Hillman Imp Californian

Manufacturer	Rootes Group
Class	Sports car
Production	1967 to 1970
Assembly	Linwood, Scotland
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	RR layout
Engine	875 cc Straight-4 Overhead camshaft
Transmission	4-speed manual all-synchromesh.
Wheelbase	82 in, 2,083 mm
Length	139 in, 3,531 mm
Width	60.25 in, 1,530 mm
Height	52.50 in, 1,333 mm
Dry weight	1,523 1b, 691 kg
Max Speed	80 mph, 128.8 km/h
Price new	£713 inc

The Hillman Imp Californian was a rear-engine coupe car, manufactured under the Hillman marque by the Rootes Group (later Chrysler Europe) from 1967 to 1970.

History

The Imp Californian coupe, was introduced in 1967 at the same time as the van's pressings were used to create an estate car. This coupe had 2 doors with 4 seats the front seats separate units with reclining backrests the divided rear seating the rear seats can be folded down for extra luggage space. Instruments, Speedometer, fuel gauge and warning lights for flashing indicators, oil pressure/water temperature,
headlamp main beam and ignition. Interior light and panel illumination. 

The coupe bodyshell was similar to the standard body mk 2 imps but featured a more shallow-raked windscreen and rear window which, unlike that on the standard bodied cars, could not be opened. The attempt at a sportier design did not translate into better acceleration or top speed figures and the aerodynamics of the standard saloon were actually slightly better. The new body style made its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October 1967, with the introduction of the sporting Sunbeam Stiletto. The coupe body had also appeared, with less powerful engines, in the Hillman Imp Californian announced in January 1967 and the more luxurious Singer Chamois coupe. By 1967 the company had been acquired by Chrysler, to become part of Chrysler Europe. A year later, ahead of the 1968 London Motor Show, the recommended retail prices of most Imp models were reduced for the domestic market by more than four per cent, despite the general price inflation affecting the UK.

Rear-engine cars generally suffer from oversteer handling characteristics to some extent, and to counteract this as much as possible, the Imp had a semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension system the distribution of weight was 38% to the front axle, and 62% rear axle. This relatively costly and sophisticated solution, typical for small car design at the time, was insisted upon by its designers after testing at length a Chevrolet Corvair with swing axles. To attain balanced handling, the Imp actually used swing axle geometry at the front, but this initially led to too much understeer and the camber was later reduced by lowering the pivot points. 

Standard features self-parking screen wipers with heavy duty motor. two sun visors,headlamp flasher switch, zone toughened windscreen. builton heating and ventilation with blower unit. screen-washers,four stowage pockets. front quarter-lights, floor carpeting. ashtrays, padded armrests on rear side pockets, door operated interior light. twin-tone hornsand wheel-trim discs.

Colour schemes
Signal Red with Black upholstery ,Ming Blue with Blue upholstery ,Polar White with Black upholstery ,Polar White with Blue upholstery
Lincoln Green with Black upholstery ,Golden Bronze Metallic with Black upholstery

OPTIONAL EXTRAS. White-wall tyres, Smiths Radiomobile, reversing light, overriders, seat belts, etc.

The Imp's engine was mounted behind the rear wheels, slanted over at 45° to fit. This was done to keep the center of gravity low and to minimize its effects on the roadholding of the car, a 4 stroke water cooled with 4 cylinders slanted at 45°, in line. fitted with 1 Solex 30 PlH-5 semi-downdraught single barrel carburettor .Fitted to a 4 speed mechanical gearbox with synchromesh gears on  1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

Performance

• Engine Capacity 53.39 cu in, 875 cu cm
• Fuel Consumption 43.7 m/imp gal, 36.2 m/US gal, 6.5 1 x 100 km
• Max Speed 80 mph, 128.8 km/h
• Max power (SAE): 42 hp at 5,000 rpm
• Max torque (SAE): 56 1b ft, 7.7 kg m at 2,800 rpm
• Max engine rpm: 5,600
• Specific power: 48 hp/l
• Power- weight ratio: 36.2 lb/hp, 16.4 kg/hp
• Acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 21.8 sec, 0—50 mph (0—80 km/h) 14.6 sec
• Speed in top at 1,000 rpm: 15.1 mph, 24.3 km/h.
• Export engine
• Max power (SAE) 37 hp at 4,900 rpm
• Max torque (SAE) 53 1b ft, 7.3 kg m 2,800 rpm
• 8 compression ratio
• 42.3 hp/l specific power.