Even though this 1963 Hillman Zimp for sale on Hemmings.com is one of just three built and reportedly the only one restored and in roadworthy condition, the seller has made a point of keeping it on the road, if to the slight detriment of its ability to show well at the concours events where a Zagato-bodied car usually makes its rounds. Still, it looks good in the photos. From the seller’s description:
Zagato in Italy decided to produce the Zimp, via its recently formed British Zagato Company, as a fine example of the combination of British technology and Italian styling flair. Rootes agreed, and three Imps were dispatched to Italy to be rebodied, using the floorpans and mechanics of the successful Imp. Ercole Spada, chief stylist for the Zagato design studio during the 1960s and author of masterpieces as Aston Martin DB4 GTZ and the Lancia Flaminia Sport and… designed the new car with very advanced lines.
The Zimp was launched at the London Racing Car Show. However, the car never really took off, and just three were built. Stories at that time suggested that the model may have been ‘killed off’ by Rootes prior to the introduction of the Imp Californian, due to fears that the Zimp would be too much competition.
The previous Italian custodian, himself a life-long Zagato enthusiast, purchased the Zimp in 1978 and set about restoring the car (I have the photographic file of the restoration).
This important Hillman Zimp Zagato, the only example in roadworthy condition, has been featured in many publications, including Auto Italiana, Small Car, Classic and Sports Car and Classic Cars. The car has been regularly ‘exercised’ on the road and has been cared for as if it was a member of the owner’s family. Its condition could be described as “not ready for an important concours, but sound, complete, original and well restored.” It starts on the button and it drives, steers and stops very well.
The Zimp is supplied with UK “V5C” registration certificate and a history file, with an engaging content, including very rare, never published photos from the Zagato factory.
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