SUNBEAM · SUNBEAM IMP · Cars
SUNBEAM IMP Ultra-rare
As of 2025 Q4, 97 SUNBEAM IMPs remain registered in the UK — one of the rarest cars in Britain on today's roads. Numbers are at their highest recorded level since the model first appeared in our data in 2014 Q3. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 3 (3.2%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 47% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up. In all, the SUNBEAM IMP is rarer than 59% of the 2,408 UK car models we track, putting it firmly in 2025's endangered class.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Genuinely rare — only 97 left on UK roads.
Rarer than 59% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the IMP
The Hillman Imp is a small economy car that was made by the Rootes Group and its successor Chrysler Europe from 1963 until 1976. Revealed on 3 May 1963, after much advance publicity, it was the first British mass-produced car with the engine block and cylinder head cast in aluminium. This unorthodox small/light car was designed for the Rootes Group by Michael Parkes (who later became a Formula One driver) and Tim Fry. It was manufactured at the purpose-built Linwood plant in Scotland. As well as the Hillman marque, there was a series of variations, including an estate car (the Husky), a van and...
SUNBEAM IMP — questions & answers
How many SUNBEAM IMP are left in the UK?
As of 2025 Q4, 97 SUNBEAM IMP were still registered in the UK — 51 licensed and on the road, plus 46 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the SUNBEAM IMP rare?
The SUNBEAM IMP is genuinely rare, with only 97 left, making it rarer than 59% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Is the SUNBEAM IMP increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of SUNBEAM IMP on UK roads rose by 3 (3.2%).
What fuel do most SUNBEAM IMP use?
Most SUNBEAM IMP run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the SUNBEAM IMP peak?
The SUNBEAM IMP peaked at 97 registered in 2025 Q4, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.