1972 Sunbeam Stiletto

72D837

This is the web page dedicated to my car. The Sunbeam Stiletto is a variant of the Hillman Imp built from 1963 until 1975. The Imp is powered by the rear mounted Coventry Climax engine - an overhead cam Aluminium engine. The standard Imp is 875cc and a Rallye had 998cc. My Sunbeam Stiletto was modified around 1995 by Tony Hatcher. He installed a 998cc engine with a racing cam shaft (R17), Single Webber carburettor, electric fuel pump, front radiator, front disc brakes, and lowered suspension. The car is very light (1625lb/737kg) and a previous owner had the power measured at 90 to 95 BHP between 3500 to 6000rpm with the engine capable of reving up to >8000rpm. Result is lots of driveability and many surprised looks when it goes past other cars with ease and round corners like its on rails.

Here's the car's details:


Engine	Rear 998cc All aluminium overhead cam (suspected R21). Inlet Outlet port sizes unknown. Lightened and balanced flywheel
Manifold	Janspeed Big Bore
Carburettor	Single Webber 40 DCOE
Silencer	Straight through stainless
Radiator	Front Fiesta
Transmission	4F1R Standard Box through competition doughnuts and 1 inch drive shafts to rear wheels.
Shock Absorbers	Heavy Duty Koni
Brakes	Front: Vauxhall Viva(?) Disc Rear: Standard 8 inch drum
Wheels	5x12 GB Alloys with 175/70R12s

Here's a few pictures of the car:

(Click on thumbnail for a better look)

Here's some pictures of the insides:

(Click on thumbnail for a better look)
Engine Bay

The Front Radiator Modification

Here's some schematics:

(Click on thumbnail for a better look)

Here's the car's History:

1972: CJR 330K was built in Scotland as one of the last Stilettos. The line ended in October 1973
????: Owned by someone in Coventry "whose father had actually designed the Stiletto dashboard".
Pre August 1995: Owned by Tony Hatcher who modified the car to its current high specification. Resprayed British Racing Green (Jaguar colour?). Modifications were: Lowered suspension, front suspension travel limited by straps, front Vauxhall Chevette disc brakes with modified master cylinder and uprated hydraulics, Front Radiator, Alternator, 5x12 Cobra wheels, 998cc Hatcher engine, Janspeed big bore manifold and exhaust, Webber Single 40 DCOE carb (No choke necessary) and the Servo assist brakes have been removed. 1 inch drive shafts and heavy duty doughnuts.
August 1995: Bought by Tom Harpur as UK Registered CJR 330K. Tom imported the car to Ireland as 72D837. He installed an Electric Fuel Pump and enjoyed the car to the full.n
June 1998: Bought by Ian Miller in Dublin. Put on heavy duty shocks, halogen inner lights, Changed 5x12 Cobras for 5x12 GB Alloys, fitted Corbeau race seat. He used the car for daily short distance commute.
November 1999: Bought by myself. Car needed work inside and out. Both sills were heavily corroded and the floor pan was crumbling at the near-side rear. Both rear quarters were in trouble. I have had the rusty parts cut away and new panels put in. New nearside king pin fitted. Have fitted an electric windscreen washer, outer halogen headlights. The janspeed had blown so have temporary Chevette rear silencer on it for a quiet life. Removed old unused mechanical fuel pump.

More Information:

Franka's Imp Site - The Best and most comprehensive Imp Site

The Imp Club - Join and Enjoy

Waikato Imp Club

Yahoo Imps

Classic Cars World

Rootes Group Automobiles

Webcon UK Ltd Internet Site

The Imp gallery

THE IMPWERKS WEBSITE

Cars I have owned:

(The Stiletto is still my favourite)
19?? Gold Hillman Imp Californian
19?? White Sunbeam Stiletto
White Austin Metro 1.0
White Austin Maxi 1.5
Red Austin Maxi 1.8
1987 Black MG Maestro 2.0Efi
1977 VW Camper Van (USA: CA)
1989 White Citroen BX 1.9GTI
1999 Blue Citroen Synergie 1.9TD SX - Still have
1999 Mazda 323F GLX 1.5 - Still have