Oxford Diecast 76HI001

Hillman Imp Willow Green

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation

Manufacturer description

The Hillman Imp harks back to 1963 when, as a small economy car, it was made by the Rootes Group and from 1967 by its successor Chrysler Europe. Designed by F1 driver Michael Parkes and Tim Fry, the Imp was developed as a direct competitor to the BMC Mini. It featured a rear 875cc engine with aluminium engine block and cylinder head, rear-wheel drive and had a unique opening rear hatch to allow luggage storage on the back seat rest. The back seat was also unusual for its time as it folded down. Other technical attributes included a 4-speed manual all-synchromesh gear box, an automatic choke and gauges for temperature, voltage and oil pressure. For its time, it was considered very advanced with all its unique features. It was also popular as a rally car raced by both men and women drivers with some great successes. The Hillman Imp ceased production in 1976 and over its 13 years of manufacture clocked up over 440,000 sales.

Our first model off the Hillman Imp tool is registered NWR 677A from 1963, its launch year. Decorated in a muted green with pale green interior, all the exterior trim is finished in silver, including the wheel hubs which are also given a flash of white. The IMP badge is printed red and silver above the radiator grille and the Hillman name also appears in silver across the front of the bonnet.

Catalogue listing

Oxford Diecast Hillman Imp Willow Green is a 1:43 scale die‑cast replica bearing the manufacturer part number 76HI001. The model represents a Hillman Imp from its launch year, 1963, and is finished in a muted willow green body colour with a pale green interior. Exterior trim is rendered in silver, including wheel hubs that carry a flash of white, while the IMP badge is printed in red and silver above the radiator grille and the Hillman name appears in silver across the bonnet.

The real Hillman Imp was produced by the Rootes Group from 1963 and, after 1967, by Chrysler Europe. It was marketed as a small economy car to compete with the BMC Mini, featuring a rear‑mounted 875 cc aluminium engine, rear‑wheel drive, a four‑speed all‑synchromesh manual gearbox and an automatic choke. Notable design elements included a rear hatch for luggage access and a rear seat that could be folded down, as well as gauges for temperature, voltage and oil pressure.

Production of the Hillman Imp continued until 1976, with total sales exceeding 440 000 units over its 13‑year run. The model is also noted for its association with rallying, where both male and female drivers achieved considerable success.

This die‑cast version is part of Oxford Diecast’s collection and is presented in a period‑appropriate livery, offering collectors a detailed and historically accurate representation of the original vehicle.