Hillman Imp: The Unlikely Rally Legend

The Hillman Imp, often remembered as a charming, compact economy car, holds a fascinating and somewhat unexpected chapter in the annals of British motorsport. Far from its initial design as a response to fuel shortages and the burgeoning small car market, the Imp transformed into a formidable competitor on rally stages across the UK and Europe. Its story is one of innovative engineering, dedicated teams, and a surprising capacity for performance that defied its modest origins.

The Imp's Rallying Genesis: When Did It Become a Rally Car?

While the Hillman Imp first graced showrooms on 3rd May 1963, it wasn't long before its inherent capabilities were recognised for competition. The definitive moment when the Imp truly became a rally car was in 1964. This was the year the Rootes Group, the manufacturer behind the Imp, introduced a crucial homologation special: the aptly named Rally Imp. This wasn't merely a standard Imp with a few stickers; it was a purpose-built machine designed to meet competition regulations and exploit the car's potential.

The standard Imp, known internally as the APEX project, was born from the necessity following the 1956 Suez Crisis, which created a huge demand for economical, low-fuel-consumption vehicles. While initially conceived as a practical city car, its advanced features laid the groundwork for its motorsport future. It boasted the first British mass-produced engine block and cylinder head cast in aluminium, a water-cooled four-cylinder unit inspired by the Coventry Climax FWMA engine, and an all-aluminium alloy overhead camshaft. Coupled with a full-synchromesh aluminium transaxle – a feature Sir Alec Issigonis of Mini fame once deemed 'impossible' for all forward gears – the Imp was mechanically sophisticated for its era. Its rear-mounted engine was canted at a 45° angle to lower the centre of gravity, optimising road-holding, and it featured a relatively costly and sophisticated semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension, atypical for small cars at the time, designed to counteract the oversteer characteristic of rear-engined vehicles.

The Rally Imp, however, took these foundations and pushed them further. The most significant modification was the enlargement of its engine to 998 cc. This larger engine, unlike the standard 875 cc unit, utilised expensive wet-liners, indicating it was not intended for typical road use but specifically for competition and further tuning. This strategic development in 1964 truly marked the Imp's official entry into the competitive rally arena, setting the stage for its subsequent successes.

Early Triumphs and Legendary Drivers (1964-1966)

The introduction of the Rally Imp quickly paid dividends, with the car enjoying modest yet significant success in both club and international rallying. Rootes' factory-backed efforts, alongside privateer entries, propelled the Imp into the limelight. The car’s lightweight nature, combined with its advanced engine and suspension, made it surprisingly agile and competitive, especially in its class.

One of the most iconic achievements for the Imp came in 1965 at the Tulip Rally. This event saw the works Imps secure a remarkable first and second overall finish, driven by the legendary Rosemary Smith and "Tiny" Lewis, respectively. Rosemary Smith, a pioneering female rally driver, became synonymous with the Imp's success, collecting numerous accolades. Her skill behind the wheel, combined with the Imp’s capabilities, proved to be a potent combination.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the Imp’s notable rally successes during its peak competitive years:

Beyond these notable examples, the Imp garnered over sixty outright wins, class wins, and team prizes in rallies and racing events. It was often the smallest and slowest serious contender, yet consistently punched above its weight. The Alan Fraser racing team, in particular, achieved sixteen first places and seven lap records, with drivers like Jacqui Smith, Bernard Unett, Nick Brittan, and Ray Calcutt contributing to the Imp’s formidable reputation on the track.

Rootes' Motorsport Withdrawal and the Imp's Enduring Legacy

Despite the Hillman Imp's impressive track record and the significant laurels it brought to the Rootes Group, a surprising announcement came in 1969: Rootes were withdrawing from motorsport. This decision, as stated by the company, was based on a re-evaluation of the commercial value versus the cost of achieving top honours in the sport, especially with a limited number of participating manufacturers. This decision was met with disappointment by many, given the Imp's recent successes, including a victory in the London-Sydney Marathon by a Hillman Hunter (another Rootes product) and the Imp's own successes in Rallycross and economy runs.

The withdrawal of factory support did not, however, spell the end of the Imp's competitive career. The robust design of the Rally Imp, combined with its dedicated following, ensured its continued presence in motorsport, particularly in the realm of historic rallying. Even today, decades after its production ceased in 1976, the Hillman Imp remains a surprisingly popular choice in various competition categories, demonstrating its inherent rally pedigree. Its popularity extends beyond the UK, with a strong following in countries like Finland, where many Imps still compete.

