Over-Restored (?) 1971 Sunbeam Imp

The Hillman/Sunbeam Imp is a cool little two-door sedan with its lightweight aluminum engine in the rear and an interesting rally history.  This one appears to have been restored to a high level, but is any Imp worth the $35K asking price?

The seller claims this car was completely disassembled and all parts were restored or replaced.  That’s a lot of parts.  Also, it looks like more of a refurbishment vs. a restoration to factory spec.  In a lot of cases, we don’t get too hung up on that difference, but a premium asking price may only apply to a factory-correct car unless the sum of the mods has yielded a vastly better car.

We hope an agreement can be reached and someone will be able to enjoy this piece of Rootes Group/Hillman/Sunbeam/Chrysler UK history!

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Škocjan, Škocjan, Slovenia
$35,000 BIN with three days to go

Blank face hints at engine location and driving lamps are superb.

Sadly, this is as close as the seller gets to providing a profile shot.

This is something of a money shot for lovers of rear-engine cars.

Interior appears to have been refurbished, but we’re not sure what is original and what’s not.  We’ll bet the stitched leather (or pleather?) isn’t original.

We love the color combo!

Here’s the all-aluminum, 875cc four cylinder, stuffed into the rear.

Ad text:

Selling my restored Sunbeam Hillman IMP, year 1971. I bought the car back in 2015 and spend in overall over 1000 hours in restoring the car. The body and condition of the car are in excellent shape. Driven recreational and competed (successfully) in several vintage car competitions.  

The Hillman Imp is a small economy car made by the Rootes Group and its successor Chrysler Europe from 1963 until 1976. It was the first mass-produced car with the engine block and cylinder head cast in aluminium.

In addition to its aluminium engine, it was the first British car to have an engine in the back and the first car to use a diaphragm spring clutch. 

Engine
The Imp uses an 875 cc all-aluminium power unit, adapted by Rootes from a Coventry Climax FWMA fire pump engine. My work includes engine restoration and new engine gaskets. 

Interior
Interior completely restored in red leather, dark blue floor, new sealing with properly restored dials. 

Exterior
Brought back to its original Electric Blue color (with written origin), layers of body protection properly added as well as new painting. Entirely new or restored chrome exterior also added around the car

Transmission
4 Speed Manual transmission is smooth and responsive. No noises or unusual behavior.

Braking, Steering
Front disc brakes are excellent and operating properly.  Steering is precise and on point. Fresh Alignment.

Battery 
New battery 

Among other things the car was at first properly dismantled,the mechanical parts are either new or restored, chassis in wonderful shape and the audio system is renewed including the installation.

In case of any more information please send me a massage and I will happily come back to you.