On Mon, 10 Jul 1995, Bob Stiles wrote:
> A friend of mine, a novice dealer and ex-mechanic, recently uncovered a
> cache of unique automobiles in rural Texas. He spotted a Sunbeam Imp.
> According to his description, the car had a little bondo, but was mostly
> rust free. The previous owner had wired a set of wild toggle switches to
> all sorts of bizarre accessories, but the interior was o.k. and the engine
> fired right up and didn't smoke. My friend couldn't take it for a test ride
> because the brake master cylinder was shot. He is definitely intrigued
> with the Imp as possibly a short term personal car.
>
> I've been looking for information on the Imp, with only a little luck.
> Anyone out there have any experience / advice / warnings or general
> information on the Imp? Engine options, handling characteristics, etc.
> would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
I own an Imp and I still don't know much about the car. Imps were
manufactured from 1963 to 1975 but were not very successful
selling in the US. They were made with a small engine (875cc) although
some were modified for racing. The basic engine used simple manifolds
with a single carburetor and the sportier versions used dual carbs.
(I know of one that was in Seattle rigged with four motorcycle
carbs!) The ride is rather stiff and noisy, especially if the
soundproffing is in bad condition (mine is). Typical problems are
overheating (early radiators tended to plug easily), electrical
shorts (no fuses!), and hard to find parts. The only parts vendor
I have found in the US is Kip Motor Co in Dallas(?). There is
an active Imp club in England and they supply a list of vendors
in England. I have a repair manual (ok, a copy of it), and
a "shade tree" mechanics guide for the Imp.
Unfortunately, Imps are not highly regarded. Most people would
steer clear of it. BTW, where is it?
Robert
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