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The BS Nymph A Hillman Imp based kit car from Bohanna Stables.

Introduction

from Richard Garrett - Impressions Oct'1986.

The company Bohanna Stables (from Peter Bohanna and Robin Stables) produced this kit car from 1975 to 1977, although by the end of 1975 there was only one runner. Initially Chrysler envisaged to build it at Ryton in approximate numbers of 4,000 per year. This never happened as Chrysler U.S. killed off the Imp shortly after the Nymph's launch. This curtailed the supply of components and therefore the Nymph was destined to be a very limited production car. Only 42 cars were sold, mostly in kit form. Marketing had of course been very low key.

Because it is so light, it can easily manage 50mpg, even with fast driving.

The standard of design and construction is high. It's a grp (glass re-inforced plastic) monocoque with all mechanical parts from the Imp - some of them quite ingeniously used. The engine is mounted on a simple rear sub-frame, the rear suspension just bolts to the moulding. Bracing struts are used to brace the front suspension. All steel parts are nylon coated - a technique that proved inadequate, but at least they tried.

The Nymph was launched prematurely. Although a prototype hardtop was made, they never did produce any with doors.

The Nymph - a brief history

from Graham Beddoe - Impressions Jan'1994 - pp27-28.

photo: James Henderson Graham's Nymph - Centre of England Run, 1997

The BS Nymph was introduced in 1976 by Bohanna Stables of High Wycombe - the same team was responsible for the AC 3000ME of 1973. The design goal was to build the lightest four seater production car of the period and, as such, the car weighs in at just 420kgs.

The car was designed and built independently of Chrysler UK, but once production started, Chrysler showed an interest and agreed to supply Bohanna Stables with whatever quantities of engines, gearboxes, suspension etc. they required. Chrysler visualised a market of about 4,000 units a year and were looking to buy that quantity of shells from BS to create a production car for sale in third world countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, Malaysia, and in Africa and the Far East as a direct competitor to the Mini Moke. Unfortunately at that time, Chrysler America pulled the plug on the Imp. Clearly this was a major blow for the project, but it was decided to continue to produce the Nymph as kit-car. Over the next two years a total of 42 cars were produced including two prototypes and six cars sold fully assembled. Four or five cars were indeed exported to Barbados.

Sadly after two years the project was abandoned, mainly because those involved were happier designing cars, rather than selling them.

Interestingly, 17 years on, some of the shells are turning up in barns and garages, still un-built. And I have come across one such case myself in the last year.

I have owned my 1976 car for a little over a year now, and it has proved itself a brilliantly practical fun car. There's something special about being able to jump into a car without having to open the doors. Due to an effective heater, life in winter is even quite bearable. The car is used daily and has covered 10,000 miles in the last twelve months. Due to its lack of weight, the car is relatively nippy despite its standard 875cc engine, and it handles extremely well due to its lower centre of gravity (no heavy bodyshell on top), although the standard springs result in a very hard ride.

For more background information see Franka's Web site: https://www.imps4ever.info/specials/nymph.html.

Here is the Register

Further information about the individual cars is given on the link below. We cannot give any personal information, but if you have questions or know about any of the cars listed or any car which is not listed please call me via e-mail to Bob Allan or on 01925 267084, before 6pm. Thanks to previous registrars Graham Beddoe and James Henderson.

Click here to see the register and links to more photos.