From Down at the barns.
The Hillman Imp was Britain’s bold answer to the Mini — a rear-engined, aluminium-blocked revolution built at Linwood in Scotland. Ingenious, lightweight, and packed with innovation, it should have been a world-beater. Instead, the Imp became one of Britain’s most misunderstood classics.
In this episode of Classic Car Stories, we explore the fascinating history of the Rootes Group’s ambitious small car, uncover the clever engineering that set the Imp apart, and ask whether this little British icon deserves a second chance today.
If you grew up with an Imp or remember seeing them on the roads, share your memories in the comments — every classic has a story to tell.
⸻
🎥 Watch Next
🚘 From Dagenham to Corsica – The Mk1 Zephyr Six Convertible Story -https://youtu.be/XFZpN7Sxi4c
🏎️ I Built a Car With a Car | Ferrari P4 Replica Story –
⸻
🔧 Affiliate Partner
Proudly supported by CBS Car Builder Solutions — everything you need to keep your classic running beautifully, and you get 10% off your first order
🧰 Support the channel and browse their full range here:
⸻
🕰️ Chapters
00:00 – The Clever Little Car That Britain Got Wrong
00:45 – How It All Began at Linwood
01:30 – Clever Engineering, Costly Mistakes
02:45 – Mini Rivalry
03:30 – Legacy of the Hillman Imp
⸻
🧾 Car Details
• Model: Hillman Imp (1963–1976)
• Manufacturer: Rootes Group
• Engine: 875cc aluminium straight-four
• Factory: Linwood, Scotland
• Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
• Special features: Lightweight design, rally heritage, clever cooling system
⸻
📺 About the Channel
Welcome to Classic Car Stories — Every classic has a story to tell.
Join Adam Poulton as he explores the people, history, and emotion behind the world’s most fascinating cars — from barn finds and restorations to rare survivors still on the road.
Subscribe and hit the bell 🔔 so you don’t miss the next story:
👉 @ClassicCarStories
⸻
🌐 Connect with Us
🚗 Public Facebook: Post a picture of your classic car
🚙 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classiccar.stories
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@classiccarstories
🚘 Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/downatthebarns/
⸻
Edited, Written and Produced by: Adam Poulton
Filmed by: Adam Poulton & Kevin Heuston
© poultonmedia productions 2025
