Imp National 1995

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IMP NATIONAL WEEKEND 1995
Elvaston Castle & Country Park
Derby
4th-6th August
Derby Area Centre

Metal Elvaston Plaque
Plaque – included in the Welcome Pack

The Venue

Mug with Imp '95 Elvaston Castle Country Park, Derby witten on it with a picture of stately home in grounds
Commemortative Mug

Imp ’95 took place at Elvaston Castle and Country Park in Derbyshire. Lying within 200 acres of parkland the house was built in the early 19th century. At the time of the event the venue advertised an estate museum complete with blacksmith’s forge and other trades and crafts associated with life on the estate in the early 1900s. There was also a riding centre and visitors could walk in an old English garden with herbaceous borders and avenues of rare trees.

This National Weekend was classed as a full three-day event with access to the site being available to all members and the public from 11am on the Friday.

The organising team hoped that some members would incorporate National into part of a longer holiday allowing them to explore Derbyshire and its many attractions, the Peak District, Matlock and Matlock Bath and Dovedale. They advertised the American Adventure theme park, Crich Railway and Tram Museum, parks, stately homes, the Lady Bower Dam, Alton Towers and Carsington Water, all of these attractions being within easy Imping distance of Elvaston.

From the Programme

RALLY NOTICES – Some of the key points

  • RAFFLE TICKETS – available throughout the weekend
  • CATERING – ‘TASTERS’ provided Friday supper, Saturday/Sunday breakfasts and a Saturday Barbecue
  • SATURDAY TRIPS – Organised trips to Crich, Kedleston & Donington
Photos taken on Crich Tramway Museum visit
  • AUTOTEST – The emphasis for all three sessions was on FUN & SKILL – events included were Blindfold Driving, Skill Events, Egg & Spoon Race & Tony Mason Handicap Race
  • TUG-O-WAR – Inter area centre competition
  • SATURDAY QUIZ – Questions on Imps, General Knowledge and Sport
  • CLUB REGALIA – on sale all over the weekend
  • CONCOURS VOTING – Sunday

CONCOURS RESULTS

Nigel’s early Imp – Rootes Class winner

To see more of Nigel’s car watch this YouTube video of “The Cars The Star” which was broadcast in 1998.

Split into 2 sections (9min 38 & 8min 53) Quentin Wilson looked at the history of the Imp and why it failed in the marketplace. It is well worth a watch and redressed much of the damage that Imp Club members felt had been inflicted by the ‘infamous’ Tony Mason ‘Top Gear’ report filmed at the 1992 National.

Nigel’s car features throughout the documentary and makes its first appearance at around 45 seconds into the programme. Enjoy!!

The Cars The Star

Disclaimer – Please note that The Imp Club Ltd is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

Pale green van and dark blue Husky
Dave’s Commer Van and Ronald’s Hillman Husky were each winners in their class

Jens drove his red Sunbeam Californian to Imp ’95 from Norway – he picked up no less than three winner’s trophies!

Jens’ Sunbeam Californian won:

  • Furthest Distance Travelled by Imp in the World
  • Best Sunbeam
  • Rosemary Smith Perpetual Trophy
4 of the winning Imps
Part of the Winner’s Line-Up

From left to right – Frank’s Chrysler Imp, Clark’s Singer Imp, Jens’ Sunbeam Californian and Nigel’s Rootes Imp.

A gallery of winning Imps

…and finally

A thoroughly enjoyable event!

The event came to a close at noon on the Monday. Post-event in November 1995 Impressions the organisers wrote:

“Thank you to everyone who came to Imp National Weekend – It was hot! When we saw the crowds of people enjoying themselves all the hard work was worthwhile. Sorry about the midges – we missed a great opportunity for a new regalia line, and perhaps a special award for the most bites over the weekend. Apart from the little b*****s, we think you will agree Elvaston Castle was an excellent venue and hope you enjoyed your visit to Derby.”

In the article all those attending were thanked for leaving the site so clean and tidy.


Many thanks to those members who have provided photos and information about this and other Nationals – without you these pages would not exist.