Not a Zed but can't remember the last time I saw one of these

[Jack Ratt]

On the M27 near Eastleigh, eastbound, around 6.30am this morning a lovely white Hillman Imp convertible cruising with the top down. Couldn't take a photo as I was driving to work but had a quick search on the web and found this example.

The car I saw this morning was "E" reg, making it circa 1966/67

A rare car

 

[t-tony]

I've never seen one of those mate ! Nice car.

Tony.

 

[hard top]

A girl friend of mine at college owned one back in the late 70's.
And it was white.

 

[Ianmc]

Must be a lot of structural bracing in that car. Don't think it was a factory option?

 

[t-tony]

We're they another Crsyrord special?

Tony.

 

[Low Rider]

These must be really rare

 

[zedwheels]

I remember my Hillman Imp, they should have been named Hillman Limp, horrible little thing it was!!

 

[Redline]

Must be a lot of structural bracing in that car. Don't think it was a factory option?

And a lump of concrete up front I understand was a desirable post delivery option
Won't be many of those around nowadays.

 

[Stevo7682]

The factory in Linwood where they made them is all gone now and most of the site redeveloped but when i was young it was still open .

 

[t-tony]

And I worked on the other "goodies" that came out of Linwood ...............................

Tony.

 

[hard top]

The factory in Linwood

Looks great up there.....

​

And to stay on topic........

 

[mwpe]

I never knew there was a convertible conversion. I had the sunbean Imp Sport. Great little car.

 

[t-tony]

I never knew there was a convertible conversion. I had the sunbean Imp Sport. Great little car.

View attachment 62595

Wasn't that called a Stilletto Mike?

Tony.

 

[mwpe]

Wasn't that called a Stilletto Mike?

Tony.

No the Stilletto was the fastback one based on the Imp Califorian. Mine was the standard shape with just the quad headlights and twin carb engine.

 

[hard top]

I never knew there was a convertible conversion.

Yeah, and I think @t-tony is right, from what I can remember, it was not a factory option.

 

[Grumps]

A girl friend of mine at college owned one back in the late 70's.
And it was white.

You had a girlfriend???????

 

[hard top]

You had a girlfriend???????

Yeah, not into blokes mate, so don't try it on......
Her dad restored cars and she was given the car as a birthday present after she passed her test.

 

[Grumps]

I asked for that

 

[t-tony]

No the Stilletto was the fastback one based on the Imp Califorian. Mine was the standard shape with just the quad headlights and twin carb engine.

Yes, you're right Mike. I had forgotten about the fastback styles. Shouldn't have really as my brother had a Hillman Californian when we w ere kids.

Tony.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Not-so-fond memories of a Hillman Husky (Imp estate) when I were a lad. Guess they'll all be gone by now. Hurrah says I.