Frequently Asked Questions

What did EMPI stand for?

EMPI initially was an acronym for European Motor Products, Inc., but the owner, Joe Vittone, changed it in the early '60s to Engineered Motor Products, Inc. More information about EMPI can be found at the Who was EMPI? page.

When was the Imp made?

As far as our research has shown, the Imp was produced from about 1966 to 1971 when Filter Dynamics purchased the company.

Were there any difference in the years?

The Imp bodies can be categorized into two different versions: the '66 - '69 model and the '70 - '71 model. In 1970 the hood and dash was changed, making this an easy distinguishing characteristic. The later models had provision in the hood for a tachometer and the front license plate mounting area was vertical. The later model also had a hump molded into the back seat, separating the back seat into two bucket seats. The early model didn't have the tach provision and the front nose wrapped under to the beam. The license plate is recessed into the body. Photos in the What is an Imp page? and the Photo Gallery illustrate these differences.

How can I tell if my dune buggy is an Imp?

Well that can be difficult. First look through this site. Does your car have the same curved front fenders and low back entry point? If you still suspect that your buggy is an Imp, the one sure fire way is to remove the hood/dash piece and look in front of the gas tank, on the body. The EMPI globe was molded into all of the Imp bodies. This is the only way for sure I have of identifying if a buggy is an Imp. If you have another sure fire way of identifying an Imp from the rest, email the webmaster.

Does EMPI still make the Imp?

The original EMPI was sold to Filter Dynamics in the early 1970s, at which point the Imp production was halted. Unique Supply of Redlands, CA has acquired an original mold and has recently started offering an Imp replica for sale.
The company that currently sells VW parts under the EMPI name (Mr. Bug, Inc.) has no connection what so ever with the original EMPI, with exception of the name. Mr. Bug has shown no interest in providing the Imp enthusiasts out there with a new Imp, so Unique Supply has gone about it themselves to bring us a replica.