"Roadster Man" (roadsterman)
06/25/2016 at 20:44 • Filed to: MG, Midget, British
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"Roadster Man" (roadsterman)
06/25/2016 at 20:44 • Filed to: MG, Midget, British | 4
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I spotted this on a parking lot while I was driving around town, and I had to snap a few pictures of this sweet MG Midget. It’s in nice shape and looks like a driver.
It’s not nearly as loved as the MGB these days, and I think it was somewhat regarded as a “girl” car in its day... but I think it’s awesome! Sure the convertible top looks goofy, but I love the look of that front end. So much better looking than a Sprite, which is the only comparable small roadster that I can think of.
Sure, a Triumph Spitfire, a Triumph TR6, or an Austin Healey 3000 is cooler. But the latter two were in a different class, having 6cyl engines. And the Spitfire just has looks to kill.
One thing I noticed is that this thing is seriously TINY, even compared to my Miata. I’d love to putt around in one of these some day, but I don’t think I’d fit being 6'1".
Anyone had experiences with a Midget or other old British roadsters? I’d love to hear some stories.
aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe
> Roadster Man
06/25/2016 at 20:49 |
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Those corner markers look a little familiar
hooray for parts bins
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Roadster Man
> aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe
06/25/2016 at 20:58 |
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Haha! definitely the same part.
The Lurktastic Opponaught
> Roadster Man
06/25/2016 at 21:12 |
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There’s one well loved green example I see every summer in my area. It looks like a hell of a car.
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Roadster Man
> The Lurktastic Opponaught
06/25/2016 at 21:17 |
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They really are cool little cars. I’d love to see one in nice British Racing Green
Steve in Manhattan
> Roadster Man
06/25/2016 at 21:19 |
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If I had to get a British roadster of this vintage, it’d be a TR6. Straight up.
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Roadster Man
> Steve in Manhattan
06/25/2016 at 21:25 |
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I really like the TR6 as well. Hell I’m even a fan of the disastrous TR7. But I’d have to go with the Austin Healey 3000 solely on looks, and some say its 6cyl was a bit more gutsy than the TR6's (I haven’t researched that however).
That being said, a Triumph GT6 would take the cake for me, even though it isn’t a roadster, I just love the lines on that car.
Spridget
> Roadster Man
06/25/2016 at 21:38 |
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That’s a ‘75-’79 Midget with the rubber bumpers removed, just FYI. While I wasn’t alive back in the day, I don’t think these were regarded as “chick cars.” On the contrary, from what I’ve gathered from period articles, stories of people who owned one, and the general character of the Midget, it was more of an enthusiast car. The Midget was the kind of car you’d take out on sunny days in your driving cap to go tour the countryside before hitting the pub. It was designed to be a cheap sports car so people with little cash could get a taste of sports cars and eventually move up to the MGB. I’ve never owned a Midget, but a family friends ‘73 (which I hope to purchase as my first car) got me interested in British cars, which led to Euro cars, my current obsession, hence my screen name. Now, while you think they’re better, let me try and persuade you that the Midget is better than the Spit. For one, the Midget is monocoque, while the Spit is body on frame. For another, the Spit’s rear suspension had a tendency to hitch up, Corvair style. Third of all, the later Spit 1500 engines were miserable hunks of metal with their single Stromberg carb (thanks for shoving that lump in the Midget for it’s final years, BL.) They’re marginally better with Webers or SU carbs and the emissions equipment removed, but the MG 1275 A Series is although a better engine, in my biased opinion.
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The Lurktastic Opponaught
> Roadster Man
06/26/2016 at 07:23 |
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Whoops, forgot my audience. Yes, British Racing Green.