Crappy Summer Runabout Challenge: MG Midget vs VW Super Beetle vs Benz 450SL
This next triple feature comes as tip from Zach Z who writes; Which runt would you pick the of this ~$4k, early ’70s ragtop litter? We’ve got a 1975 MG Midget, a 1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle Ragtop, and a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL (that comes with a parts car).
From the MG seller:
1975 MG Midget
Runs and drives
Has new exhaust and starter.
Could use a new top and a tuneup.
Just don’t have time for it.
In good shape for its age.
From the seller of the Beetle:
This car is a solid buy to the right person. 1974 convertible Super Beetle that has never been a problem to start. Top is in need of replacement. Motor very strong. Body in good shape. Leaks very little oil. Real Bug aficionados will understand that statement. Over $500 in replacement seals and trim. I really do not want to sell this car but I have not made the restoration progress I had hoped. I have to move on. Any reasonable offer will be considered. Please save your time and mine by not being a tire kicker or low baller.
From the seller of the 450SL:
summer time fun Cruiser . runs and drives, two tops,no dents, minor ding or two, minimal rust under side rearwell comes with .1984.380.sl parts car. comes with three Mercedes Benz Factory Manuals . this is a summer time car only,. if looking for a all round time car this Vehicle is not for you. clean title, to make appiontment
call 258-5288. $.$3400.FIRM! takes both cars no exception. will trade for Dual Sport motor cycle 400 cc, or more. electric start a must,
See a better way to drive something for $4k? tips@dailyturismo.com
I'd take the Bug. If it has more problems than expected, they'll be the easiest to fix. Although the MGB probably wouldn't be too bad if I had a set of Whitworth tools and a jar of Lucas replacement smoke.
Lucas smoke has recently been subject to carbon credit offsets so our time may be running out. Stock up while you can.
I have a 66 Sprite and even though it's dead reliable I'd take the Beetle. First, that Midget is about a $2800 car. Second the Beetle would have more space and be simpler to work on. Third, that MB will quickly become a $6k car to keep on the road.
This. To this day, the most expensive car purchase (by that I mean the negative delta between price bought and price sold, divided by number of miles driven) is an MG I found, well, here. That was a mistake I’ll never make again.
Every fiber of common sense in my body says beetle but then there is this irrational part of me that can't pass up a deal and that SL is cheaper AND comes with another whole car so basically yeah I'd go Benz and probably regret it.
I would go with the Mercedes. Mostly because they say it is a summer only car and it is located in Alaska, so what is that 3 weeks a year? Plus I want to talk to the owner about that van.
That 450SL has the ugly 1974 bumpers, not the svelte Euro 1973 type.
I question the model year of it…and what other facts may be wrong.
IMO, the Midget is likely the most fun of the 3, but it is the one I haven't driven.
Could those bumpers be pushed in?
They had little shock absorbers, but were like diving boards hanging out there on my '74. I looked for '73s, but they are quite desirable and $pen$ive.
Mercedes is a slam dunk. Built like a tank and just beginning to appreciate. Besides, the hard top is worth half the ask. Part out tge parts car and you could make money on the deal.
The bug is a good second choice and easy to work on
I couldn't live with the $400 re-paint on the midget
Vert Roach hands down…..
I was driving by the local much beloved indy German immigrant Mercedes Benz factory mechanic that quit the local dealership when MBUSA ( redacted )
Had one of these with a clear coat failure parked out front with 4000 written on the windshield parked out front.
As much fun as driving from Alaska sounds, maybe a closer SL would be better or should I get a beater Miata.
Supposed to be 103 with high winds tomorrow, maybe convertibles are over.