1966 Hillman Imp
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Class: Sedan Origin:  United KingdomPlayable and downloadable vehicle Weekly Car Pass (since 01/31/2019) or Icons Car Pack |
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Contributor: speedfreak975
Contributor: speedfreak975
Contributor: speedfreak975
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| Author | Message |
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| Despite being released with high hopes and getting much positive media attention at the time of its launch, the Hillman Imp was a commercial failure that was largely responsible for its parent group, the Rootes Group, getting into financial difficulties and being taken over by Chrysler to become part of Chrysler Europe in 1967. Designed as a small economy car that was to compete mainly with BMC's hugely popular Mini, it was, at first, hailed for its modern design, good road handling, and innovations like a motor block made completely of aluminum and an opening rear window that, together with a folding backseat, allowed for decent luggage space. However, it was criticized for having a rear engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, while the Mini had paved the way for front engine, front-wheel drive small cars. But the main problem that soon damaged its reputation was poor quality control at the new, purpose-built Linwood plant, and an underdeveloped design that was rushed into production within three years of planning. Quality issues included the frequent failure of gearboxes and water pumps, poor engine cooling that often resulted in motors overheating, and generally poor production quality and panel fit. As a result, the Imp never sold as well as the Rootes Group had expected, and never even came close to the sales of the Mini. The car was largely responsible for financial losses that almost bankrupted the Rootes Group, leading to a takeover by Chrysler. The Imp was featured in the books "The Worst Cars Ever Sold" by Giles Chapman and "Naff Motors: 101 Automotive Lemons" by Tony Davis. It was named among "The Five Worst English Cars of All Time" in a 2012 article on askaprice.com and ranked the 5th worst British car in a 2008 survey of 4,000 motorists by internet magazine iMotormag. Hotcars.com ranked it #3 in its list of the 20 worst European cars of all time, and the Oxford Mail included it in its "The worst car evah!" series. Despite this, it remained in production until 1976, replaced a year later by a new hatchback model, the Chrysler Sunbeam. | |
| This was in James May's cars of the people,so it went in FH4 car list. | |
| Interesting. Seems some actual manufactuer have the Rights of the Hillman Brand. Prehaps Peugeot like Talbot and Sunbeam? | |
| BeanBandit wrote This one I've waited. Parempi ilman kuin Hillman?  (For non-Finnish speakers, that's an old joke about this car.) | |
| This will be a lot of fun. I take it it's in the Cult Cars class? | |
| This one I've waited. | |
| Hillman is in, another one to cross out! |
