1970 Hillman Imp De-Luxe review from UK and Ireland

Gearboxes have proved to be quite weak, but usually when they are going to go you get plenty of warning.

The original engine blew it's head gasket due to a clogged radiator, however replacing the radiator and fitting the Imp Sport specification engine have resulted in ultra reliability from the engine.

The king pins seized after a year or so, probably because I didn't grease them enough.

I've done extensive work to the car including fitting plusher seats, Spax shock absorbers, lowering springs, alloys, Weber carburettor, Janspeed exhaust and various other tweaks. This has resulted in a seriously good fun car, which in the dry is tremendous fun.

The car is well supported by a good network of specialists and a superb owners club.

The cabin is light and airy, the controls are all well placed, and there are acres of head room even for very tall passengers, although rear seat leg room is somewhat restricted now that the front has got plusher seats in it.

The opening rear hatch is very useful, but when first acquired leaked badly. Fitting new seals from one of the specialists cured this immediately.

Tuned Imps are very good fun, but lose some of the comfort of the standard cars. The standard cars are quiet and provide superb ride quality. Tuned Imps tend to be noisy and a bit rattly.

The car is extremely cheap to run.