Date: Mon, 21 Sep 1998 15:17:13 +0100 (WET DST)
From: Hal Levison
Subject: I am thinking about buying a Sunbeam Imp
Hi Everyone:
I was wondering if I could get some advice on a Sunbeam Imp. I stumbled across this car rusting away in a field. It is in rough shape, but being a British car nut, I don't want to see an interesting car disappear. I know who the owner of the field is, so I could find out who owns the car. Before I do, and try to buy it, I would like to get some information about it, particularly what it is worth.
The car says SUNBEAM in it bonnet and Imp of a badge. It looks a lot like Russell Maddock's 1969 Sunbeam Imp Sport (http://www.petrie.starway.net.au/~rmaddock/). It has two headlamps and no slots in the bonnet. I gather from the web pages that I have been reading that it was made between 1968 and 1970. Is that correct?
What else do you know about it?
The car is in rough shape. The body is covered with surface rust, but is not rusted through anywhere (luckily I live in a dry climate). The interior is trashed. The engine appears to be complete, but my guess is that it has not turned in years. So, what do ya'll think it is worth?
Is the car fun to drive? I like peppy cars.
Is it easy to get parts? As I described, the car will need a lot of work before is can be driven.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
-Hal
1951 Morris Oxford MO, 1958 Triumph TR3A, and 1972 Triumph GT6.
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 1998 22:45:36 +0100 (WET DST)
From: Nickcleak@aol.com
Subject: Re: I am thinking about buying a Sunbeam Imp
> Is the car fun to drive? I like peppy cars.
you won''t be disappointed in the fun stakes !!
nick ..
Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 01:01:07 +0100 (WET DST)
From: Mike & Tich Marsh
Subject: Re: I am thinking about buying a Sunbeam Imp
>So, what do ya'll think it is worth?
>Is the car fun to drive?
Which question is important?
This car *invented* 'fun to drive'!!!!!!
Mike
Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 09:42:56 +0100 (WET DST)
From: Paul Greville
Subject: Re: I am thinking about buying a Sunbeam Imp
Hi Hal,
If you want a lot of fun and a challenge go for it. Imps can be made to perform and handle really well (I have rebuilt, dismantled some 59 of the little suckers in my time of Imp ownership). The small size of an Imp also lowers restoration costs and if you are not after an original interior you can retrim to whatever standard you require. The original low back seats were not particularly comfortable and provided very little safety - replacement options with seats from other vehicles are unlimited.
The majority of mechanical parts are still available from various suppliers in the U/K and that which you cannot purchase can be generally found by someone in the Club.
Good luck with the restoration and don't pay to much for the car. I don't think the owner has much chance of selling it to anyone, so unless you are really keen, keep your offer low (I would have thought they would be willing to let you take the wreck away for nothing as you are clearing their yard for free!)
Regards,
Paul Greville
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 13:56:00 +0100 (WET DST)
From: Russell Maddock
Subject: Re: I am thinking about buying a Sunbeam Imp
If that Imp is an Imp Sport of the same type as mine it's a rare bird indeed. They only made about 1500 (between '68-'70 as you say). When I wrote to Peter Nunney, the Imp Club's Sunbeam registrar, he told me there are only a handful of known survivors.
Identification is always a bit difficult since there were so many weird and wonderful export variants. I doubt that car was originally intended for the US though. I think Imp sales had stopped there by the time this model came out.
If it is a Mark 3 Imp Sport (as opposed to Mark 3 just plain Sport which has quad headlamps) it should have the full length dashboard with round instruments inside. It is also meant to have the twin carburettor Sport engine of course with the slatted engine cover.
If you are able to take down the chassis number (should be on a plate inside the boot/trunk/front luggage space) I might be able to tell you more.
Russ Maddock