The Place

Hi Bob, I think the first IMP Engines were 875cc.

That's what I thought Eddy. All I've found so far (haven't been looking long, been updating the front of site) is
http://www.imps4ever.info/tech/fw_imp.html

in fact, just a very interesting website that one.. I've got stuck on it
http://www.imps4ever.info/index.html

Interesting reading Steve. How impressive was, and still is that Coventry Climax derived Engine. Mine never fails to impress me.

I can only compare it to the NSU that dad ran, being at least 30 years(*1) to young to remember anything else, but I know dad bought an Imp when we were in Dellfield to put in an outfit and it sat in the 40ft long garage for a while and didn't get put into an outfit, dad obviously wasn't sure of something about it.

(*1) stretch the truth, why not, Bob does

Apologies peeps, 875 it was due to an age related thing as well as being an idiot As you say the Imp engine was very of an engined designed and built in WW2 to power trailer water pumps for the Auxiliary Fire Service. What is probably not so well known is that motor, slightly modded to 1203 cc, was used in the original Lotus Elite of the 1960s, the mast built circa 1963. I bet that someone is now scratching their heads to source one ...

Fire pump and Coventry climax engines are different in several respects. The Imp head design was based on the Climax F 1 engine. From back in the day when two valves per pot was considered sufficient. The BRM 1.5Ltr V8 was giving over 200hp with two valve heads in 63-64. Also I have seen a newly cast Imp 5 bearing block!! as per the pre production Imps.

They did make a 1200cc with a five bearing crankshaft. One popped up on ebay last year. The bidding was brisk I think it sold in excess of £5k

Half way through a new chassis for the Harley anyone got a 10" front wheel for sale

I have got some Windle 10" front forks.

Most of you guys have experienced, or have knowledge of the Classic Sidecar races in Belgium etc, countries I may add where Sidecar racing is not generally as prevalent as it is in the UK.
Yet their Sidecar entry at classic meetings is regally between 50 and 70 machines, personally I believe this to be due to the eligibility of the classes, basically there is room and a class for every Sidecar within the framework and spirit of Classic racing, there doesn’t seem to be any issue filling the grids, including many competitors running in two classes. The basic split being up to 750cc and over 750cc.
The 750 class proposal is a great one, we don’t need to re-invent the wheel. . .just look around with open eyes and see what is already working.

Total agreement Wally, very seldom are grids not full here in France either

Bob,the Lotus Elite,you forgot to mention its claim to fame was as the worlds first monocoque(probably spelt that wrong)fibregalss bodyshell,ie NO steel chassis.

Spot on Tony, a superb motor car in every aspect, design, engineering, looks, handling & performance. I was part of the team that built the very last one ...

Something to be proud of Bob,to have worked for such a true genius as Colin Chapman.

Gents with all due respect this thread is to generate interest and find out thoughts for the 750 proposals and not a discussion on classic cars etc. Thanks!