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[CaptainZok]

Looks fun Guy, get the two of us in there and it would be a tight squeeze though.

[Amigo]

Looks fun Guy, get the two of us in there and it would be a tight squeeze though.

    "Which one of us just changed gear?"

[Vamps]

Looks fun Guy, get the two of us in there and it would be a tight squeeze though.

    "Which one of us just changed gear?"

 

[jereboam]

I used to have a Austin Healy Sprite - same shape as the Midget. 

I spent more time under it than in it.   

[Amigo]

I used to have a Austin Healy Sprite - same shape as the Midget. 

I spent more time under it than in it.   

The earlier Midgets/ Healy sprites or spridgets as the became affectionately known were better in many ways, especially with the 1275 a series up front. Shorter stroke so much more suited to the car's character. I've read/heard the 1500 engine has a bottom end/crank? weakness but usually only manifests itself inthe Dolomite/1500tc where it has to work harder. Think this one could do with a re shell which should be able to do from underneath with sump off. Not changing the engine though as it's otherwise smooth, quiet smoke/odour free & very nippy.
   All in all a nice little rolling winter project. Not tax exempt but falls into the cheap bracket & in date till end of Jan11 & Mot June 11. No filler, passed the magnet test & i can still play at weekends, 60 feels like 120 so won't get nicked either!

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Yes Lizzie the earlier ones with wire wheels & chrome bumpers were much prettier, handled better due to ride hight & the jets were different. We have the US to thank for telling us how to build sports cars. Ellie Mae, forgive me, next weekend, promise!! Debs, she loves you too & hopes you don't mind driving with your knees round your ears..me getting in & out is an excercise in itself!!!
   To everyone else she runs the 1500 Triumph engine ala Spitfire etc with twin SU HS4 carbs & if you want her in your garage wait til she's painted, fettled & retested next spring & make me an offer!!!!! 8-)

That is what I thought Guy at the time when I wanted to be old enough / have enough money to own the earlier cars.  They certainly spoilt the image with those plastic bumpers which I had forgotten were due to the American market!

If I remember correctly British Leyland (Ya booo!) brought out other cars within their awful 1970s range with the same type of styling   In fact I think certain cars - let others mention their diabolical names - actually ended up with MG badges!!

Very bad, and sad days indeed!!