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For a few months I've been looking at buying either an MGB GT or an MG Midget. I've looked at the pros and cons of both but I still can't decide which to go for. Does anyone have any experience with either model? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Can't.....let.....thread.....die!
Seriously though, hasn't anybody driven/owned either of them?
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I can tell you a couple of practical points from personal experience. If you are - like me - slightly wide in stature, a Midget can be a rather tight fit. It also has an extremely small fuel tank (about 6 gallons if memory serves).
The 'legs straight out' driving position of both can get a bit wearing on long runs as well.
On a slightly more technical note, the MGB B series engine can have problems when running on unleaded (after head conversion) with running-on after shutdown.
Both Midget and B are good fun cars, though. A nice antedote to the insulating experience of a modern car.
And you can't beat either for specialist backup.
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Well, no, but I do take "Practical Classics". If you get it for a few months there's bound to be something on them.There are plenty of sources of spares and service for either, and they are not too hard to work on.
Either seems a nice enough car.
I think what should make your decision is whether you can find a really structurally sound example of one or the other.
Fixed head coupes are cheaper (or you can get better for your money).
See "Directories" for the clubs; it's not a bad idea to join and talk to people about the cars before taking any plunge.
I, of course, would like the V8!
Tomo
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www.middlebank.co.uk/
May help a little.
Good luck!
Tomo
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Friend of mine had an MGB. Found that putting a load of bricks in the back made it go round corners better. Problem was, said bricks eventually went through the floor. When I drove it, I found the gears a total nightmare. This was explained as "normal," and a result of the very long gear linkages. Don't know whether that's true, or just some line he was given by the seller. Anyway, it was fun being so close to the ground, but not as much fun as you'd think. I wouldn't do it, personally. There are more interesting cars out there, and there are classics that will be far more reliable and practical. Better still, buy a Mazda, and use your imagination.
Chris
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I drove a 1967 MGB GT a couple of years ago, and rather liked it. No grip at all (I got it slightly sideways coming out of a roundabout, without even trying), noisy, heavy to drive and not terribly quick, but there are modifications available to rectify all these problems, and I reckon a well-sorted and well-maintained example would be a good usable everyday classic car. Interior is lovely (at least on the earlier cars) and the gearchange on the one I drove was faultless. The BGT has a hatchback of sorts, which is very handy.
Personally I'd rather have a Triumph GT6 than either of the MGs, but not everyone would agree.
Richard Hall
bangernomics.tripod.com
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Always thought the GT6 to be a good looking car in a "poor man's E-Type" sort of way and it has a lovely sounding engine.
The Triumph Herald-style rear suspension can make for interesting handling at times. I think this was sorted at one point during its lifetime and then - for some unspecified British Leyland type of reason - unsorted again.
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Get an MX5 instead and save yourself a load of grief.
Bill
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Frankly, I think Bill is right. Neither MG cuts the mustard in terms of modern handling or protection against tinworm. However, since you want experience, I had both an MGB soft top and before that an MGA coupe around 20 years ago. Both seemed attractive at the time, made plenty of noise inside and out, were easy to maintain around the engine compartment, but prone to nasty bouts of rusting.
Even then you could get all replacement metal bits for the MGA and the MGB is in the same happy position now, I guess. If you've got the money, like the style, and join the MGOC (not necessarily the MGCC which I found snooty at that time), you won't go far wrong.
What put me off MGs. The B was pinched and I replaced it with a series one Elan 1600 which was a sporting revelation and not a saloon car in drag.
David
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If you do acquire one, get a pre raised-suspension-and-plastic-bumpered version, forced on us by illogical American legislation.
TR6 is more entertaining. Goes like hell. Handles like a plank. Sounds wonderful. Lucas mechanical fuel injection suffers pita syndrome. Great fun............
I know these things...............
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Thanks for all of the advice guys, all helpful stuff :-)
Does anyone know what the Midget is like in terms of legroom, since I've usually needed to have the seat all the way back in most cars I've driven? I was okay when I sat in an MGB once but the Midget is that bit smaller. Also, how practical is having a convertible as your only car?
And are MX-5s really that good?
