CELEBRATING THE SUNBEAM STILETTO

Continuing our celebration of 60 years of the Hillman Imp is one of the most desirable members of the line-up. In 1967 the new Stiletto had no domestic rival as a 2+2 rear-engine coupe. Furthermore, it boasted an “ace-bred Sunbeam engine, ZOOM fastback styling, vinyl covered roof, twin carburettors, rally instrumentation and servo-assisted brakes”. So, who could resist the lure of that “ZOOM” in capital letters?

The Hillman Imp California was the original fastback version, making its bow at the start of 1967. A more luxurious Signer Chamois Coupe joined it a few months later; the standard 875cc engine powered both. The Sunbeam made its bow in time for the Earls Court Motor Show -

- and a major attraction was the uprated power plant from the 1966 Sunbeam Imp and Chamois Sport saloons.

For just £813, you too could own a coupe with twin Stromberg CD125 carburettors, and the brochure promised a touch of “Swinging London” and described it as “The new car for the new set”. Plus, according to the advertisements at least, it was the perfect car “for men whose wives think they’ve given up sports cars”. Yes, merely “show her how luxuriously saloon it is – four deep seats, the front ones reclining, plenty of room, and swish twin headlamps”.

Meanwhile, the “carpet, wall to wall”, “Individual fold-down rear seats”, and “Beautiful, breathable Amblair upholstery” would also apparently mesmerise a female driver. It was indeed another world. Fortunately, away from sales copy that was crass even by 1967 standards, the Stiletto had a great deal to offer the discerning motorist. The top speed was 90 mph, and the equipment included servo-assisted drum brakes and a leather-covered steering wheel.

Bill Boddy of Motor Sport thought the Sunbeam “great fun to drive, and quite civilised into the bargain”. In addition, it looked as chic as a Fiat 850S Coupe, and by 1967 the Rootes Group had resolved many of the Imp’s early issues. But the company’s new masters at Chrysler did not see fit to develop the range, with the Stiletto’s production ending in 1972, four years before the Hillman and Sunbeam saloons.

And this was yet another lost opportunity, as the Stiletto was a rather remarkable little car. 55 years ago, it was ideal for the keen driver with Porsche 911 aspirations and an East Cheam income. Not to mention that “Switched-on Performance”.