DFuzz's Sunbeam Imp: Readers Rides:

Sunbeam Imp

Started on May 25 by DFuzz

Ride Rating

This is my 1965 Sunbeam Imp MKI. It is virtually rust-free and only needs a few cosmetic details addressed. It has an 875cc all-aluminum rear engine that has been modified with a Weber carb with a sport head and cam. It is a blast to drive and certainly draws attention. After sorting the car out and getting in a few nice drives, I have made a list of issues that need to be resolved with the car. The list includes: - fitting an oil cooler and getting some extra venting into the engine to keep it cool. - servicing the gearbox as 3rd gear grinds and likes to pop out when the accelerator is lifted. - rebuilding the front suspension to replace bushings, tierods, steering rack and possibly springs and shocks. - reworking the dash to incorporate some additional gauges, such as a tach, oil pressure, and oil & water temp gauges. - fixing a few minor dents and respraying some damaged paint areas.

All-in-all, nothing terribly serious and hopefully all to be addressed over the coming winter. Until then, I'll just enjoy the car as it is.

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6 comments on this ride

Latest updates

Dec. 11

Dec. 2008

A short update on the Imp....The gearbox was disassembled and overhauled. The problem was caused by a tapered bearing that had come apart, resulting in too much play causing the gearbox to pop out of gear. Luckily the rest of ...

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Comments

May 25, 2008 4:43 p.m.
minimac:: Uber Cool!
Nov 22, 2008 2:41 a.m.
stereoking15:: love the car! never came across a sunbeam that didn't have a chrysler motor in it..lol
Feb 5, 2009 11:16 a.m.
Nashco:: Sweet car, I always loved that body style.
Feb 5, 2009 12:23 p.m.
monark192:: We had one of these when I was a kid in England - it replaced the Fiat 500 as our second car. Would love to find one over here.
Feb 25, 2009 5:51 p.m.
Goldmember:: Sweet! It reminds me of Vivian's car from "The Young Ones", although his had a lot more chrome up front. . . and a severed leg on the bonnet. . .
Feb 16, 2014 1:53 p.m.
chknhwk:: I never knew how much I needed one (or that they even existed) until now. Awesome!

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