Hillman Imp Californian (1967-70)
The Hillman Imp Californian (1967–70) was conceived as a stylish fastback coupé variant of the standard Imp, designed to broaden the model’s appeal and inject a dose of glamour into Rootes Group’s compact car lineup. It was part of a wider strategy to diversify the Imp range and compete more directly with the Mini Cooper and other youth-oriented cars of the late 1960s.
🎯 Concept Behind the Imp Californian
Sporty Styling, Accessible Price
Rootes aimed to offer a car that looked fast and modern—lower roofline, steeply raked windscreen, and fastback rear—but retained the standard 875cc engine, keeping costs down.Youth Market Appeal
The Californian was targeted at younger buyers, especially those drawn to the Mini Cooper’s image but wanting something more distinctive and rear-engined.Badge Engineering Strategy
It complemented the Singer Chamois Coupé and Sunbeam Stiletto, allowing Rootes to offer three coupé variants with different trim levels and branding—maximising showroom coverage with minimal retooling.Export-Friendly Design
The sleek styling and compact dimensions made it suitable for Commonwealth markets, including New Zealand and South Africa, where fastback designs were gaining traction.
🏁 Ultimate Goals
GoalDescription Enhance Imp’s ImageCounter early reliability concerns by offering a stylish, aspirational variant Boost Sales in Coupé SegmentCompete with Mini Cooper, Triumph Herald Coupé, and Fiat 850 Sport Leverage Linwood InvestmentJustify the Scottish plant’s capacity by expanding the Imp range Enable Motorsport ParticipationHomologated for Group 1 FIA rallying in July 1967 (Form 5160)
📉 Legacy
Production Total: ~10,300 units, with ~6,100 sold in the UK
Survivors (2025): Just 5 licensed in the UK, making it one of the rarest Imp variants
Collector Appeal: Rising due to its rarity, fastback styling, and rally eligibility
The Imp Californian was Hillman’s attempt to blend style with substance, offering a coupé that looked the part without straying too far from the Imp’s mechanical simplicity.
*****
Global Popularity
The Hillman Imp Californian (1967–70) was not globally popular in the conventional sense—it was a niche, fastback coupé variant of the Imp with limited export reach and modest production numbers.
🌍 Global Popularity Snapshot
RegionPopularity LevelNotes
United Kingdom⭐⭐⭐☆☆~6,100 sold; just 5 licensed in 2025
New Zealand⭐⭐☆☆☆Locally assembled; modest appeal among Imp enthusiasts
Australia⭐⭐☆☆☆Sold as Hillman GT; niche interest
South Africa⭐☆☆☆☆Limited visibility; standard Imp more common
Ireland⭐☆☆☆☆CKD kits assembled; Californian rarely seen
USA & Canada⭐☆☆☆☆Brief export run; fastback styling not widely adopted
Malaysia, Philippines, Venezuela⭐☆☆☆☆Minimal market impact
🧭 Why It Had Limited Reach
Production Total: ~10,300 units globally
Styling Over Performance: Fastback design looked sporty but retained the standard 875cc engine
Badge Engineering Strategy: Rootes offered similar coupés under Singer Chamois and Sunbeam Stiletto, diluting Californian’s identity
Export Focus on Standard Imp: Most overseas markets received the saloon or van variants
🏁 Enthusiast Legacy
Homologated for Group 1 FIA rallying in July 1967
Popular in club-level motorsport in the UK and New Zealand
Now considered a rare collector’s item, especially in restored form
While the Imp Californian didn’t achieve widespread global popularity, its rarity, styling, and motorsport eligibility have made it a cult favourite among Imp enthusiasts.
*****
Overview
The Hillman Imp Californian, produced from 1967 to 1970, was a sporty coupe version of the standard Hillman Imp. It was designed to offer a more stylish and dynamic alternative to the regular Imp, targeting young drivers and enthusiasts. The Californian was known for its distinctive fastback design and improved performance, making it a popular choice among those looking for a small yet sporty car.
*****
Manufacturing Details
First Manufactured: 1967
Production Run: 1967-1970
Manufacturing Locations: Linwood, Scotland
*****
Generations and Trim Levels
The Hillman Imp Californian did not have multiple generations but was available in a single trim level during its production run. It featured unique styling elements such as a fastback roofline, distinctive rear window, and sporty interior touches.
*****
Designer and Dimensions
Lead Designer: Michael Parkes
Exterior Dimensions:
Length: 3,581 mm
Width: 1,473 mm
Height: 1,346 mm
Wheelbase: 2,083 mm
Interior Space:
Boot/Trunk Capacity: 200 liters
Seating Configuration: 2+2 seating arrangement
*****
Production Total: 6,100
*****
Price New: In 1967, the Hillman Imp Californian was priced at approximately **£650** in the UK.
