Advice on buying a Midget wanted

[Mgnoobie]

Hello, I'm a chap from across the pond, I'm looking at purchasing a 1975 Mg convertible midget, is there anything in particular I should look at or inquire about? Ay inherent issues? I really like the car, I plan on using it as a daily driver, is this an economic choice in regards to fuel usage?

[Ian]

The main issue with Midgets IMHO is rust especially in the sills and floor, the A series engines are pretty bullet proof provided they are regularly serviced. All parts are available and provided the body is sound the mechanicals are simple and dare I say, quite agricultural

[TerryG]

A series engines are pretty bullet proof provided they are regularly serviced.

Even abused ones are easy to rebuild, parts are readily available and not expensive.
Driven sensibly I suspect you could get in the mid 30s (imperial gallons), drive the wheels off it and you will drop in to the teens. I'm sure that the midget owners we have on here will contribute with more exact figures and points to look for when buying one.

[MG Mal]

Rear spring hangers if not protected are prone to rot.

Have you talked to the peeps at "Victoria British" http://www.victoriabritish.com/

They will be able to fill you in on all the commonly bought resto parts "over the pond dwellers" have had to buy, to make right what is supposed to be a good car!.

[Luxobarge]

The main issue with Midgets IMHO is rust especially in the sills and floor, the A series engines are pretty bullet proof

Agree with the "rust" comment, but a 1975 one won't have an A-Series, it'll have the significantly poorer Triumph 1500 engine, so you need to check for crank end-float as these have weak bottom ends and are very prone to throwing their crank thrust bearings out of the pram.

Apart from that - rust, rust and rust, and all the other things you'd check as routine on an old British car.