The Diecast Zone · Model Car Club Since 1997
Diecast Collector Forums
Eight forums, every scale, and thirty years of shop talk — new arrivals, restorations, reviews, and the finds you won’t see posted anywhere else, with the full archive back to 2002 restored and searchable. Free to Register.
8Forums
195,000+Topics
1,276,000+Posts
10,000+Members
1997Research From
Notifications
Clear all
Forum 43
7
Posts
6
Users
24
Reactions
3,106
Views
Topic starter
14/04/2021 10:47 am
DINKY TOYS No. 138 HILLMAN IMP
I had a friend in Ontario, Canada in the 1960s that had one of these (Called Sunbeam Imp in Canada). I joined him as navigator in several rallies. The car was a very successful rally car in Europe. Here is the Dinky Toys version:
The model was introduced in 1963 and discontinued in 1973. Shown is the first issue. The interior was later changed from red to cream and the final version was painted metallic red.
The Hillman Imp, a direct competitor to the BMC Mini , is a small economy car that was made by the Rootes Group and its successor Chrysler Europe from 1963 until 1976. Revealed on 3 May 1963, after much advance publicity, it was the first British mass-produced car with the engine block and cylinder head cast in aluminium. It was manufactured at the purpose-built Linwood plant in Scotland.
Engine: 875 cc, 998 cc straight-4 overhead camshaft water cooled aluminium block
Manufacturer: Rootes Group (1963–1967); Chrysler Europe (1967–1976)
14/04/2021 2:37 pm
And don't forget the resin Bijou transkit for the Vanguards Imp making a van. Maybe this was known as a Commer?
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
14/04/2021 9:29 pm
I always wanted the little green Imp but never got one. But I do have the Corgi Hillman and Sunbeam rally cars.
Topic starter
14/04/2021 10:57 pm
These are a wonderful pair to have. I'd love to add them to me collection. My friend's Sunbeam Imp was the same colour.
Harv Goranson and Harv Goranson reacted