LONG TEST OF IMP

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30561, 2 October 1964, Page 11

LONG TEST OF IMP

iPHE . engineering department of the Rootes Group recently ran a Hillman Imp selected at random from the assembly line for 100,000 miles, this being covered in less than 12 months. An engineer described the results. of the test as “very satisfactory.” The only replacements were an exhaust valve, which was damaged by a fragment of porcelain from a faulty spark plug, at 25,000 miles. The engine was not decarbonised or given a valve grind. A new clutch plate was fitted at 40,000 miles, new plugs were fitted every 10,000 miles, and new tyres were fitted every 22,000 to 25,000 miles. Wiper blades were replaced twice, and brake linings were also replaced twice. One rear wheel bearing

failed and was replaced att 90,000 miles. The car used : 2224.8 gallons of petrol, an S average of 44.9 miles a gal-; lon. It averaged 7407 miles ; a gallon of oil. Towards the • end of the test oil consump-: tion increased to about a pint: every 750 miles. The car was driven hard ; day and night by a selected ; team of drivers working in : shifts. All conditions, includ- i ing snow and ice, were en- i countered. The car is now going on i display in dealers’ showrooms i throughout Britain, and after ; this it will be stripped down and 4000 separate components will be closely examined by ; laboratory staff.