackcar.
Basically all the oily bits are done, the car starts, stops, brakes, and we drove it onto the trailer home.
As you can see it needs fibreglass arches made onto the already Rawlson style wide body kit, paint, seat, harness, perspex windows, fire system, wheels etc etc.
The plan is to make an exact replica albeit a silhouette of my original car, once the bodywork is complete I will strip off all suspension and powder coat, as you can see suspension is all fully adjustable so should be up to the task after a service.
A few pictures below to get the ball rolling ....
Edited by TISPKJ on Monday 28th October 09:50
Sounds really interesting.
I think something went wrong with the pictures though.
I remember my brother, who was in to Imps at the time, telling me that someone had made a mid engined one with a Cosworth DFV, but I can't find anything online about it.
An Imp with that sort of power output could seriously dent some egos out there on the road
I think something went wrong with the pictures though.
I remember my brother, who was in to Imps at the time, telling me that someone had made a mid engined one with a Cosworth DFV, but I can't find anything online about it.
An Imp with that sort of power output could seriously dent some egos out there on the road
TISPKJ said:
Still won’t load .....
Possibly this https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Finally sorted photos guys but currently means emailing to myself downloading to desktop and then doing via my PC
So gives you all an idea of what we have, currently fitted seat brackets both sides, drivers seat, battery master switch and pull cables, and currently making and fitting new dash to replicate as much as I can the real one in my other car.
Few more photos below, should have dash completed for photo tonight ....
Cheers
So gives you all an idea of what we have, currently fitted seat brackets both sides, drivers seat, battery master switch and pull cables, and currently making and fitting new dash to replicate as much as I can the real one in my other car.
Few more photos below, should have dash completed for photo tonight ....
Cheers
Well I like it. 
and well by the looks , fantastic project 
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff