Car & Classic Dealer

Martin Howey Classics

Thirsk Yorkshire

1967 HILLMAN IMP CALIFORNIAN (COUPE) AWARD WINNER, STUNNING For Sale

WINNER OF BEST HILLMAN IN SHOW AT LAST YEAR'S PASSION FOR POWER CLASSIC CAR SHOW AT TATTON PARK.

Well, here we have an absolutely outstanding Imp Californian which, as most of you will be aware, was the fastback version of the Hillman Imp. Not only is the coupe version mega-rare, it is in my opinion the best looking model. The small Rootes Group car with the rear engine suits the sleek lines so well - and this unmolested example is about as good as you could possibly wish to find.

It's a Mark II Imp, having amongst other features the original dashboard which was so praised in its day for being so well designed. But rather than waffle on about Mark Is, IIs and the later Chrysler-owned III, let me touch upon just how special this Impish looking Californian really is.

The previous owner took great pride in telling me that the vehicle has never been welded, pointing out that at its recent MoT, the tester removed a small area of waxoyl from the underside as he was half expecting to find some evidence of repair work. He realised very quickly that the underside rust proofing had been there to do its job. All he could uncover was original metal work! Beneath the carpets, the interior floor pans have been treated to a clear waxoyl over the years. This turns a kind of whitish shade with age but you can easily remove it if you wish. Underneath it you will find the original gold painted floors.

Probably understandably, she has been painted at some stage in her original metallic gold colour. But that does not make her a restored car. She is quite the opposite of that. She is simply a 50-year-old car (sorry, her 50th birthday is still four days away as I pen this description so I shall have to bake a cake!) and an absolutely delightful example at that!

Two years ago, she picked up a national award. She won a Third in her class at the Hillman Imp National Rally. But wait for this, and I have the trophy here on my desk. Last year she won the best Hillman at the Tatton Park Passion for Power classic car show, attended by around 2, 000 classics. Make your own mind up.

Body-wise, she is stunning, super straight and slick. If I was to tell you that the only obvious imperfection I can find is about one-third the size of your little finger nail, then I guess that kind of paints the overall picture. I am not saying she is perfect. Nothing is that from the second it leaves the showroom. But you would probably award her a nine out of ten for appearance!

With a speedo reading of just 46, 000, she nips along beautifully. Again, I was told that the engine has been rebuilt and that there are no hints of any overheating which of course was a problem with the Imp design.

The original black interior is delightful as are the ergonomically designed speedo, dials and switches which sit so proudly right in front of the driver. A small piece of stitching has come way on the driver's seat behind where the right shoulder rests. I am being picky and an easy repair.

She has an MoT until July 2018 and is ready for her new owner. I doubt you will be able to google up other Californians in order to make comparisons because, when I looked, there weren't any more out there! So go, be different. Brilliantly backed by the thriving and active Imp Club, these 1960s gems offer so many smiles to the gallon as well as true period motoring.

I accept all major debit/ credit cards and a ten per cent deposit is required at the point of sale with the balance due within three days. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.

All my classic cars are treated as the equivalent of motoring antiques. This one, for example, is 50-years-old. They cannot be compared to the wife's six-month-old Chelsea tractor and they are bound to come with imperfections, quirks and bits and pieces that will need attention even if it is some time in the future. They do however come with oodles of charm, appeal and are there to be loved like a family pet. If you are new to the classic car scene, then please bear all this in mind. Demand is outstripping supply these days and they don't make the old girls any more. So, make some allowances and drive away with a smile on your face! Thanks for reading, Martin. the details below).

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