Half a century of the Hillman Imp celebrated in Coventry

[dutchman]

Classic car enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Hillman Imp in Coventry.



The Duke of Edinburgh drove the first Imp out of the Rootes factory in Linwood, near Glasgow, in 1963.

Last week, members of the Imp Club gathered at the factory to unveil a plaque marking the anniversary before travelling in convoy to the home of the former Rootes headquarters in Coventry.

On Friday and Saturday around 150 of the cars arrived in Coventry before being displayed in Millennium Place and Broadgate.

Because of its compact size and low running costs, the Imp became a cult vehicle and 4,000 are still registered with the DVLA today.

Ernie Payne, who started working at the factory in 1962, said: “It was a very good car – it was way above the Mini at that time.

“It was way ahead of its time – probably ten years ahead.

“I’m delighted to see as many as there are here in such good condition.

“It makes me wish I had one back again.”

[rebbonk]

Lovely little cars when (if) they ran right.

I learned to drive in one and had the coupe versions.