British Sports Cars

[BradleyS]

So I am looking for a daily driver and the wife doesn't like the idea of a motorcycle. I found a clean MG Midget, but my mechanic Son In Law can't tell anything about them and my Brother In Law tells me that parts are not available.
Can someone please school me on MG Midgets? Should I turn and run the other way?

[HHP]

Back in the day, Midgets were the car you would get if you couldn't afford an MGB , Austin-Healey, or Triumph. Small, underpowered, with so-so handling.

[JonWint]

The best, most reliable British sports car you can own is a Mazda Miata. Been driving them for 20+ years. Airbags, ABS, AC, etc. Replace tires and change oil.

My first car was a 1958 MGA. I learned auto repair in self defense.

No MG is a daily driver.

You can get parts from Moss Motors: https://mossmotors.com/mg-midget-austin-healey-sprite

[Tahitijack]

Surprised you are not looking at a Toyota. Reliable and won't cost a fortune to maintain if you find the right one.

[jpd]

Originally Posted by JonWint

The best, most reliable British sports car you can own is a Mazda Miata. Been driving them for 20+ years. Airbags, ABS, AC, etc. Replace tires and change oil.

My first car was a 1958 MGA. I learned auto repair in self defense.

No MG is a daily driver.

You can get parts from Moss Motors: https://mossmotors.com/mg-midget-austin-healey-sprite

AMEN!!!! Listen to JonWint! Drove everything from a '59 TR-3 to a 63 MG....and lots in between. They ARE fun , but at a huge cost...did I say COST! Oh, and dependable...NO! Lucas electric, Stromberg carbs....on and on....bottom line is get a modern sports car...unless you are a collector

[Ozzy the dog]

Originally Posted by BradleyS

So I am looking for a daily driver and the wife doesn't like the idea of a motorcycle. I found a clean MG Midget, but my mechanic Son In Law can't tell anything about them and my Brother In Law tells me that parts are not available.
Can someone please school me on MG Midgets? Should I turn and run the other way?

Parts not available because they're all used up. On the plus side, if you get one your Son In Law will soon be able to tell you all about them.

That said though, if it's a toy and you like it enough to put up with the bonnet (hood) lifting exercise, they can be great fun.

My son has a Lotus (Loads Of Trouble, Usually Serious) but the constant tinkering is all part of the fun - apparently.

I think a Midget might be the same - but you never know.

[Mr. Jelly]

I always wanted one. That's all I know about them.

[Long Jon]

I have never been in one, I would have liked an opportunity, a couple of my friends had them, but sadly I am over 5’4” tall ...

Also, I always preferred the much greater weather and crash protection offered by motorbikes.

[Fogducker]

Oh yes, Lucas--Prince of Darkness. The only foreign car worse than a 50's British car, would be a Renault. My 1959 Renault "Dauphine" will always be remembered as one of the all time worse mistakes of my current life! I still can't believe I didn't buy a VW bug like I planned to for a year before.

Fog

[Tahitijack]

I once owned 67 Alpha Romeo Spyder. You know the story....two happy days. The day I bought it and the day some poor fool bought it from me. You want to talk about high maintenance....get yourself a 67 Alpha.

[HHP]

Originally Posted by Long Jon

I have never been in one, I would have liked an opportunity, a couple of my friends had them, but sadly I am over 5’4” tall ...

Also, I always preferred the much greater weather and crash protection offered by motorbikes.

I thought British bikes were very safe, the chance of an accident on the rare day they would run was very small. Of course, if I ever see a running Matchless for sale, I won't resist.

[Brucebubs]

I was President of a Datsun Sports club here in Australia for several years.
This was my 1969 Datsun 2000.



Very hard to get parts particularly body panels.

Go with the Mazda suggestion or if you like higher performance, Honda S2000.

[Long Jon]

A Mazda RX7 or a Toyota MR2, may suit you, but I don’t know if you are a hairdresser or not.

[Long Jon]

Originally Posted by HHP

I thought British bikes were very safe, the chance of an accident on the rare day they would run was very small. Of course, if I ever see a running Matchless for sale, I won't resist.

Back in one of my many former lifetimes, me, my first wife to be Rosemary and my pal Hank went from Buckinghamshire to the Isle of Wight on Hank’s 650 AJS Matchless slope twin, with very basic buckboard sidecar attached.
A journey of a hundred miles or so . Only took about a day.
We saw a crazy good , if slightly out of tune guitarist called Jimi Hendrix, and lots of naked people.

Happy daze !

Apologies to OP for de-rail , but I think you are getting the info you need, Basically, do not buy that car unless you are an enthusiast.

[Wengr]

If you want a British car, nothing else will suffice. However, depending daily on any 40+ year old car will be a challenge.
If I was to do it again, I would really lean towards an MGB over the Midget.