Some links in this article are affiliate links and may earn UK Barn Finds a commission.
The Hillman Imp has always had a loyal following, but finding a genuinely unspoiled example with long-term ownership and low mileage is becoming increasingly difficult. This 1974 Hillman Imp Super recently caught our eye on eBay thanks to its wonderfully honest appearance, original details and reported 34,000 miles from new.
Finished in bright blue and still wearing its period charm proudly, this looks like the sort of small British classic that could easily disappear into a collection or become a very usable retro runabout with a little recommissioning work.
According to the seller, this Hillman Imp Super has had just one previous owner and has been owned for many years by the seller’s uncle.
It is now being sold because his uncle is no longer fit enough to drive.
Those sorts of stories are becoming increasingly common in the classic car world now, and cars like this often survive precisely because they were simply kept, used and looked after rather than constantly traded around.
The seller states that the Imp is mechanically good, although it would benefit from a proper service before regular use. Being both MOT and tax exempt also makes it an attractive proposition for anyone wanting affordable entry into classic car ownership.
Launched in 1963, the Hillman Imp was Rootes Group’s answer to the Mini, featuring a lightweight rear-mounted aluminium engine, independent suspension and surprisingly advanced engineering for such a small car.
While the Mini largely dominated the headlines, the Imp developed its own cult following thanks to its eager handling, compact dimensions and tunable engine. Today, they remain hugely popular with enthusiasts who appreciate something a little different from the usual British small-car choices.
The Imp Super models added a slightly more upmarket feel, and surviving standard cars are becoming noticeably rarer than modified or competition-prepared examples.
This one appears refreshingly straightforward. The seller describes the bodywork as being in good condition including the floors and sills, while the interior also seems to have survived remarkably well, with no reported rips or tears to the seats and a good roof lining still in place.
The engine bay certainly looks untouched and original, which many buyers will probably see as a positive rather than a negative nowadays.
There is also reportedly plenty of history included, along with the original service book and handbook.
At the time of writing, this 1974 Hillman Imp Super was being offered for sale by eBay seller rossi-red. You can view their current listings here:
You can also browse similar Hillman Imp models currently listed on eBay here:
We’re always looking to buy classic cars, projects, collections and interesting old vehicles across the UK.
Whether it’s a long-stored family car, an unfinished project or an entire collection, feel free to get in touch with UK Barn Finds.
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Our affiliate partnerships include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon.
Stay updated with the latest barn finds, auction news, and classic car adventures in our 'News & Waffle' section. Dive into rare discoveries, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert insights into the world of classic cars. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply intrigued by the tales behind these treasures, this is your hub for all things classic and captivating.
View All
Four classic Minis, four very different histories and four auction results. From a Cooper that had been laid up for more than 40 years to a beautifully restored early Mini, our latest How Much?! Classics video offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of classic car auctions. But there’s more to these sales than the [&...
More than a million views, hundreds of comments and plenty of debate. Our coverage of a remarkably early Mk1 Ford Escort barn find certainly captured people’s attention. But when the car finally went under the hammer at Cheffins, would that interest translate into bids? We were there to find out. A March 1968 Ford Escort [&...
Few hot hatches inspire quite the same affection as the Peugeot 205 GTI. More than three decades after production ended, it remains one of the defining performance cars of its generation, with a following that shows little sign of fading. So when a particularly attractive 1991 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 appeared at Anglia Car Auctions […]
