Sunbeam Imp Sport, EYU 897J

Sunbeam Imp Sport

Owner: Gary Mathews

Model: Sunbeam Imp Sport

Reg.: EYU 897J

Year: 1971

Colour: Rover flame red

Engine: 998cc

Imp Sport history:
Performance. Luxury. Economy. Easy to handle. Precise in control. Safe. Smart. 55bhp. Top speed up to 90mph. 36 to 43 mpg.
875cc engine of aluminium die-cast construction, with a new cylinderhead

• Strengthened pistons
• Twin Zenith/Stromberg 125 CD carburettors
• high lift camshaft
• Large inlet and exhaust valves, double valve springs
• 4-branch exhaust manifold, twin outlets to silencer
• Air filter with renewable paper elements
• Engine oil cooler
• high-speed fan belt
• 4-speed all-synchromesh gears
• Large, self adjusting hydraulic clutch
• Rack-and-pinion steering
• Instruments include 100mph Speedo, ammeter and water temperature gauges
• Routine servicing only every 5,000 miles

The block, crank and transmission needed no changes. But the cylinderhead was completely new. It had reprofiled ports and water passages, larger inlet valves (1.27" instead of 1.18"), double valve springs, and a high lift camshaft. Not only that, but there was carburettion by twon horizontal 1.25" choke Zenith-Stromberg carburettors, a four branch tubular exhaust manifold, and an engine oil cooler mounted behind the engine, close to the rear deck. All these Sports had their engine lids slatted with 'ventilation blind' to aid oil and water cooling.
To deal with the high temperatures, the exhaust valves were made of a very tough alloy: 28/30/4NS
The head design was slightly altered to make for better cooling around the valve seats.
Carburation was set rich over 4,000 rev. so as not to have a weak mixture at speed - again to protect the exhaust valves.

Special accessories: Seat belts; Smiths'Radio mobile etc.

Colour schemes:

• Signal red with black upholstery
• Ming blue with blue upholstery
• Polar White with black upholstery
• Polar White with blue upholstery
• Lincoln Green metallic with black upholstery
• Golden Bronze metallic with black upholstery

Upholstery:
In October 1968, with the designation of the Mark 2, the trim of the Sunbeam Imp Sport was downgraded to Super Imp styles. Although the instrumentation was more up to date, the ergonomics of the older car were superior.

The name Sunbeam Imp Sport was replaced in April 1970 by Sunbeam Sport. It would gain the same front styling and trim as the Stiletto in September 1970.

Its production would continue until the end of the Imp-era: March 1976.
From October 1966 until March 1976 some 10.336 Sports were produced.

In 1973 the Sunbeam Sport came out tops in a group test (Motor 1973, June 2) against some more modern opposition of those days.

EYU 897J History:
Owned from February 2004. Undergone full restoration between February 2004 to November 2005. Used all year around, won various prizes including best Imp Sport and Master Class at Imp National rally 2007, 2008, 2010. Imp Ecosse best Imp Sport 2008, 2010 and 2011.

Modifications:
Super light alloy wheels, Mounty steering wheel, Metro front seats, Inertia seat belts, rev counter, 998cc engine and twin 150CD Stromberg carbs, R17 camshaft.