Linwood

If you see this sign, you've gone too far! — If you see this sign, you’ve gone too far!

Linwood was most famously home to the Hillman Imp and its many derivatives (1963-1976). Other models to have been built there include the Hillman Hunter and its derivatives (1970-1976), Hillman/Talbot Avenger (1976-1981), fastback Sunbeam Rapier/Alpine (1970-1976), and the Talbot Sunbeam hatchback (1977-1981).

The plant is situated on the A761 (Linwood Road). Coming from the direction of Glasgow, you will find the plant before you reach Linwood itself.

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The following photos were taken on 20 April 1998. Much more demolition work has taken place since and only a few buildings are left today.

The administration block viewed from where the Pressed Steel plant used to be.

The same buildings, viewed from the west this time.

Still looking west, but from further back. There used to be a building where I'm standing, but now it is a car park. The black and grey building is the machine shop. — Still looking west, but from further back. There used to be a building where I’m standing, but now it is a car park. The black and grey building is the machine shop.

Behind the administration block, looking west. The car assembly block (red and grey building) and machine shop have been completely demolished since my photo was taken.

Looking west across the site in 1963 (from Robert Allan's Geoffrey Rootes' dream for Linwood). — Looking west across the site in 1963 (from Robert Allan’s Geoffrey Rootes’ dream for Linwood).

All evidence of the Pressed Steel factory where Imp, Talbot Sunbeam, Avenger, Hunter, Rover P5 and Volvo P1800 shells were stamped out has gone. These monstrosities have since appeared on the site. I didn’t photograph the McDonald’s “restaurant”.