Did I leave my lights on?
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You have'nt mentioned your budget but it might be worth considering a MGF if you can stretch to 6K.
If you go for a B make sure its a chrome bumper(pre 74) preferbly before 1972 (no road tax). As the other guys have said earlier cars are a MUCH better drive and have a nicer exterior and interior.
The nicest cars are within the MG clubs.
No experience with Midgets but similar advice applies.
Let us know what happens
Steve
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MX5 really is that good,all the fun of an open top without any of the grief of the old MGs.If you want grief in a modern MG,buy the MGF and prepare to get to know your friendly local workshop well.
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Soft-top as an only car is OK, even in the frozen north, as long as you don't need boot space or carry odd-shaped loads (I don't mean the missus).
CLASSIC soft-top as only car? Not so sure, reliability will be a problem.
Back to the TR6.....I was amazed how well it drove on snow covered ice, even up steep hills, when the gritters went on strike in the 70's. Dodgy on black ice, though, with 150bhp through that tricky back suspension.
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Not owned either but passengered regularly in a BGT and drove it occasionally.
The legs straight out position is indeed rather uncomfortable after an hour or so.
Tried to get behind the wheel of a Midget at the Jackie Stewart Speed Show (1970?) and failed- even with the seat fully back.
No such trouble with Spitfire or a GT6.
I am a meagre 6' 1 1/2" tall.
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The MGB may be over-rated as a sports car, as I said earlier, but a well-sorted one should be perfectly reliable for every day use. After all, there aren?t any complicated electronics to go wrong unless someone has been fiddling with the ignition. Most running problems are easily fixed and parts specialists will supply most things by overnight post.
I don't think we ever had just a convertible but certainly ran two classics only as everyday cars in the 1980s ie Lotus Elan S1 and 1954 Austin Somerset or Daimler DB 18 and a Reliant Scimitar Coupe. It's down to your personal needs and the amount of mileage you do but there's no hardship in running just a classic. Given the tales you hear on this site, it might be off the road less than some modern models.
David
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If nothing else, the MGB is easier to get spares for than an MGF, according to tonight's Watchdog! I think the Mazda really is a better proposition for everyday use, but then I haven't got the MG bug...
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The greatest joy of MG ownership is the tinkering - if you just want to drive (and pose) an MX5 will be much more rewarding.
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So far I have just been looking at the rubber bumber MGs as they seem to come better equipped (synchromesh gearbox, door locks, etc as standard) and are hopefully more reliable than the older ones. They are also a bit cheaper than the older ones so I could probably afford to get a better example (I'm looking to spend around £3000). The Triumph seems good but I think the insurance would probably be a bit too high (I'm 20 years old and paying more than a grand just to insure my Cavalier!). One of the appealing things about the Midget is the fact that it only has a 1500cc engine and is therefore cheaper to insure.
Did I leave my lights on?
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Have you checked out Classic car insurance ?
If you can live with a limited mileage agreement you could save hundreds.
For £ 3000 you should find a nice MG - its a good time of year to be buying with the winter months not far off.Why not visit a local MG specialist and tell them what your planning to do.I'm sure you will get some good advice and maybe a few test drives which should give you a good idea of what to go for.
I've restored 3 MG's (BGT 1970, Roadster 1978, V8 GT 1974) with my father (first one was when i was 20 ). Without question the chrome bumper cars are a better drive.
The problem of insurance never goes away ... My father has just bought a MGRV8 which has a classic insurance policy which excludes drivers under 30. I'm 29 , so unfair....
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Three important factors buying these, rust, iron oxide and corrosion. Evrything else is pretty easy and cheap to fix. I restored a 1961 Midget years ago (red, 277 CXA, anyone seen it?) and the odd hole here and there ultimately turns out to be major work. I would recommend you are very level headed and be 100% prepared to walk away from any 'bargain'.
The best bet is probably to buy a car that has been restored by an enthusiast, looking out for obvious signs. Like do the doors fit with even gaps (else bad sill replacement). Get them to show you some of their welding. If it's neat, it's probably good. Look at the photos they will probably have taken.
