Launched in 1963, the Imp was the Rootes Group's counter to the already ubiquitous Mini.

It was manufactured in the tiny town of Lindwood, Scotland and designed by Michael Parks and Tim Fry.

The result was decidedly innovative and reportedly the first mass-produced car equipped with an all-alloy engine and the first volume-made British one to have its powerplant mounted in the rear.

The upmarket Super Imp variant arrived in September 1965, co-incident with the MKII version of the standard car.

It brought additional brightwork; over-riders; dummy front grille; wheel trims; full carpet; added sound-proofing; and a generally upgraded interior, including door-operated courtesy lights and integral ashtrays.

The water-cooled four cylinder power unit was based on the Coventry Climax FWMA fire pump engine featuring an all-aluminium alloy over-head cam, combined with a full-syncromesh aluminium transaxle.

This combination was very advanced at the time.

Sir Alec Issigonis, designer of the...