I almost bought a Midget a while back but opted for a MGB because I wanted “more “ car. After rebuilding and modifying everything I could, I never loved it. I sold it for an Alfa and it is everything the B wasn’t plus. BUT, I just received a call from another car guy friend who offered me a 1972 Midget, for free. I am beyond excited. I see a vintage rally/hill climb build.
An Englishman drive around the world in an MG Midget and published a book abou 2011 called " Not in that car". He made friends everywhere from Russia to Australia.
The only car I ever actually enjoyed owning and driving was a 1967 Mk 4 1275cc Austin Healey Sprite (identical to a M3 MG Midget). We did many long tours in it covering over 100,000 miles. We owned it from 1969 to 1976. It didn't have seat belts but we had to fit them when the law changed I had to fit some but never used them. I was young then and drove it pretty quickly most of the time in the UK and Europe. 85/90 mph was common and it handled well on twisty roads. It was good for over 100mph. I used to tow a racing dinghy to race meetings. The joy was that the hood was very quick to erect which meant it was driven with it down most of the time even in sub-zero (celsius) temperatures. Probably the longest distance in a day was from south of Naples to Lido de Jessolo on the Venice lagoon with all our camping gear. 2 or 3 hundred miles in a day, mostly on 2 lane roads wasn't unusual.
The problem is your roads are too wide and too straight. They are great on our narrow twisty little roads we have over here in the UK. Have had my 1973 RWA 1275 Midget since 1987. Unfortunately it spent most of the last 30 years in bits in a barn. But it has now been rescued and restored and will be back on the country lanes of Shropshire soon.
Only 54.5 horse power? My 1967 MG Midget in the UK had 65bhp. Were they detuned for America? I do not think the Midget was sold with a five speed gearbox or three wipers, and think that this car has been heavily modified. My standard Mk3 Midget was good for over 80mph with the engine revving at about 5,000. Claims that they were good for 100mph are exaggerated unless the A series engine was tuned to well above its standard horsepower, and the gearing raised.
By 1972, horsepower ratings were lower. Early cars here did have 65hp as well. I noted in the video that the 5 speed has been added, it's a datsun unit. The 3 wipers is on all of them as well to my knowledge. The only modification to this car though is the datsun 5 speed, and the steering wheel :)
Love the Midgets but the only thing is the pedal box is so small O have a hard time working the pedals. My 76 Spitfire has more room and I can even side step the pedals. Yes they are scary at 60 mph or faster and just think they race these at 100+ mph!!
The pedal box isnt huge, but I am size 12 and I can pull it off. I have also had spits and I can attest to the fact that they seem to have a more open footwell. I'd love to get a clean spitfire again. And yeah, no, I cannot imagine 100+ in a midget!
Car's fine. You're too G.d big. My friend from high school's grandmother bought him one. He was just 6' and 190 lbs but if you followed him down the road you would be alarmed by the 10 degree port list. Front A arms and fenders developed stress cracks and he had to give it up.
When I was in high school my friend's brother had one, we used to pick it up and move it to prank him.
Hahahah, that's awesome. You really can't believe how small they are until you see one in person.
I almost bought a Midget a while back but opted for a MGB because I wanted “more “ car. After rebuilding and modifying everything I could, I never loved it. I sold it for an Alfa and it is everything the B wasn’t plus. BUT, I just received a call from another car guy friend who offered me a 1972 Midget, for free. I am beyond excited. I see a vintage rally/hill climb build.
Great sense of humour, you sound just like Harrison Ford moments before he became tired of everything. Great video
Haha I don't know exactly what that means, but I still take it as a huge compliment.
An Englishman drive around the world in an MG Midget and published a book abou 2011 called " Not in that car". He made friends everywhere from Russia to Australia.
The only car I ever actually enjoyed owning and driving was a 1967 Mk 4 1275cc Austin Healey Sprite (identical to a M3 MG Midget). We did many long tours in it covering over 100,000 miles. We owned it from 1969 to 1976. It didn't have seat belts but we had to fit them when the law changed I had to fit some but never used them.
I was young then and drove it pretty quickly most of the time in the UK and Europe. 85/90 mph was common and it handled well on twisty roads. It was good for over 100mph. I used to tow a racing dinghy to race meetings. The joy was that the hood was very quick to erect which meant it was driven with it down most of the time even in sub-zero (celsius) temperatures. Probably the longest distance in a day was from south of Naples to Lido de Jessolo on the Venice lagoon with all our camping gear. 2 or 3 hundred miles in a day, mostly on 2 lane roads wasn't unusual.
That's amazing. I feel like so few people use these as real cars. So cool to hear of someone who did!
Been waiting for this video. ;)
Hope you enjoyed it!
fabby video
Thank you!
Fun cars, I have a '77
I agree! Best proper classics for the money.
These vehicles only have a 7 gallon tank. They also do 35mpg funny enough. My 74 midget is much similar to this one
The 72 to 74 cars are pretty much identical. The round wheel arch cars certainly look the best!
The problem is your roads are too wide and too straight. They are great on our narrow twisty little roads we have over here in the UK. Have had my 1973 RWA 1275 Midget since 1987. Unfortunately it spent most of the last 30 years in bits in a barn. But it has now been rescued and restored and will be back on the country lanes of Shropshire soon.
Did you have the Missus start the car for you?
Lol, I managed to start it myself. This time.
I had the same car, but it was a 1973 with a black roof! Still fun to have! Did you change it over to accept unleaded fuel?
Well I haven't changed anything myself, I'd love to believe it has hardened valve seats at some point, but it may very well not!
Only 54.5 horse power? My 1967 MG Midget in the UK had 65bhp. Were they detuned for America? I do not think the Midget was sold with a five speed gearbox or three wipers, and think that this car has been heavily modified. My standard Mk3 Midget was good for over 80mph with the engine revving at about 5,000. Claims that they were good for 100mph are exaggerated unless the A series engine was tuned to well above its standard horsepower, and the gearing raised.
By 1972, horsepower ratings were lower. Early cars here did have 65hp as well. I noted in the video that the 5 speed has been added, it's a datsun unit. The 3 wipers is on all of them as well to my knowledge. The only modification to this car though is the datsun 5 speed, and the steering wheel :)
three wipers were on the mk3 and rubber bumper cars.
I'm trying to duck to look under the sun visor. 🙄🤦
🤣🤣🤣🤣 sorry man I really did my best!
Love the Midgets but the only thing is the pedal box is so small O have a hard time working the pedals. My 76 Spitfire has more room and I can even side step the pedals. Yes they are scary at 60 mph or faster and just think they race these at 100+ mph!!
The pedal box isnt huge, but I am size 12 and I can pull it off. I have also had spits and I can attest to the fact that they seem to have a more open footwell. I'd love to get a clean spitfire again. And yeah, no, I cannot imagine 100+ in a midget!
Car's fine. You're too G.d big. My friend from high school's grandmother bought him one. He was just 6' and 190 lbs but if you followed him down the road you would be alarmed by the 10 degree port list. Front A arms and fenders developed stress cracks and he had to give it up.
So my quad handle bars sit above the top of the roof when parked side by side. But the car is the correct size, and that I'm simply too big. Got it!
It was a joke.
Maybe get a smaller car?
Lmao. Bro I laughed out loud.