With that budget I would buy an MX5, but good luck whatever...
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Before you commit yourself to a forty year old anachronism with cart springs, HS - have you thought about a Porsche 924 or 944? They can be bought for the same sort of money and are pretty well bomb proof. They also have galvanised bodies, and spares are cheap and plentiful.
Ian Cook
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I looked at 924s for a while, although the insurance quotes I was getting seemed pretty high. Have you driven/owned one before? Are they nice to drive? I read somewhere that they were originally going to be Volkswagens so they should be pretty reliable.
Did I leave my lights on?
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HS
I don't drive one, but both my sons own Porsches and have carried out extensive research into the 924/944/968 four cylinder range. Also, a chap at work uses a 1986 944 as an everyday car, and rates it very highly.
The 924's is VW based, whereas the 944 et al are pure Porsche, but they are still good cars. Most 924s lack power steering, but they are cheap as chips, really.
If you're interested in finding out more about the possibilities then have a look at the Hartech website (buyers guide tab):
www.hartech.u-net.com
Ian Cook
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I owned a Midget for about 4 years until my wife was about
6 months pregnant,Naturally it comes nowhere near modern cars for comfort,it leaked from the side of the soft top,cold in the winter even though it had a heater,droughty,lousy suspension,it would rattle your teeth on an uneven surface.but it was a sad day when it went even my wife cried.It was easy to maintain,and I'm no machanic,relitively cheap to run,mine had the 1000cc engine which I found was underpowered,a great fun car go for it and enjoy yourself.
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Go for it! Either midget or B will be a fun car to own and cheap too. Classic insurance, no car tax if pre jan 1973 registered, cheap bits, easy to maintain and best of all no depreciation if you maintain its condition. Just buy the very best you can afford, especially body condition. If you get a reasonable body and wax inject it every year it will last. Don't discount the rubber bumper cars. Sure they don't look as good and theoretically they don't handle as well due to the extra ride height, but I doubt that you'll notice this in everyday use. You will get a much better car for the money as they are seen as less desirable.
If you maintain an older car properly they should be no less reliable than an second hand modern one. I drive a morris minor and triumph 2000 as everyday cars. Just change the oil every 3000 miles, change the points and condensor twice a year and go mad with the grease gun regularly and you won't go far wrong. Most problems with older cars are lack of maintenance, or a 'sunday' car put into regular use where things like control boxes and fuel pumps will give up the ghost. But remember, these things are really easy and cheap to fix compared to a modern car and you can easily learn to diy, or any local garage with a mechanic over 35 years old will love to work on it for you. Carry a set of points, a condensor and a basic set of tools and most breakdowns (if any) can be fixed by the roadside.
Be different! Plough your own furrow instead of following the herd!
Yes, old cars can be noisier, slower, thirstier etc etc but they are fun and cheap!
As with all cars, buyer beware. Take someone who knows that model inside out when you view, and look for rust and then look again for rust. It is the opposite of a newer car. The bodies cost to repair, the mechanics don't. Learn how to wield a spanner and enjoy years of cheap motoring.
3 years ago, I gave a friend if mine a 1974 Triumph Toldeo 1300. I couldn't sell it, nobody wanted it. Since he has had it, apart from normal servicing, it has cost him a £20 starter motor £90 of welding and never let him down.
Of course you could sign your life away and have a new eurobox. Up to you. Good luck!
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Well said that man! These are cheap, fun cars on the the first rung of the classic ladder. Inevitably they come with the famous BL non-optional extra of guaranteed structural failure - the onyl question is if not when. Even the rubber bumpers are decades old now so checking structural condition - floors, A posts, sills, inner wings, spring hangers is essential. Most have been said to be "restored" at some time or another. Mechanicals are very straightforward and relatively cheap to fix. Plenty of suppliers of wearing parts at reasonable prices. The most desirable vehicles are generally thought to be the early pull handle MGBs, old and likely to be expensive for a good one. For Midgets the early 70s round wheel arch, chrome bumper models are well liked. Avoid the 1500cc later midgets as the engines have been over bored and tend to self destruct after 50k miles. If tempted by an MGF, then buy the far superior MX5. The MG owners club magazine can be a good source of reasonable vehicles. If really unsure of what you are doing then consider buying from a MG specialist who restores and trades cars as well. You may pay a little more but try repairing somebody else's bodge up. Finally for true enjoyment remember that the hood is just to keep the snow out when parked, otherwise enjoy the open top experience and say goodbye to depreciation. If you see a mustard yellow Midget out tomorrow give me a wave!
