Restoration completed, what do you think?

[PJF220]

Owned my car since August 2000. Started restoring it 2 years ago and finally got it completed in May this year. Done a few car shows and a trip to France (I'm based in the UK). Took it to the club's National event and won second prize in it's class.

Not many got exported really so incase you don't know what it is, it's a Hillman Imp Californian. Built in Scotland. Was originally an 875cc engine but I've upgraded to a 930cc from a Sunbeam Talbot which gives it a bit of extra low down grunt. The interior is original and the paint is the factory colour. Fitted two brand new rear wings, two brand new doors and a brand new boot lid on the front (rear engined). As you can see, complete strip down and bare metal respray. Many parts reconditioned, many new parts. Front brakes upgraded to Ford Fiesta disks and the clutch release bearing upgraded to a Rover roller bearing type.

[MagicRat]

Very nice!!
Relatively inexpensive cars (when new) don't seem to attract much collector valueso its nice to see one preserved, and with such research! I didn't know the upgrades would fit.
For whimsical reasons, I always thought those cars look like a pint-sized BMW 2002 trying to do an impression of a Corvair.

[PJF220]

There is actually a lot you can do to these cars nowdays. There are about 4 main specialists who can supply original parts, pattern parts and a mass of modifications, from adjustable track rods (again Ford Fiesta) to fibreglass panels and many competition upgrade parts. The old issues of overheating and head gaskets have been overcome with modern day technology, such as high efficiency radiators. Though, people who don't own one, but may have bought one when new don't appreciate this and it's a very much a love it or hate it car. Thankfully a lot are getting restored now to high standard so they wont go out of existance just yet.

I too see the Corvair resemblance. Especially on the front end. The lines are so similar, especially with the Sunbeam Stiletto:

[fredjacksonsan]

Beautiful job....well done!

[2.2 Straight six]

that's a cool car, i love these retro (?) cars. that engine has a bit of a slant to it !

[PJF220]

Cheers.

The engine is mounted at 45 degrees which not only drops the weight lower to the floor, but spreads the weight across the car. Not that there is much weight in the ickle ally block.