Starter Classic: 1974 MG Midget
This next car comes as a tip from James who writes: Who you callin a midget? Hard to say this is a lot of car for the money. But this is a very small car for a small price. Besides the wheels alone are worth it. Find this 1974 MG Midget offered for $4000 in Agawam, MA offered for craigslist.
From the seller:
1974 mg mudget
condition: good
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 40175
paint color: brown
size: sub-compact
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: convertible
more ads by this userRecent trade in. 1974 midget. New carbs runs drives stops. Needs tlc do I keep it for the summer or sell. Make me an offer.
See a better way to drive something yellow? tips@dailyturismo.com
Like an adopted staffordshire, you have no idea what you’re getting into. Rare-ish but unloved, $4k is just the beginning of your troubles with this Brit. New roof won’t keep the water out, either. Ask me how I know.
When I see this era of British cars I always think: just rewire it and make the interior waterproof. The electronics have a history of Gremlins and the metal knows how to rust. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone and just redo it like you are building a boat.
Seems like a ridiculously low price for what you see but I wonder what the interior, underneath, and engine compartment look like.
For an additional $2500, the lovely green Spitfire posted a few days ago is a far, far better proposition.
I guess I’m in the minority here, but I would grab this car if I was in the market. My only concern would be how much rust, if any. Everything else, no worries.
Seriously. These are super simple and every part is available in the US. I don’t see this needing a top any time soon. If you’re not willing to get a little wet when you drive this in the rain, you should probably not drive it in the rain. Or drive it at all. These weren’t intended as all-weather dailies. They’re fair-weather sports cars.
This is the Midget to get too. Chrome bumpers and round rear arches were only available together for a short while. Best looking version that’s the most sought after.
That’s a small scoop of vanilla.
Beware of the height restriction. The later the car the more padding in the seat and dash. Makes an already tight cockpit tighter. My 66 is okay for my 6′ frame.
Car presents well but would need pics of the underside and close ups of the rockers and bottoms of the A pillar.