I’ve written about the troubled but awesome Imp before, but I’ve never seen one off the track (where they’re less troubled and more awesome, generally speaking). And then this little bastard comes into view, parked in my new mecca for automotive randomness, Ballard.
Standing next to one really brings the proportions into focus. The beltline is at limbo level for little people, and the greenhouse is immense, like a miniature popemobile. Somehow, the cartoon proportions work for me, and I know the Imps are screamers in the right state of tune, weighing slightly less than a small Shetland pony but with that tiny four-banger hanging on out back for dear life. Honestly, this seafoam green patina doesn’t work for me like a nice shiny respray would, but maybe I’m in the minority here.
V.I.S.I.T. – Spawn of Scottish Militant Left-wing Shipbuilders Edition
By Alex Kierstein
Mar 29, 2010
Antti Kautonen 
Joel Strickland 
Kamil Kaluski
I want one of these so bad to go along with my Mini!
I could totally rock that. That is just completely cool beyond words. I love it.
I "get it" with some vehicles … a cool old lowered truck hiding a 454 under the hood could stand a little patina for the sleeper factor. But an Imp just looks like some old random beater with this kind of haze. Cleaned up they look great. But generally, unless it's an old truck, I like at least a semblance of nice-ness.
alright, ill admit thats a damn file little scoot-about
A BMC tag?! On a Rootes Group product?!?!?!
Er … it was an ironic "BMC" tag …?
Where else but Ballard would an Imp be pimp? We are lucky up here in the Pacific Northwet; our cars don't rust as much as become enveloped in moss.
Imps are pretty cool little beasts. Plus, they show the world that you don't need to compensate. Or, at least, that you are comfortable with your puny…feet.
Of course, if you don't have puny feet, or you're not comfortable with them, you could 'Busa it. Or GSXR it. Or, if you don't want to bastardize the family lineage, a Peugeot motorcycle engine.
Ah yes. But a 'Busa swap would be so plebeian. Why not a Gold Wing flat six? Smooth, refined power.
Marginally related: If I were ever to create a death-kart or killer micro-roadster, I'd drop a Honda V-4 in it. They just sound so much better than 'Busa mills.
Or a Yamaha V-Max. Ever hear one of those with loud pipes? They sound like some warped miniature small block V8 ready to fly apart.
Or a small block Chevy on place of a back seat.
The back window opens up. Tremendous.
My Volvo 145 came from Ballard! While we were driving around Seattle with my buddy, I asked where all the cool cars were. He said there were thousands, but they were all garaged for what passes as Winter in Seattle. "Wait 'til we get to Ballard though, tons of cool stuff there." He was right.
Also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBgIvH0tu6Y&fe…
Had the seatbelt been dangling out of the front door, I most assuredly would have taken a picture of it. That's by far my favorite AL skit.
Jeeze, I was about to head to Youtube to dig up that skit after I saw Ballard mentioned in the story. Hooniverse is now officially more awesome than any other website I've been to (which means I should post here more often). John Keister FTW!
Dang! My daughter always leaves the buckle out the door when she gets out. Removes all doubt that I'm a Dumb-Ass……
Holy crap. Mr. Solex, my hat is off to you. Even I, who have taken up the mantle of "your friendly local Rootes Group weirdo," have never seen an Imp on the street. Looks like I need to go to Ballard.
P.S. I have a friend who keeps trying to sell me an Imp.
No, I don't think it's a good idea.
Sea foam green on this adorable little spud is juuuuust fine.