MGB or MG Midget?

[MissMoppet]

I used to run an MGB GT with wire wheels - thought it was the dog's b . . . s. Fancied another a few years ago but I thought the ride was so hard. OK in a straight line, but found a Stag far far better. Bit dearer though now.

[Dallas]

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.

I think I'm in agreement with the Midget being too small, you do feel very vulnerable when sat in one, the B's aren't any better really, but I do luv the shape of the BGT. My auntie had one many year ago when I was about 8 years old, I was fixated on the dashboard with the chrome dials, I felt like I was in a James Bond movie, I'm not sure why???

I have searched other old classics and did come across the Reliant Scimitar, its certainly a contender, its just there are so many MGB's still on the roads, and being a MG fan, I thought why not... will go well alongside the TF.

I was at my local SWVA classic car auction last week, they had three MGB's, one being a V8 which sold for around 20k, the other two had rust issues and I'm sure there were signs of HGF on the one that I liked... I came across a Hillman Super Minx which I also liked, there was just something special about it, only sold for 3k but I didn't know enough about it, so I didn't bid.

We have been out to look another MGB this morning, but we had to walk away once again, there was far too much rust for my liking, this is obviously the problem I'm up against. It seems many sellers do not always tell the truth when selling their vehicle, the listings are never truthful.

On the way home though, we stopped off at Southampton to do a bit of shopping (had to keep the wife happy) and I couldn't help be amazed by this huge ship embedded into the distance. Southampton certainly does amaze me, we don't go there often, but when we do, I feel like I have stepped into the future. lol

[SideValve]

In my youth I had a Midget then an MGB GT.
The Midget was great fun but the first car I lost money on as it was rusting before my eyes so I sold it with only a short MOT. I'm 6'3" and fitted ok. But yep, don't have an accident in one. A friend did in his Sprite and had a steering wheel shaped dent in his chest for a while - no collapsible column.

The MGB GT was great. I had it for 9 years and its the only car I've ever sold and bought back. I'd do it again if I could find SEA 307L. But again, it did rust. It had the sills replaced when only 12 years old, and needed them doing again a few years later (to be fair, don't think the first job was that great).
Lovely car to drive, I can confirm they'll do 105mph :¬) and will average 25mpg in normal use. The handling is safe, predictable & fun. They are dead easy to work on. I did the big end at about 100k in the road with help from my 7 year old.
Personally if I was to buy another I'd just use any rust (check the inner sills & spring hangers) as a bargaining point then budget to spend the money. The mechanics are easy to maintain (grease the king-pins regularly) and they don't depreciate.
Having said all that my last two MGs have been MGFs. They lack the classic vibe but are enormous fun round corners (get decent tyres) are easy to live with, again don't depreciate and do 40 mpg :¬)

[COLVERT]

Now don't forget when you go searching to take a very important piece of kit with you.






It's a small, not too strong magnet. Find the filler that's hidden by all that polished paint and wax.

The magnet can see right through that disguise.---

[Rogue]

My fathers old GT. Was offered it free when he bought his current Minor traveller. Made the same year i was born and i often regret turning it down but i had nowhere to keep it undercover so wouldn't have been good for it.

Was a solid thing with no appreciable rust and drove very nicely. It kinda smelt right inside too

[Dallas]

Originally Posted by Rogue

My fathers old GT. Was offered it free when he bought his current Minor traveller. Made the same year i was born and i often regret turning it down but i had nowhere to keep it undercover so wouldn't have been good for it.

Was a solid thing with no appreciable rust and drove very nicely. It kinda smelt right inside too

That has everything I want in a B, its red, chrome bumper model, also a chrome grill, wire wheels and also has the front scoop valance.

[Rogue]

and also has the front scoop valance.

Apparently they were not very common...

It is certainly a pretty thing and i might be accused of heresy but i much prefer the look of a GT compared to a Roadster.

[Dallas]

Originally Posted by Rogue

Apparently they were not very common...

It is certainly a pretty thing and i might be accused of heresy but i much prefer the look of a GT compared to a Roadster.

Yep! I agree, the GT looks more stylish, and I guess the Roadster is more fun, but if you get a GT with a Webasto roof, its fun, fun, fun all the way.

[mininuts]

Midget for me Wes.........they’re bigger than a Mini

[Raven Black]

I am on my 5th MGBGT. I got my first one 1969 model when I was 19 years old and drove it all over Zambia and Zimbabwe where I was living at the time, went over rough gravel roads no problem. I then bought a red one in the UK 1972 model and shipped it to South Africa where I used it for long journeys and had it for over 10 years. When I moved to the USA I got a lhd one, drove it from LA to Miami then had it there for 2 years till I left.
When I came to the UK I bought a 1981 model, then a1978 one which I have now had as a daily runner for 5 years.

They are quite simply one of the best, most reliable, practical cars to own. Has to be a gt as with the back seat down, can carry a surprising amount of things.

I will always have one as cheap to run and fun to drive.