Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Ellis]

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I was surprised to read the production figures for these rivals :

Austin Healey Sprite 80760
MG Midget 226001
Triumph Spitfire 314322

The above totals comprise all marks produced and the highest figure goes to the Triumph Spitfire but the figures are remarkably equal.
I have never driven any of these cars but have been a nervous passenger in a few.
A friend bought a damson coloured Mk3 Spitfire in 1972, LEY 68H and spoiled a nice car by putting a big bore exhaust on it. Another friend from university days bought a new MG Midget in September 1974, WEY 318N, a Teal Blue example and one of the last of the pre 1500cc engine cars.

It may not be an objective assessment but I felt "safer" in the Midget and in the one and only Austin Healey Sprite I was ever in, a 1967 red Mark3.
Whether it was my imagination but I felt an MG/AH felt sturdier than a Spitfire although I still consider the Michelotti designed Spitfire was a more handsome car especially in Mark 4 guise.

You must all have your own opinions on the rubber bumpered MG Midget 1500cc but someone here in the village bought a new one in October 1977 from University Motors in London, XGH 977S. He previously had a a 1971 Mk 3 and thought the Triumph engined car was better even if the styling was compromised (or spoiled) by the rubber bumpers.

Which one of the three would you have bought new or buy now in 2015?
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Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet

[badhuis]

Funny - this is a question I have been asking myself for a long time.

Although I would not want any of the cars pictured. Sixties cars were so much better looking so for me it would be a Mk1, 2 or 3 Spitfire - I don't like the MkIV "upgrades" to the styling and interior.
As for the Sprite / Midget, it would have to be a pre 1968 or so, when the upgrades contained cheaper looking seats / door trims and slimmer bumpers. The Sprite Mk1 is cute but too toylike (and too expensive for what it is).

I have no experience at all of any Spitfire or Sprite / Midget.

30 years ago I should have bought the 1 owner 1967 Midget which was for sale locally with an engine fault. It was cheap but I just had bought my Herald and simply could not afford it.
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a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment

[ukdave2002]

Back in the 80's a mate at school aquire a 60's Midget, that "needed some attention" ! He had a plan to get it on the road in time for his 17th birthday, I was lending a hand in this project, part of which was to see if we could obtain and fit some rubber bumpers from a later car to make his look more modern

The wisdom of teenagers

Dave

[Rick]

The first car I spent significant time on was a '67 Mk3 Spitfire, bought as a wreck by dad from a mate for £25. This was in 1985. After a mountain of work it returned to the road and I ran it until 1992. It was sold on and I lost touch, until 3 or 4 years ago when the current owner got in touch, telling me how he'd given it another rebuild and sent lots of photos. He did mention he might bring it over to "celebrate" 30 years since we first acquired it.

"KED", in about 1989, near Llandudno Junction.


The last Spitty I had was the much-modified example, fitted with GT6 Mk2 suspension and a wonderful 2.5 engine from a 2500S saloon. The engine was set approx 12" back in the chassis, making it handle like a dream. This car is still around, and I heard from its current owner only a month or two back. Sadly it now has a 1.5 engine from a late Spit - had it still been in the spec I remembered, I might well have had it back. Rust was taking a hold (again) though, so it'd have been a full-on project.

So, early Spitty for me all the way. I think the MG might feel more solid, but I just prefer the cabin, interior space, and styling of the Spit, Mk1-3 in particular (not sure I'd have a Mk4 or 1500).

2.5, in a location Ellis may recognise


.. and after a change of wheels, complete with hardtop bought from a Llandudno scrappy for the grand sum of £20



RJ
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[mikeC]

I prefer the style of the Spitfire MkIV, but my car of choice would be a Mk3 Spitfire (with overdrive). Contrary to perceived wisdom, I have always found the early rear suspension more predictable than the later swing-spring set-up; the chuckability of the early cars is great fun, and I always reckoned to be able to place my front wheels accurately, whereas the swing-spring, whilst largely curing the lift-off oversteer of the early cars, always felt less precise. Having learned to drive in short-chassis Austin Sevens, oversteer has never bothered me...

I have never really got on with my Spridgets - the cramped cockpit didn't help, but basically they never felt sporting like my Spitfires did; the 1500 was the best of the bunch, but it was more touring than sports. In fact the 1500 engine really suited the Spridget, but it wasn't really the car for me. If I had to choose a BMC car, it would have to be a (standard 948cc) Frog-eye: basic, not very quick even by the standards of its day, but at least it was fun!

[kevin2306]

I like the Spit the most but have to admit that when out in my MK1 Eunos I dont feel very safe on major roads, great on B roads though.

Kev