"The Stiletto is the sporty version of the Imp, the Rootes Group's innovative small car devised to take on the Mini. The new small saloon was launched in 1963 and built at a brand new factory at Linwood, Scotland. It was co-designed by Michael Parkes, a development engineer for Ferrari, and one of its most notable features was the all-aluminium, high-revving overhead camshaft engine mounted at the rear, based on the lightweight Coventry Climax racing engine. The Imp also boasted all-independent suspension, plus access to the luggage tray behind the rear seats via the opening rear window, a very early hatchback. An improved Mk. II version appeared in 1966, which did away with such oddities as the pneumatic throttle control. Sharp rack and pinion steering makes these true driver's cars, with a sprightly turn of speed thanks to a light weight of just 1560lbs. The Stiletto, introduced in 1967, is distinguished from its lesser brethren by a sloping coupé rear roofline (on these the rear window doesn't open) and quad headlights, while it used the Imp Sport engine, producing 55bhp at 6100rpm and giving 90mph and 0-50mph in just over ten seconds. About 8,900 were made.
This slightly modified example is presented in blue with black interior. It is fitted with a UNI gearbox which is the same as the one fitted to the Lotus Esprit. The engine is a Rover K Series producing about 120bhp, with fast road cams, forged pistons and has a modified flywheel. It is fitted with Cobra bucket seats, Momo steering wheel and custom-made wheels. The car is tax and MoT exempt and currently SORN. The car comes with some old receipts and MoT test certificates and instructions for parts including the gearbox. A rare coupé which were often campaigned in Hill Climbing in the early 1970s.
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