HILLMAN · HILLMAN IMP · Cars
HILLMAN IMP Uncommon
As of 2026 Q1, 1,389 HILLMAN IMPs remain registered in the UK — an increasingly uncommon sight on today's roads. Numbers are at their highest recorded level since the model first appeared in our data in 2014 Q3. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 16 (1.2%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 46% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Uncommon — a few thousand still about (1,389).
Rarer than 31% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the IMP
The Hillman Imp is a small economy car that was made by the Rootes Group and its successor Chrysler Europe from 1963 until 1976. Revealed on 3 May 1963, after much advance publicity, it was the first British mass-produced car with the engine block and cylinder head cast in aluminium. This unorthodox small/light car was designed for the Rootes Group by Michael Parkes (who later became a Formula One driver) and Tim Fry. It was manufactured at the purpose-built Linwood plant in Scotland. As well as the Hillman marque, there was a series of variations, including an estate car (the Husky), a van and...
HILLMAN IMP — questions & answers
How many HILLMAN IMP are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q1, 1,389 HILLMAN IMP were still registered in the UK — 747 licensed and on the road, plus 642 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the HILLMAN IMP rare?
The HILLMAN IMP is uncommon, with 1,389 still about, making it rarer than 31% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Is the HILLMAN IMP increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of HILLMAN IMP on UK roads rose by 16 (1.2%).
What fuel do most HILLMAN IMP use?
Most HILLMAN IMP run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the HILLMAN IMP peak?
The HILLMAN IMP peaked at 1,389 registered in 2026 Q1, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.