To calculate the equivalent value of £650 from 1967 in 2025, we need to account for inflation over the years. Using the Bank of England's inflation calculator, we can estimate this value.
In 2025, £650 from 1967 would be approximately **£12,000**.
*****
Main Rivals (Price): In 1967, the Hillman Imp Californian faced competition from several other cars in the UK market. Here are some of its main rivals and their approximate new prices at that time:
1. **Austin Mini Cooper**: Around £679
2. **Ford Anglia 105E**: Around £598
3. **Morris Minor 1000**: Around £575
4. **Vauxhall Viva HA**: Around £527
5. **Triumph Herald 1200**: Around £702
These prices are approximate and can vary based on the specific model and options chosen. The Hillman Imp Californian itself was priced at around £650 in 1967.
*****
Engine Specifications
The Hillman Imp Californian was equipped with a rear-mounted, all-aluminum engine:
Engine Type: 875cc, inline-4, water-cooled
Power Output: 51 hp
Torque: 67 Nm
*****
Performance
0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) Acceleration Times: Approximately 18 seconds
Top Speed: 85 mph
Fuel Economy:
Official: 40 mpg
Real-World: 35 mpg
Handling Characteristics: Known for its nimble handling and good road-holding, but early models had issues with oversteer.
*****
Common Faults
The Hillman Imp Californian had several common issues:
Mechanical Issues: Early models suffered from engine overheating and head gasket failures.
Bodywork: Prone to rust, especially in the sills and floorpans.
Electrical Failures: Problems with the ignition system and wiring.
Recalls: Several recalls were issued to address engine and cooling system problems.
*****
Historical Pricing Comparisons
Original Launch Price: £508 (1967)
Price Changes Across Generations: Prices increased slightly with each new variant and trim level.
Comparison to Rivals: The Imp Californian was competitively priced against other small sporty cars of the era.
*****
Rarity & Collector’s Appeal
Surviving Examples: Relatively few Imp Californians remain, making them rare and sought after by collectors.
Factors Contributing to Rarity: Low production numbers, high attrition rate, and desirability among enthusiasts.
Current Collector Interest: High, with well-preserved examples fetching good prices at auctions.
*****
Recorded in UK 2025: As of 2025, there are **5 Hillman Imp Californians** still licensed and on the road in the UK. Additionally, there are **0 Hillman Imp Californians** registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
*****
Value in the UK in 2025
Current Typical Price Range: £5,000 - £15,000 depending on condition and provenance.
Factors Influencing Value: Condition, originality, and rarity.
*****
Maintenance and Running Costs
The Hillman Imp Californian's maintenance and running costs are relatively low, but finding spare parts can be challenging. Enthusiast clubs and specialist suppliers are valuable resources for parts and advice.
*****
Racing
The Hillman Imp Californian (1967–70) did see motorsport action—though not as prominently as the standard Imp or Sunbeam derivatives. Its sleek fastback styling made it a favourite among privateers, and it was eligible for Group 1 FIA homologation from July 1967 under form number 5160.
🏁 Motorsport Involvement
✅ Rallying
Club-Level Events
The Californian was popular in regional rallies, especially in the UK and New Zealand, where its lightweight rear-engine layout offered excellent traction on loose surfaces.FIA Group 1 Homologation
Recognised for production-based saloon competition, the Californian could be entered in events like the Tulip Rally, Coupe des Alpes, and Tour of Britain, often alongside Singer Chamois and Sunbeam Stiletto variants.
✅ Circuit Racing
Hillclimbs & Sprints
Its compact dimensions and 875cc engine made it ideal for hillclimb classes, especially when tuned with twin carbs or bored out to 998cc.Historic Racing Today
Restored Californians occasionally appear in historic saloon car grids, often running alongside Imps, Minis, and Anglias.
🧰 Why It Was Chosen
Aerodynamic Fastback
Though not faster than the saloon, its styling gave the impression of speed and helped reduce drag slightly.Shared Mechanical Base
Used the same Coventry Climax-derived engine and suspension as the standard Imp, making it easy to tune and repair.Lightweight Advantage
With a curb weight around 725 kg, it was nimble and responsive—ideal for twisty rally stages and tight circuits.
While the Californian wasn’t a factory-backed racing icon, it carved out a niche in grassroots motorsport and remains a favourite among Imp enthusiasts for its rarity and style.
*****
Owners Clubs in Northern Ireland
There are several owners clubs in Northern Ireland dedicated to the Hillman Imp, providing a community for enthusiasts to share their passion and knowledge. These clubs often organize events, rallies, and shows.
This comprehensive overview should give you a detailed understanding of the Hillman Imp Californian (1967-70).