MGs
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Oops, I meant when not if, but I expect you know what I mean. MGs
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I owned a 1974 chrome bumpered midget for 16 years-sold it reluctantly three years ago to a 20 something jockey who will (or has) wrecked it.
BNE317N where are you now?
Wonderful go cart fun-cheap if demanding - great wind in the hair motoring very precise point and go driving, very snug cabin but I'm six foot and the leg room is fine, trouble is after you get to forty getting in and out is the big issue.
Still I sold it for TWICE what I paid. Look after them especially the suspension (grease nipples galore, antique king pins et al) and they are fine.
As for the 'B' well I now have one of those-just adore the pininfarina styling- I have owned it two years and am still rebuilding it, never driven it, don't care-it's an MG, built at Abingdon by craftsmen and that really is what its about (ok so its got an agricultural engine, naf handling, poor heater it will still fetch more than I paid for it).
There is a reason why the MG owners club is the biggest in the world, but until you've owned an MG you cannot say why!
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I graduated to an rubber-bumper MGB GT via two TCs (the first burned to death after 48 hours) and a TD. It had a lazy engine - 1800 cc I think - but had an ovberdrive and was a genuine long-distance or "gran turismo" car. In fact, I bought it for a European tour but never got to it until I bought an MGf. If you buy one of the latter, avoid the first two years as quality control was rotten. A man involved in its design told me MG grossly under estimated demand and cars were rushed through production. Mine came with tyres made the very month of delivery, which was nice, but there were lots of problems (but a lovely ride, put to the test over 3500 miles on the Continent).
The MX5 is probably a better bet for fun days out but lacks the luggage space for an extended trip.
There is an excellent owners club based on Bournemouth, whose Hon. Sec. can advise.
My son had a Midget - a lot of power for a tiny car.
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Thanks for all of the replys everyone, it's been really helpful :-)
I've tried getting quotes from all of the usual insurance companies that are meant to be good for young drivers (CIS, Tesco, etc) but does anyone know of an insurance company that offers a limited mileage policy for an MG or Porsche? (The questions never end do they!).
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I originally used the MGOC insurance, through an outfit called Lancaster Insurance, but found that they pushed the price up after a while. I now insure via the AA and have a policy with Cherished Car Insurance which costs me all of £85.01 for a limited mileage of 3000/year and an agreed valuation in excess of that which the MGOC would agree to. Also check any classic car magazine and you will find a number of others. Insuring a Porsche, even a 924, may well require you to substitute anno domini for a big premium loading. Good luck!
MGs
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I had several Midgets. They were all grat fun and cheap to run. I'm 6 foot and comfort was fine. The worst was a 1500 cc rubber bumper job. Best was a 1098 with balanced engine. Experts say it revs better than 1275. It's slow by modern standards as is the MGB, but the advantage if the Midget/Sprite is they handle a bit like a Go-Cart. Cheap and GREAT fun.
(PS Luggage no problem. Put the spare on the boot lid. Looks good and leaves a huge boot.)
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If you get your Midget I think I still have a boot luggage rack somewhere,from my 1970 Midget.
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Just to let everyone know that I've finally got my new car. In the end I went for an MGB GT, a 1980 Carmine Red one to be precise. It drives brilliantly and looks and sounds fantastic. Thanks again to everyone who helped me decide what to get, it was all really helpful.
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Congratulations Highway Star. Enjoy it!
Go mad with dinitrol 3215 rustproofing every year (much better then waxoyl, but more expensive), service it regularly and it'll hold its value.
Think about a theft deterrant too, they do get nicked. Forget crooklocks, get the sort that covers the whole steering wheel, you can get a thatcham approved one.
Good luck.
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