1964 Hillman Imp
Browse our directory of 1964 Hillman Imp vehicles. Access instant MOT history reports, tax status, and reliability insights for any registration listed below.
Registration Directory
Showing registrations 1–8 of 8 for the 1964 Hillman Imp. Select any plate for an instant vehicle history check.
Common Problems & Reliability
The 1964 Hillman Imp has 4 known issues. 2 of these are classified as serious faults that could be expensive to repair. 2 are moderate concerns worth inspecting before purchase.
Cylinder Head Gasket Failure and Thermal Distortion
SeriousThe Imp's all-aluminium 875cc Coventry Climax-derived engine relies on pristine coolant passages and strict inhibitor ratios to prevent electrolytic corrosion and hot spots. Neglected coolant changes, airlocks in the long cooling pipe runs, or water pump leaks cause rapid overheating. Because aluminium expands significantly when overheated, the cylinder head warps easily, crushing the head gasket, blowing fire-rings, and in severe cases pulling head studs from the alloy block threads.
Symptoms: White steam plume from the exhaust and persistent loss of coolant from the expansion tank, Rapid temperature gauge climb accompanied by bubbling or pressurisation in the cooling system...
Est. repair cost: £600–£1,400
Rotoflex Flexible Drive Coupling Perishing and Separation
SeriousThe rear suspension and transaxle on the Hillman Imp utilise flexible rubber Rotoflex couplings ('doughnuts') to absorb drivetrain shock and allow angular articulation of the rear driveshafts. Over time, exposure to gearbox oil leaks, exhaust heat, and road grime causes the reinforced rubber to dry out, fissure, and delaminate from its metal bolt inserts. Severe degradation leads to heavy driveline judder, clunking, and catastrophic detachment of the driveshaft.
Symptoms: Pronounced driveline clunk when engaging first gear or taking up drive from a standstill, Rhythmic low-frequency shudder through the floorpan under hard acceleration or engine braking...
Est. repair cost: £250–£550
Pneumatic Throttle Diaphragm Failure and Vacuum Leakage
ModerateEarly Mark I Imps utilised an unconventional pneumatic throttle arrangement consisting of a rubber bellows displacer at the pedal connected via a small-bore nylon air pipe to an actuator diaphragm on the Solex carburettor. Over time, heat cycles perished the rubber bellows while cold winter temperatures caused the diaphragms to stiffen, split, or develop vacuum leaks. The car would suffer from erratic idle, delayed throttle response, or sudden total loss of accelerator control.
Symptoms: Dead pedal feel with zero engine speed increase when pressing the accelerator, Erratic wandering idle speed, stumbling upon gentle acceleration, or engine stalling when coming to rest...
Est. repair cost: £120–£350
Front Kingpin Bush Wear and Steering Stiffness
ModerateThe Imp's front semi-swing axle independent suspension employs traditional kingpins and bronze or nylon bushes inside the steering swivels. Because these swivels are exposed to road splash and frequently neglected during routine chassis greasing, grit ingress accelerates bush wear while old grease solidifies. Worn kingpins introduce steering vagueness, wander, uneven tyre shoulder wear, and direct MOT failure.
Symptoms: Heavy, stiff, or notchy steering feel when turning the wheel at parking speeds, Noticeable front-end wander and tramlining over uneven UK road tarmac and ruts...
Est. repair cost: £200–£450
Buying Tips for the 1964 Hillman Imp
- Never purchase an Imp with an uncertain cooling history; verify that the radiator is clear, correct blue/green corrosion-inhibiting antifreeze is used, and the head shows no sign of oil-water emulsion.
- Check the condition of the flexible Rotoflex rubber drive couplings between transaxle and rear hubs; severe surface perishing or cracking requires immediate renewal to avoid driveshaft failure.
- Examine the front luggage bay floor, inner sills, wheelarches, and front suspension mounting points for rot, as these structural areas are labour-intensive to repair.
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