As this year draws to a close my mind turns to May 3rd 1963 and the launch of what was then a brand new motor car named the Hillman Imp. Seen in the early sixties as a revolutionary car for such times, its engineering still stands out today.
This engine is quite special and said to be very rare?
It has the date it was made printed in white on the steel sump, 7th July 1963, thats just three months after the launch of the Imp on 3rd May 1963.
What makes the engine so rare is it has pistons with no valve cut outs, its said that very very few of these engines left the factory?
The engine has been a static display but will now be re assembled with its original 875cc pistons, crank and bearings which are all still on the standard sizes. The idea is to have it running on the 50th anniversary of the Imps launch!
Roy
This engine is quite special and said to be very rare?
It has the date it was made printed in white on the steel sump, 7th July 1963, thats just three months after the launch of the Imp on 3rd May 1963.
Note where the inlet valve has just nicked it, the head gasket just misses the corrosion on the left!
There are no piston rings in as yet, I was checking the piston crown height to the top of the block before the rings are fitted. There is bore wear but with a brand new and original set of Rootes standard size piston rings, this motor will be a good runner.
The crank is in really great condition for 49 years old?
The cylinder head gasket is the last of a batch the Payen in South Africa made for me, they have worked really well and I have never had one leak or blow.
The engine has been a static display but will now be re assembled with its original 875cc pistons, crank and bearings which are all still on the standard sizes. The idea is to have it running on the 50th anniversary of the Imps launch!
Roy
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