The Imp in Post-Works Competition: A Continued Presence

After Rootes' official pull-out, privateers and dedicated teams continued to campaign the Imp with considerable success. The car’s compact size, excellent handling, and tunability made it a favourite for enthusiasts looking for a competitive yet accessible rally car. The rules for historic rallying in the UK, laid down by the RAC (now Motorsport UK), require cars to have either an RAC Historic Vehicle identity form or an FIA document. Crucially, the original homologation papers produced by Rootes for the Imp are essential, as they detail all the legal modifications that can be added. These papers covered two main specifications: one for Touring Cars up to 875 Sports Specification and another for GT cars – the 998 Imps.

Numerous drivers and teams have kept the Imp's rally flame alive. Malcolm Anderson, Ron Beswick & Stuart Preacher (who won the 1974 Cambrian Rally in a 998cc Hillman Imp with petrol injection), Dick Lust (winning a class in the 1977 Pirelli Car and Car Conversions Rally championship), and Timo Saaristo (competing in Finnish historic rallies with his son) are just a few examples. The continued activity highlights the Imp's enduring appeal in the motorsport community.

Addressing Specific Queries

What Car Did Bob Shearer Drive in the Coronation Rally?

Regarding Bob Shearer and the Coronation Rally, the provided information does not explicitly state that Bob Shearer drove in the Coronation Rally. However, it does mention that Jack Salter chose to enter the 1986 Coronation Rally for historic cars in South Wales, driving his 1967 Imp Californian, which he had converted into a rally car. In its most basic rally condition, Salter's Imp Californian achieved a very creditable 47th overall and an excellent 4th in its class in that event. Bob Shearer is noted to have rallied a Hillman (Rallye?) Imp from 1965, which was rebuilt between 2000-2001, indicating his involvement with the Imp in competition generally, but not specifically in the Coronation Rally according to the provided text.

Why the Imp Excelled in Rallying

Despite its initial reputation for some reliability issues in its standard road-going form (mainly due to poor cooling of the rear engine and a lack of understanding of alloy engine maintenance among owners and the motor trade in the 1960s), the Hillman Imp possessed several key attributes that made it an excellent rally car when properly prepared:

• Lightweight Construction: The all-aluminium engine and other lightweight components contributed to a favourable power-to-weight ratio for its class.
• Advanced Suspension: The sophisticated semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension, unusual for a small car, offered superior handling and grip, particularly on varied rally surfaces.
• Rear-Engine Traction: The rear-engine layout provided excellent traction, especially beneficial on loose or slippery surfaces commonly found in rallying.
• Manoeuvrability: Its compact size and nimble handling made it agile through tight sections and technical stages.
• Tunability: The 998cc engine, designed with competition in mind, offered significant scope for tuning, allowing teams to extract more power.

These features, combined with the dedication of Rootes' competition department and later, privateer teams, allowed the Imp to overcome its 'economy car' image and carve out a significant place in rally history.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hillman Imp in Rallying

Was the Hillman Imp originally designed for rallying?

No, the Hillman Imp was initially conceived as an economical small car, developed in response to the 1956 Suez Crisis and to compete with the BMC Mini. However, its advanced engineering, particularly its lightweight aluminium engine and sophisticated suspension, provided an excellent platform that Rootes quickly adapted for motorsport, leading to the introduction of the dedicated Rally Imp in 1964.

Who were the most successful rally drivers of the Hillman Imp?

Among the most successful rally drivers of the Hillman Imp, Rosemary Smith stands out prominently. She achieved numerous victories and class wins, including an outright victory in the 1965 Tulip Rally. Other notable drivers include "Tiny" Lewis, Pollard, Baines, and those associated with the Alan Fraser racing team, who secured many successes on both rally stages and circuits.

Are Hillman Imps still used in motorsport today?

Yes, the Hillman Imp continues to be a popular and competitive car in various forms of motorsport, particularly in historic rallying. Its enduring appeal lies in its compact size, excellent handling characteristics, and the availability of parts and expertise within dedicated communities. Many enthusiasts participate in events across the UK and internationally, ensuring the Imp's rallying legacy lives on.

If you want to read more articles similar to Hillman Imp: The Unlikely Rally Legend, you can visit the Automotive category.