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IMO, the Hillman Imp was an interesting and marketable concept that was wrecked by stupid mismanagement, poor materials, premature launch, destructive union unrest and government interference.

IMHO, with its compact size, all-aluminum liquid-cooled engine located above the drive wheels, 4-speed all-synchromesh trannie, and spacious interior, the Imp, if well executed could have been a winner in Britain, Europe and elsewhere.

http://www.imps4ever.info/tech/





So, what can we fix to make the Imp a success? For starters:

1) No Linwood plant, refuse gov't money if that's the mandatory condition. Make the Imp at Rootes' base at Coventry.
2) Don't launch the Imp until it's ready.
3) Don't bet the farm on the Imp. Keep making the good selling Minx, Super Snipes, Hawks, Rapiers, etc, with range consolidation where sensible.
4) Make the cars outside of Britain for the non-UK/EC market:
- Australia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootes_Australia
- Japan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_Hillman_Minx
- India https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_Products_of_India

With Japanese manufacturing and industrial skill, the Isuzu-Hillman Imp would have been a huge winner in 1960s Japan. If the cars can be made well, the Indian model could dominate the market.
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