For first publication morning papers Friday May 3rd
Britain's newest mini-car, the Hillman Imp
The Hillman Imp, with comfortable seating for four. An aluminium power unit - outstanding feature of this new car - develops 42 gross brake horse power at 5,000 r.p.m., producing a top speed of 75 miles per hour.
With the 875 cubic centimetres power unit mounted above the rear wheels and luggage space at the front and the rear, this car is the first to be manufactured in Scotland for over 30 years.
The alunimium engine is a fascinating feature of this new car. Weighing only 170 pounds, approximately half the weight of a similar cast iron engine unit, it gives increased efficiency, lower petrol consumption and reduces wear on tyres and brakes to provide better all-round performance.
The engine is the result of close collaboration between the car manufacturers, Rootes Group, and Coventry Climax, who with their experience of designing racing engineshave been intimatly concerned with aluminium engines.
Another interesting feature of this new car is the use of a completely new accelerator system. This involves the use of air pressure to replace the conventional rod or cable, linking the motion of the accelerator pedal with the carburettor. This unit is simple, economical and, above all, aids driving by increasing sensitivity of control.
Manufacturer: Rootes Group, Devonshire House, Piccadilly, London, ZZZ 110414 (MA20)
April, 1963
Ref. No. RL 781
