Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 9 hours ago
This Hillman Imp was the third built by Auckland specialist Brian Patrick to take on Minis in the 0–1000cc class during the 1967/68 season. After crashes and car rebuilds, Patrick brought in a young Jim Richards to drive when he couldn’t race Sundays. Results followed quickly, leading to a new, fully equipped car with Sidchrome sponsorship and Richards as the regular driver. For two seasons, Richards made the Imp a serious contender—even in the tougher 0–1300cc class.
By 1972/73, Richards moved on and Patrick sold the car to Steve Millen, who repainted it. The Imp then disappeared until Tony Mann and his father rediscovered it in Southland. After years of persistence, Mann bought it in 1988 and spent 16 years restoring it to its Richards-era glory. Today, the Sidchrome Imp is a standout in his immaculate collection of historic race cars.
This Hillman Imp was the third built by Auckland specialist Brian Patrick to take on Minis in the 0–1000cc class during the 1967/68 season. After crashes and car rebuilds, Patrick brought in a young Jim Richards to drive when he couldn’t race Sundays. Results followed quickly, leading to a new, fully equipped car with Sidchrome sponsorship and Richards as the regular driver. For two seasons, Richards made the Imp a serious contender—even in the tougher 0–1300cc class.
By 1972/73, Richards moved on and Patrick sold the car to Steve Millen, who repainted it. The Imp then disappeared until Tony Mann and his father rediscovered it in Southland. After years of persistence, Mann bought it in 1988 and spent 16 years restoring it to its Richards-era glory. Today, the Sidchrome Imp is a standout in his immaculate collection of historic race cars.
