Which would be more expensive, a mid 1970s Triumph Spitfire or a mid 1970s midget MG?

Question

I'm sorry, I'm completely ignorant as far as cars are concerned. But I really like the look of both of these cars and am thinking about purchasing one. I heard they're not that expensive? At any rate, feel free to give any pros and cons to each vehicle.

Answer 1

Price wise they should be close.  

I've owned a Sprite (AH version of the Midget) and four Triumphs.  I've ridden in several Spitfires.

I would suggest the Spitfire for a number of reasons:

- Roomier

- easier to work on, the whole bonnet flips up.

- can install overdrive

- Has a factory made removable hardtop available

- sleeker

- Just looks better.

One thing I didn't particularly care about is the Spitfire will have strombergs while the midget will have SU's.  The SU's are easier to maintain and are not as finiky.

However, fixing the transmission or clutch in a Midget requires you to pull the engine.  Been there.  And it's cramped when you climb in.  My daughter liked it though, she had it for two years while in college.

Ignore all the comments about bad Lucas electrical, most of the British cars already come with OFF/Dim/Flicker positions for the lights. LOL  -- Actually, most of those problems are already sorted out on cars that are still running.

Know why the British drink warm beer?  Lucas makes the refrigerators.  

Know why the British don't have buildings over 3 stories high?  Lucas makes the elavators.

My preference and recommendation is to buy the Spitfire.

Answer 2

British cars - you either love them or hate them.

I love them.

Factually you can get a better car for about the same amount of money it you want a sports car (a used Miata).

There are plenty of them out there, I prefer the MGB-GT.

The Triumph Spitfire and the Midget are smaller versions of a British sports cars. In the pecking order of British roads, Triumph was a step above the MG.

They can get great MPG and are fun to drive. But they almost all suffer from carburetor and electrical problems.

There is a lot of information out there (moss motors, victoria british, and the roadster factory. They have a lot of support information and parts for these cars.

Look for classic car dealers in your area. It is cheaper to buy one already restored then to do it yourself.

Answer 3

Do you mean to purchase, or to maintain?

British sports cars of this vintage are notorious for electrical gremlins. The Spitfire is marginally larger in size, so I think you'd feel more comfortable piloting one of those around in a sea of gas-swilling SUVs. I think a good TR6 would made you happier still.

If you are looking to use it as a daily driver, do some research and see if you can find a good rust-free example without drivetrain and see what contemporary powertrains can fit with a minimum of hassle. At the very least, a Japanese-built 5-speed will keep the revs from driving you crazy.

Publications like classic motorsports can help in your research.