Sears Pointless Highlight: TransMission IMPossible

Scott Ith

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Imp[image: caranddriver.com]

The guys over at Flaming A-Holes racing put together one of the greatest Lemons cars in the history of ever.  A Hillman/Sunbeam Imp.  Not only did it start the race, which was an impressive acheivment, it accomplished several other amazing feats.  First, it raced all day Saturday.  Second, it raced all day Sunday.  (All with the original Rootes Group rear engine goofiness, mind you.)  Third, it won the coveted Index of Effluency award. 

Was that enough for this little British turd?  No way.  Along the way, it did some great drifting.  Click through for a short video compilation of the Imp racking up style points in turn 11.

Now, this guy is no Ken Block (thankfully), but keep in mind that he’s driving a 60 hp, rear-engined econobox from 4-plus decades ago.  Pure Lemons magic! 

[youtube width=”720″ height=”540″]http://youtu.be/jVhyF4Y1BkU[/youtube]

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Scott Ith

Scott Ith

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9 responses to “Sears Pointless Highlight: TransMission IMPossible”

  1. jeepjeff Avatar
    jeepjeff

    I loved watching that car. The TransMission IMPossible Imp was great. I don't think all that smoke through the curve was tires. There's plenty of burnt oil in there too.
    I particularly loved watching him leave the pit. He'd turn onto the pit exit, and then you'd always know the exact moment the driver put the hammer down, because of the glorious puff of blue smoke out the back. I laughed every time. I bet they pitted more to refill the oil pan than the gas tank.
    I cheered when I heard it got IoE. Well deserved, and totally awesome.

    Reply
  2. mdharrell Avatar
    mdharrell

    That's doing it right.

    Reply
  3. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
    Irishzombieman☆

    This car is really high on my want list. This video gives an idea of why.

    Reply
  4. scroggzilla Avatar
    scroggzilla

    Rosemary Smith approves of this effort.
    <img src="http://www.imps4ever.info/racing/rallies/works/edu_710c/smith_alpes_edu_710c.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
  5. Fred Avatar
    Fred

    Those were great little rally cars back in the day. They corner like they're on rails (most of the time). I had one in England in 1976. And yes, it burned oil even then! I wonder what they did for a gas tank in the LeMons one. The original was in front under the bonnet (hood) and basically the it was only thing between you and a collision except some sheet metal and the spare tire.

    Reply
    1. mdharrell Avatar
      mdharrell

      I didn't make it to this race to see this car, but completely stock, unaltered tanks in their original position are acceptable in LeMons, provided there's a continuous metal bulkhead (original or added) between the tank and the driver. If the team wishes to make modifications or substitutions beyond original equipment, then an FIA-certified fuel cell must be used.

      Reply
    2. sunbeammadd Avatar
      sunbeammadd

      Great circuit racers too.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3nW7xwTFkY
      They won the BTCC three years running.

      Reply
  6. Alan Avatar
    Alan

    60 HP is being generous… they 39HP stock with a MKi and a whopping 42 if it is a MkII.
    I know that this was a 39er!

    Reply
  7. Rich Avatar
    Rich

    Just ran across this. The Imp is mine. Yes, we had to stop way more for oil than gas. It consumed about 1qt/hour. I wish it made 60hp. This one made 39 50 years ago. I knew the stock fuel tank would be a no go safetywise. I got a used fuel safe fuel cell and made its own cage. When we caged it, we made 2 hoops from roll cage tubing and ran them right behind the front fascia. They tied into the wheel arches with big spreader plates so in a frontal hit they would be driven into the tires before they got to the cell. Fuel tank was biggest concern of the build. 2nd big concern was it even running for any period of time. It had been driven 100 yards in the last 30 years and that was around the block before loading it on the trailer. Glad you guys enjoyed it.

    Reply