Description
A very nice example of the exquisite Imp model, a beautiful design coupled with an advanced drivetrain and perfect handling made it the sporting motorists choice of the 1930’s, a real giant slayer on roads and rallies.
This one was first registered with Stirling County Council on the 7th of May 1935 and first owner Charles Sleigh wasted no time in proving his new Imp, entering it into the RSAC (Royal Scottish Automobile Club) Rally of that year. He was placed 17th out of 34 cars and the rather lovely pewter finishers badge remains in place on the bulkhead.
The old-style buff logbook on file dates from 1956 at which point the Imp was in the ownership of a Mr David Patrick of Hutton, Brentwood, passing in 1959 to Graham Dawson of Acton.
In April 1964 it was purchased as a birthday present for a Mrs Valerie Glydon by her husband and shared the motor house with his Bentley 3 Litre. For the following few years it was to be her regular transport for work, shopping trips and attending trials and race meetings. With the arrival of a family the much cherished Imp was no longer practical yet Mrs Glydon could not bear to sell it hence it was consigned to the Birmingham Science Museum where it remained on show for the next twenty years.
The Imp emerged from the museum following its disbanding in 2003 and following so many years of inactivity the Glydons reasoned that a full inspection and restoration would be advisable. To this end the car was sent to respected specialists Jim & Bruce Young. It was stripped to the bare chassis and all mechanical componentry was meticulously checked and refurbished. The engine was rebuilt with new cylinder liners, valve guides and new pistons. The chassis was similarly refinished as was the coach work, the emphasis being to conserve originality wherever possible. The car was re-liveried in black and re-upholstered in red leather to the original pattern.
The aim of having the Imp finished and ready to take part in the Riley Register Rally in 2004 was realised as was a trip to Le Mans that year to celebrate the Riley Registers 70th Anniversary. The Glydons continued to take the Imp to a number of car events in subsequent years, indeed it was entered into the VSCC Shelsey Walsh event of 2006 wearing number 23.
In September 2010 the Glydons reluctantly parted with their much-loved Imp, entering into the Bonhams Auction at the Goodwood Revival Event. We purchased the Imp at this auction and sold it shortly afterwards to a Vintage enthusiast with a fine collection.
The Imp has now returned to Hairpin and it has certainly worn its last 14 years well, it remains in lovely well sorted order throughout, the 2004 restoration now having settled into a nice patina. Two substantial history files confirm that is has been very well maintained by the right people in recent years and we hope that the Imp will continue to be cherished and enjoyed as it has been for the last 89 years.
