Faults:

Nothing since the partial rebuild work.

General Comments:

I bought this car as a non runner, sight unseen for a very low price assuming it would need to be restored. It did require spring hangers and floor repairs, but structurally that was it. I rewired the engine bay upgrading everything I could whilst keeping it eligible for the MG Challenge Group C (standard).

That means it has K&N air filters, a free flow exhaust, richer needles, electric fan & thermostat, and an alternator conversion. I also rewired the engine bay using a modern, bladed fuse box for reliability and new cabling, new starter, electronic ignition distributor and a new fuel tank sender.

I also fitted new bearings in the prop shaft UJs and fitted new 5 inch Minilite wheels with Yokohama Blue Earth 165 x 70 tyres. For comfort I re-trimmed the cockpit using a pair of MGF leather seats.

So what I now have is a car that cost about £3500, has slightly unsightly (but not rusty) external panels, a solid core and near perfect mechanicals. It drives nicely, feels tight and together as they say and can still be entered for motorsport events as a standard car.

I couldn't afford to increase the power significantly because to go much further involves great expense on uprated brakes and suspension, and I don't believe I need to because a mildly tuned Spridget is the perfect British Sports car. Enough power to have fun, but not enough to get you into trouble.

Faults:

Most things! Won't bother listing everything. This is an old car, so things go wrong! They were not reliable new!

General Comments:

Instead of ranting about the reliability (which is poor, and expected) I will rave about the FUN!

With the roof down on a summers day, this car is amazing. The smell, feel and zest this car has is hard to explain. You fall in love, and that makes it that bit harder when it breaks down!

The steering (with a smaller steering wheel fitted) is very good, scuttle shake is not too bad for a car this age. Upgrade the brakes and you will have near modern stopping power!

Upgrade the tyres too, and it will handle a lot better.

The rot on these can be a problem. If you can, buy a fully restored one, and look after it! Otherwise, have a full glassfibre body fitted and rust on the bodywork will not be an issue.

I would also recommend you go to a specialist if you are not a competed DIY mechanic, they know the cars inside out, and can fix common problems very quickly and easily.

Running cost are very good (excluding repair costs).

I would recommend this car to someone willing to expect breakdowns, but wanting lots of good fun and a whole other world of motoring.

Faults:

Lots:

Head Gasket

Brakes

Clutch Pipe

Overheating

Exhaust fell off

But given the cars age and how I tend to drive it I can't complain...

General Comments:

If you are looking for a cheap car, you can use reliably all year around and covering long distances you are in the wrong place. If however you are after something to have fun in, buy one now. I have never had so much fun driving any other car. People who have modern cars with far more performance still find driving these cars amazing fun.

Seriously I know people do use these cars daily and they can be very reliable, but be warned if you want one you must be willing to spend time or money maintaining the car. Personally I have enjoyed the experience of learning about cars from carrying out most the work myself.

While Midgets can be used for long distances they aren't the most comfortable or petrol efficient of cars, also in winter the cars aren't ideal.

Having re-read this I realise some of it is quite negative, but I think that's cause I want to be realistic to anyone thinking of buying one. They are great cars to own and drive when they are working and the sun is out.