Hillman Commer Husky

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Hillman’s answer to one of the greatest cars of all time, the Mini, was arguably even more radical and in many was streets ahead of the famous brick – and yes that even includes the rare Husky light commercial van. Today the Commer makes a great workhorse that’s splendid to drive.

If you’re tired of Minis but want something that’s as practical, low cost and yet just as much fun, then have a look at an Imp. They are extremely usable and generally as simple to maintain as a Mini. As a cheap second car for running around in, this impish Commer takes some beating.

History

Built at Linwood, Glasgow, the hatch-backed Imp was powered by an advanced Coventry-Climax derived, all-alloy alloy overhead camshaft engine, driving the rear wheels via a four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox (located within a transaxle unit in front of the engine) via drive-shafts incorporating composite metal/rubber Rotoflex couplings.

With a capacity of just 875cc, this extremely willing yet sewing machine-smooth motor produced a respectable 39bhp, endowing excellent performance for a small car of the time. A precise rack and pinion steering system was used, and suspension was independent all round, with coil springs at both front and rear (semi-trailing arms were employed at the rear).

Reviving an old Hillman name for a utility estate car, the Imp-based Husky estate arrived in the spring of 1967 along with the Commer van. The name had previously been used on Minx-derived commercials, but dropped once the ‘Arrow range‘ was launched although a Minx pick-up was offered in some Far East markets.

The Husky had rear seats and full-length rear side windows while the Commer was completely panelled in but both had a big advantage over the Mini with a higher roof.

Towards the end of 1968 the entire Imp range was revised, with smarter frontal styling, a new dashboard and updated interiors. October 1973 saw the standard-fitting of radial tyres, plus modifications to the engine and interior. Dynamos were replaced by alternators in late 1974, and reversing lamps became standard fittings during the following year.

Come spring of 1976 and the Imp was dropped by a cash-strapped Chrysler UK.

Driving

Even in standard form, Imps were always regarded as lively cars and the Husky commercial was no different. That engine, although not as powerful as the Lotus Elite which used a 1216cc version, remains a real honey and not half as frenzied at high revs like an A-Series although the Husky’s roadholding and handling can be a bit wayward, especially with a load on the back. Being rear-engined, there’s also a front boot that’s fine to house the tool box (added weight here helps handling and braking, too) and while the engine’s location results in a high loading sill there’s a fair amount of cargo room that’s at least as good as a Minivan.

If a standard Husky isn’t your thing you can improve one along the lines of the Imp such as a larger engine.

Being rear-located (like a Lotus Europa), a variety of alien lumps have been fitted although the stock unit can be taken to 998cc as per racing Imps. There’s a 930cc engine as found in the front-engined Sunbeam but the crankshaft needs modifying. Disc brakes conversions are also available along with 13 inch wheels which makes a world of difference.

Prices

Imps have never achieved Mini status and prices remain more than affordable, starting from £500 or so a rough example. Even show cars are worth no more than £4000 which considering what Minivans now sell for is real value!