Mg Midget

[Erratic101]

I’m looking at picking up a midget (insert jokes and pics here). I saw one last week and the bug just hit me. I took one for a drive the other day and loved it. Not fast by any means, but so much fun. Anyways, I’ve found a ‘69 and a ‘76 that I like and are in good shape. Both very different.

I’m wondering if anyone here has any input or advice of years to stay away from or years to get. I’m not afraid of work at all. Lookin at these engines and bodies they seem straightforward to work on.

1969



1976



The ‘76 I would do some exterior work on. Lose the bumpers and change the wheels to start. Both would benefit from some engine work and better carbs.

[dshap]

My dad had one and it burned up (electrical fire). That's all I can contribute lol.

[demer03]

Only if you enjoy tinkering.

Having said that, I’d dig it too

[BlueSky]

I always liked the MGB. Do you prefer the midget? Brings back some great memories. I never had one, but several friends did. In fact, one of those, a 1974 MGB, is being restored now.

[hoppyjr]

I’m looking at picking up a midget. I saw one last week and the bug just hit me. I took one for a drive the other day and loved it.

Be sure to ask permission before picking up and remember that basic rules apply, such as “no means no” and “safety first”. If driving in the carpool lane, you may still get stopped by a Trooper.

[Erratic101]

I always liked the MGB. Do you prefer the midget? Brings back some great memories. I never had one, but several friends did. In fact, one of those, a 1974 MGB, is being restored now.

Ya, I really like the midget over the mgb. Such a nimble little thing. The ‘76 has the 1500cc in it and the ‘69 a 1275cc

[Erratic101]

I’m looking at picking up a midget. I saw one last week and the bug just hit me. I took one for a drive the other day and loved it.

Be sure to ask permission before picking up and remember that basic rules apply, such as “no means no” and “safety first”. If driving in the carpool lane, you may still get stopped by a Trooper.

[BlueSky]

I always liked the MGB. Do you prefer the midget? Brings back some great memories. I never had one, but several friends did. In fact, one of those, a 1974 MGB, is being restored now.

Ya, I really like the midget over the mgb. Such a nimble little thing. The ‘76 has the 1500cc in it and the ‘69 a 1275cc

Nimble is pretty accurate with the midget, best I remember. I came close to buying a MGA years ago. Good luck with the project, sounds fun.

[Henryj]

I had a 69 Sprite (same car). I’d vote for the ‘69, even with the missing bumpers. Like you said, not fast but a crap load of fun to drive and tinker with. I hate the rubber bumpers on the 76, and I think they fiddled with ride height for bumper compliance which compromises handling. Also, the 1275 is just a sweet little motor, twin SU carbs (more fun fiddling) and w/o the later smog crapola. Zipping it up a bit with Webers and a better exhaust is easy and a ton of fun. Just go over the body work with a magnet to look for Bondo, and a good looking over for rust.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_Midget

[HapaHapa]

Sounds like a fun toy

[amckiwi]

Am not a fan of the rubber bumpers either
Every drive will be an adventure
You will probably need an oil tray for your garage
These things are tiny but if you fit in it and are comfortable go for it
I would think about fitting a roll over hoop and maybe some more modern brakes then enjoy the heck out of it

[Erratic101]

I hate the rubber bumpers too (I’d probably remove them pretty quickly if I went with it and replace with chrome). I do like that ‘69 a lot and it looks great without bumpers. I’ve been talking with both sellers. They are in different states so I’d have to take a field trip either way.

[Erratic101]

I had a 69 Sprite (same car). I’d vote for the ‘69, even with the missing bumpers. Like you said, not fast but a crap load of fun to drive and tinker with. I hate the rubber bumpers on the 76, and I think they fiddled with ride height for bumper compliance which compromises handling. Also, the 1275 is just a sweet little motor, twin SU carbs (more fun fiddling) and w/o the later smog crapola. Zipping it up a bit with Webers and a better exhaust is easy and a ton of fun. Just go over the body work with a magnet to look for Bondo, and a good looking over for rust.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_Midget

Correct. They raised them up an inch after ‘73/‘74. I’m sure the ‘69 has some bondo to fill holes from the bumper, but always good to check the rest of the car.

[dnslater]

Just keep spare parts handy.

[Ryeguy]

I know very little about these cars, but this shop is local to me and specializes in them http://www.britbits.com/

You might want to contact them for guidance and they might be a good future source for parts, etc.

If you ever get up this way, this is a cool shop to look around in. They always have some cool, unique, cars in stock (such as Lotus Super 7’s, etc.)

[unsub073]

I'll be the weird one. I actually like the "ugly" rubber bumpers.

[amckiwi]

Lord Lucas also know as the prince of darkness
The pioneer of stop start technology and cylinder deactivation
Adding to the list
Membership of a roadside assist program with a tow home option
A fire extinguisher and some basic spare parts such as points plugs fan belt etc

[Henryj]

Lord Lucas also know as the prince of darkness
The pioneer of stop start technology and cylinder deactivation
Adding to the list
Membership of a roadside assist program with a tow home option
A fire extinguisher and some basic spare parts such as points plugs fan belt etc

Yeah, that. I loved the car but a defining memory is driving from Norfolk to NH in 1975. Two sailors, two sea bags, and the Cross-Bronx Expressway at 3 AM. The Sprite started running on 3 out of 4, and not always the same 3. We were pretty sure we were gonna die.

[toxicavenger]

i had a mgb and a x-19 at the same time. both of those turds stayed broke down. the mgb had a ton of electric problems that just never went away. the fiat once you go the carb synched did great, but it was a bear getting it to that point. i can't/don't know any previous owners of mg's who would recommend an MG to anyone.

[Erratic101]

Oh I’ve heard some horror stories. I lot of people are looking at me just like “whyyyy” lol. Guess I’ll just jump in and see how it goes. I mean my Discovery is a bit quirky, my Triumph sprint was definitely quirky. So why not maybe it’ll be different this time

[JDC222]

Consider an Austin Healey Bug-Eye Sprite too....tinker tinker!

[gamecock111]

i had a mgb and a x-19 at the same time. both of those turds stayed broke down. the mgb had a ton of electric problems that just never went away. the fiat once you go the carb synched did great, but it was a bear getting it to that point. i can't/don't know any previous owners of mg's who would recommend an MG to anyone.

My first car was a hand me down 71 MGB. I loved that car, great sound , handled great. My dad, brother., and me worked on it, but never had any trouble with it. When I went off to college (same city), my dad sold it. We saw that car on the side of road several times over the next year. That guy probably hated us, but she worked great for us.


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[toxicavenger]

i had a mgb and a x-19 at the same time. both of those turds stayed broke down. the mgb had a ton of electric problems that just never went away. the fiat once you go the carb synched did great, but it was a bear getting it to that point. i can't/don't know any previous owners of mg's who would recommend an MG to anyone.

My first car was a hand me down 71 MGB. I loved that car, great sound , handled great. My dad, brother., and me worked on it, but never had any trouble with it. When I went off to college (same city), my dad sold it. We saw that car on the side of road several times over the next year. That guy probably hated us, but she worked great for us.


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first good feedback I have ever heard on a MGB. lol

[Selym]

My buddy in high school had a relatively "new" MGB in the family...it was probably a '79 or '80 USDM model. Anyway, it was pretty reliable. Strictly speaking, it wasn't a "daily", but his dad drove it to/from work most summer days. Disclaimer: they own a used-car dealership with several skilled mechanics on staff.

[Erratic101]

Well I was pretty sold on the midget and then I found this MGB for a damn steel and couldn’t resist. ‘73




It’s in amazing shape. I’ll be flying out next week to grab it.