Practically Classics Forum

Hi all,

First post, but been an avid PC reader for ages, whetting my appetite for classic that's maintainable at home and with a degree of fun.

So, question is will I physically fit into and be able to drive a Triumph Spitfire or an MG Midget? Being 6'2" and 17 stone with barn door proportions as general size.... I don't want to go look at any and break it before I own it!

Any similarly sleek individuals that manage to get in and drive one of these?

Should qualify why these two.... I like ragtops (daily drive is an XK8 convertible), it will fit in the garage and very good spares and club support!

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Cg

At 6' 3 1/2" I fit in mine. Although I suspect I look hilarious.

Aar0sc wrote:At 6' 3 1/2" I fit in mine. Although I suspect I look hilarious.

Don't care what I look like! Just want to drive it.

Many thanks for the reply.

A mate is similar size and couldn't get into my Austin Sprite with hood up. I'm 17 stone but only 5'9" and am comfortable when seated but also find entry and exit a bit difficult. I've been told by a friend who owned a Spitfire (when new !) that the Triumph is better for "larger people".

paul H

There's far more room in a Spitfire than the MG / Austin; at 6' 4 and 17 stone it explains why it was my preferred model...

I hate to mention him but Jezza seemed to fit in his rallying MG Midget with relative ease, and he's not what you'd consider svelte.

I fit in my mates spitfire, but he's got a silly oil gauge near my knee that makes me not able to use the clutch...

fit in my midget better, but i've got thin seats in it. I'm also 6'4 and 17 stone.

I'm 6'2" and 15+ stone, and fit in the Midget OK, but I do agree with the above, getting in and out is a lot easier with the hood down. This doesn't bother me in the slightest, as I've owned the car over 10 years and the hood has been up about 3 or 4 times only - this is very definately the sort of car where the hood stays down!

I'd also not recommend it unless your legs are reasonably flexible too - I don't mean gymnast levels of flexibility, but if someone had a particular lack of mobility in the hip or knee joints they may find it difficult to get their legs in.

In summary I'd go for it if I were you - or at least try a few first!

Had a TR6 when I was younger (thinner) and last year sat in a friends TR6 and found it very tight indeed (must have been a smaller sized one) but then sat in a Frogeye and then a midget and found that they both had more room than the TR and I'm 6' 1" and about 20 stone and Ive always thought the spitfire to be bigger still. Even back in the day the TR was hard to get into with the roof up so I guess that still stands with rag tops today, as the others say try a few out dont worry if they seem hard to get in and out at first you soon find a way that works for you.

Cheers all,

Will start looking and playing in a few in anger from now on

Will let you know how i get on and of course post some pics up of the successfull fitting!

Cg