1960's 1970's Imp racer Mick O'Dell any info ?

[carfanatic]

Just wondering if anyone recognises this old racer or has any old race photos or more information on it ?

I have found out that it used to belong to Mick/Mike O'Dell , later Robin Human & by approx. 2006 Ed Newman had it.


http://www.imps4ever.info/racing/rac...ck-o-dell.html

I have trawled the forums here , got some interesting information , nice to see the old race programme copies etc , thanks to those who shared ;

Mick O'Dell won the 1971 Triplex saloon championship , all 10 rounds were held at Silverstone ; ( 7 @ Nottingham Sports car Club Meetings , 2 @ BARC meetings & final @ BRDC Clubmen's championship )

Mick competed in the 850cc class & held the Silverstone record for 850cc in 1972.

He was competing in 1973 also.

I have checked out the Mini 1960s/1970s photo thread , have seen a few Imps in the background there !

IMP details ;

Had a wide side stripe under the current paint , car was RED at one time ,at least on the upper regions.

Esso UNIFLO 1973 saloon car championship competitor large sticker on inside of door & 750MC stickers on door windows

850cc on rear wings , engine has twin weber 40s & rear engine support tied into cage

Front rad & oil cooler , small fuel tank , discs & antirollbar on front

Fibreglass bonnet & wheel arches / spoiler , aluminium bootlid , aluminium doorskin lowers , neat lightening holes EVERYWHERE , ! ( The starter motor is very cool , as are gear shift tube & wheel arch tubs )

distinctive alum strap deadbolt door latches in gutted doors , all Perspex windows & headlight lenses .

A lot of very knowledgeable people on here , so am hopeful !

Thanks in advance for any help

[Mike Bell]

Hi carfanatic, welcome to the forum. I hope you get the info you’re looking for, there are several regulars on here with knowledge of the period and special / super saloons!

[carfanatic]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Hi carfanatic, welcome to the forum. I hope you get the info you’re looking for, there are several regulars on here with knowledge of the period and special / super saloons!

Thanks Mike , this forum has a wealth of knowledge , so will see how it goes

[Gerry Taylor]

Hi, yes I remember Mike very well. He was indeed the winner of the "Triplex" in 1971, and we were like a traveling circus, as we all raced for points in that series. Mike, to be fair didn't have a lot of competition in the 850cc class, not that it was his fault, that is the way it was in '71. Always a quiet sort of guy as I recall. Is he still with us? Gerry Taylor.

[oneofapair]

You Could try the IMP club or facebook. Robin Human is quite active in Imp owners circle. Hope this helps.

[A.C.Clegg]

Don't remember the Imp racing at Oulton Park at that time.

[carfanatic]

Originally Posted by Gerry Taylor

Hi, yes I remember Mike very well. He was indeed the winner of the "Triplex" in 1971, and we were like a traveling circus, as we all raced for points in that series. Mike, to be fair didn't have a lot of competition in the 850cc class, not that it was his fault, that is the way it was in '71. Always a quiet sort of guy as I recall. Is he still with us? Gerry Taylor.

Thanks for that input , don't know whether Mike is still around , but someone will probably know . I like your attached clipping , presumably contained in a scrapbook

[carfanatic]

Originally Posted by oneofapair

You Could try the IMP club or facebook. Robin Human is quite active in Imp owners circle. Hope this helps.

Thanks for suggestions , have had some success on Imp forum & also located Robin ,not much new information as of yet . Will try Imp FB group.

[Gerry Taylor]

Originally Posted by carfanatic

Thanks for that input , don't know whether Mike is still around , but someone will probably know . I like your attached clipping , presumably contained in a scrapbook

Hi, yes, I run an archive of Special & Super Saloons on facebook. "Gerry Taylor Special Saloon Racing 1960's & 1970's." Quite a number of the guys on here are members. Why not ask my members if THEY have anything they can add to your enquiry. Thanks. GT
ps. May I add, the Imp looks in poor condition, was it found somewhere?

[carfanatic]

Thanks for FB suggestion Gerry, will follow up on it.
Unfortunately Imp was stored outdoors by someone for a time , but it's still ok , a good wash would help ,it's nice & dry indoors now.

[aramsay]

Great looking car.....I love these just-off-the-track-and-put-away projects.

I have a couple spaceframe Imps, and when looking for info. on them, came
across George Ostroumoff......he raced an Imp in the Esso Uniflow series, but
I think a lot later than your car.....around 1977. I'll ask him if he knows your
car / driver.


Pls. PM me.