1963 One of the only three prototypes built by Zagato For Sale

This is one of the rarest gems of my collection. I decided to downsize and this has to go.


One of the only three prototypes Carrozzeria Zagato built on the running gear of the Hillman Imp, named "Zimp", and introduced at the 1964 Earls Court Motor Show.


The Hillman Imp, a highly advanced new small car, was launched in 1963. The engine was an extremely light, mainly aluminium 875cc unit and was based on the ‘Coventry Climax FWMA’ Le Mans class-winning racer. The Imp had many other advantages, including all independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, an all synchromesh gearbox and a diaphragm spring clutch.


The Imp was produced in a new factory in Linwood, Scotland. Competition came from the highly popular Mini.


Zagato in Italy decided to produce the Zimp, via its recently formed British Zagato Company, as a fine example of the combination of British technology and Italian styling flair. Rootes agreed and three Imps were dispatched to Italy to be rebodied, using the floorpans and mechanics of the successful Imp. Ercole Spada, chief stylist for the Zagato design studio during the 1960’ designed the new car with very advanced lines. An interesting sketch of the ZIMP from E. Spada is featured on the recently published book "Zagato e Spada designer".

After the launch however the Zimp never really took off and just three were built. Stories at that time suggested that the model may have been ‘killed off’ by Rootes prior to the introduction of the Imp Californian due to fears that the Zimp would be too much competition.

This important Zagato has been featured in few British publications, including Auto Italiana, Small Car, Classic and Sports Car and Classic Cars. It has been regularly ‘exercised’ on the road and has been cared for all the time since the restoration. The car is very light, it is an "ode to aluminum". It was restored maintaining the "hand-made prototype spirit", not over-restored.

Everything works properly, including the mechanism to lift the front eyelids.
I have huge history file with an engaging content, including very rare never published photos from Zagato factory.


I can send many pictures of my car to thé interested parties.


Thank you for your attention on this significant piece of one of the iconic Italian coachbuilder's history.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

Converted to Mulliner adaptation spec at huge cost by the owner for himself. Unlike most this magnificent S3 was originally a 2 owner 72,000 mile car from new in exceptional condition, so the conversion was a straight forward project and correctly executed with strengthening added to the body . Finished in Pewter with ...

72,000
24 Mar 2024
London
Verified Dealer (see stock)

1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider Coachwork by Touring This very well-preserved 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider remains in highly original condition with a well-preserved and nicely detailed interior, original Sekurit-etched glass, and an uncommonly original engine compartment retaining the original Solex carburetors, clamps, ...

21 Mar 2024
United States

RARE LOW MILAGE: 1963 Rambler 440 Convertible, 2 Owner 83087 Actual Miles. Equipped With The 196- 3.2 Overhead Valve Engine With The Twin Stick 3 Speed Overdrive Transmission. Power Top Appears To Be Original And In Working Order. Motor Trend Car Of The Year, Just Out Of 26 Year Storage In A Container. First Time Offered, ...

83,087
21 Mar 2024
United States

The Bristol 408 was hand built between 1963 and 1965. At the time of launch at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1963 where it won the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders bodywork prize, it was more expensive than an Aston Martin DB5 or an AC Cobra, and with its powerful Chrysler 5.2-litre V8 engine was faster ...

19 Mar 2024
Australia

The Mercedes-Benz W 113 is a two-seat roadster/coupé introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show It was produced from 1963 to 1971 and replaced both the 300 SL (W 198) and 190 SL (W 121 BII) All models were equipped with a six-cylinder in-line engine with injection The relatively short and wide chassis combined with an ...

1,500
19 Mar 2024
Denmark

1963 Maserati Sebring 3500GTi Series I This 1963 Maserati Series I Sebring is a beautiful original matching numbers example and an excellent driver. Highly attractive silver with red leather interior. It's one of just 348 Series I Sebrings produced and is offered with the desirable ZF 5-Speed Manual Gearbox. Coachwork ...

19 Mar 2024
United States

History In the late 1950s, Avv. Giovanni Agnelli commissioned Mario Felice Boano to build the first car to be used at the sea or lake as a 'tender' from the boat to the house. The first Spiaggina was born. Boano made two very famous examples, one for Agnelli and the other for Onassis (whose photo with Churchill in ...

19 Mar 2024
Italy
Verified Dealer (see stock)
11
Picture of 1963 Iso Grifo A3C Bizzarrini - For Sale

1963 Iso Grifo A3/C Prototype Works prototype A3/C and 1963 Turin show car Test car for 1964 Le Mans, raced Nürburgring and Monza One of less than 20 alloy riveted cars by Drogo Goodwood RAC TT winner Outstandingly restored This is the works prototype Iso A3/C – the Turin motor show car, tested at Le Mans ...

17 Mar 2024
Hertfordshire
Premium Dealer (see stock)
11
Picture of 1963 Iso Grifo A3C Bizzarrini - For Sale

1963 Iso Grifo A3/C Prototype Works prototype A3/C and 1963 Turin show car Test car for 1964 Le Mans, raced Nürburgring and Monza One of less than 20 alloy riveted cars by Drogo Goodwood RAC TT winner Outstandingly restored This is the works prototype Iso A3/C – the Turin motor show car, tested at Le Mans in ‘64, ...

15 Mar 2024
London
Premium Dealer (see stock)

1963 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III adaptation (Convertible) by H.J. Mulliner. Originally ordered by Sir Hugh Fraser at Jack Barclay's Mayfair showroom. He managed to squeeze his order in between Tony Curtis and and Sammy Davis Junior! Finished in its original colour scheme of Astral Blue with Beige leather, SDW 63 is just ...

27,600
15 Mar 2024
London
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Jaguar MK II 3.8 S in restoration LHD with folding sunroof Rare 3.8 S engine with manual transmission Complete restoration of body, interior equipment, technique Original very well preserved interior Opalescent Gunmetal / red leather interior The picture is an example as the vehicle is currently in restoration For ...

14 Mar 2024
Germany