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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Any Thoughts?

Hi All

I am hoping to view this next week/weekend:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-HEALEY-SPRITE-1971-Classic-MK11-FULL-RE-BUILD-Tax-Exempt-Full-HISTORY-/271140780816?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f213ffb10

I rather like it!

Also, my parents have agreed to lend me some extra cash, so who knows what may come my way :)

Rylan
R Williams

It would need to be VERY good for that sort of money.
Dave O'Neill2

Overpriced.
And it cannot be a mark 2 and a 1971 car.
And it has the wrong seats.
Guy W

Not a very impressive feedback score on the seller.

Charley
C R Huff

not a mkii, but would want a mkii for that money. and would have to be very nice in my opinion.
bob.
trebor

but my god, a "restored car" with the engine bay the same colour as the rest of the car - thats a rarity
PeterJMoore

5 speed box?
Matt1275Bucks

I ideally want a mk2 but I cannot seem to find one that is:

a) realistically priced
b) in a condition that justifies the price.

Therefore it seems only a mk3 will be viable, or am I being negative?
R Williams

For this money you should be able to find a mkII.
Though this one is expensive if it is as good as it looks it could be a nice one
Onno K

a cheaper mkiii with rwa.
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page/189039/1972-mg-midget/
trebor

Ok so can anyone tell me what the rubber hose is that appears to travel round the fresh air intake hose.

It's got me stumped!

A.
Andrew McGee

I did see that one advertised, but the bottom of the rear wings are rather rusty.

Mike Authers has a nice mkII in blue but £11k is out of my budget :(
R Williams

come on rylan, theres loads of them.
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page/170544/1972-mg-midget/
trebor

I have a preference towards steel wheels over wires.

I do email and ring owners. That one you show I have not had a response to.

Rylan
R Williams

The interior should be black on a Bronze yellow Sprite.
Dave O'Neill2

Andrew,

I spotted that hose also - thought it could be the main oil hose if a cooler has been taken off and not having the original steel pipe to replace ?

R.
richard boobier

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page/169222/1966-mg-midget/
trebor

That went live in may and I started looking for a replacement in august when I sold my 1500.

I did email and ring, had to leave a message and had no response. I presume it has sold.
R Williams

Richard, I think you've nailed it.

Those transfer pipes are becoming rare, we split the one on my road Midget a couple of years ago but fortunately with a bit of tracking down we found a Mini (a proper Mini) in a scrappies and took the pipe off that.

A
Andrew McGee

Fully rebuilt? Everything in fantastic condition and as new?

He's obviously posted pics of the wrong car!

If they can tell porkys about that then what else are they covering up? I'd be happy to consider a car like that if they described it accurately and priced it lower but I'd definitely steer clear having read their negative feedback. One is for a car 'not as described'!!

As Matt points out it could have a 5 speed though.

John Payne

I surmise that its been looped up around the air intake pipe as a means of stopping it from kinking. It possibly not the proper thick walled oil pipe.
Guy W

shame on a rebuild car the interior is so faded especially

there was a reallllly nice car like that, belonged to a garage owner, that was advertised on eBay a while back if I'd have thought you were looking at that sort of price I'd have flagged it up as it looked so good - perhaps someone here remembers it or has a link to IF it's still for sale

that is priced on it's rebuild cost which is not usually logical - even i think it's advertised price is well over the top

you'd need to see how much cost and difficulty it would take to get it finished and then take that off a sensible sales price

with this car, I'm out
Nigel Atkins

I am sure it was this one you are on about:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C353998

It was up for 5.5k on ebay and I loved it, but I couldn't do anything as I was stuck with my 1500!

Rylan
R Williams

nope not that one
Nigel Atkins

Any idea as to its year, colour etc?
R Williams

be serious I have trouble remembering my name

I know - same colour, original car, very nice, I'd have bought if it had been about when I was (too briefly) looking

not so sure about - original wheels, RWA (IIRC), possibly non-original steering wheel
Nigel Atkins

If that is truly 1971 it would be a MkIV and an Austin, not Austin Healey/
Mike Authers also has a good looking car under £5k, advertised on "behalf of client". This is how he seems to sell most of his cars nowadays.
G Williams (Graeme)

According to DVLA it was registered 1/1/71 AND manufactured in 1971 - a bit unikely.
Dave O'Neill2

What a turnaround, but then I'm not sure New Years Day was a bank holiday in 1971. Paint must have still been wet!
G Williams (Graeme)

Like I told you Rylan. If you're looking at that sort of money now, stay private, and expect perfection. That one isn't and it's not worth that money.
Lawrence Slater

1/1/71 was a Friday (a little memory trick I have for dates) which would have been a BH anyway
Nigel Atkins

The local council were obviously working for it to be registered. Was it a BH in Scotland?
Dave O'Neill2

No Nigel - NYD was not a Bank Holiday in England until 1974.
David Smith

sorry David you're right, I didn't notice it was in green because it was only a BH in Scotland, my mistake

I was far too young then to worry about bank holidays
Nigel Atkins

Blimey Rylan, for that sort of money you could have bought my absolutely immaculate 1966 Mk2 Midget with Heritage shell and 1275 engine. But too late, its sold.
Mike Howlett

Mike is on to something there Rylan. The sort of money you are now talking could possibly tempt some owners to sell. One Midget I sold (and it was a nice one) was to someone that had posted a wanted ad in the classified section on here. It made us think and tempted us to sell. Wish we hadn't though!!

John Payne

This is viable if it's cheap enough at the end of the auction.
http://tinyurl.com/abqkp3k




Lawrence Slater

looks good. One would want to be clear about the extent of the damage to the n/s/f chassis. Quite a bit of interest; sadly likely to be with the intention of breaking it for parts.
Guy W

It will be a shame if it is broken for parts. Hopefully it will be rescued and put back on the road.
R Williams

rylan,
if you are now looking for one around 5k and you prefer a mkii how about this.http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/mg/midget/mg-midget-1098cc/944489

looks pretty original apart from steering wheel.
trebor

Trebor - I think they sold that previously quite recently. The photos used look like the ones they took before so why is it back? Looks like quite an "informed" garage used to dealing with our sorts of vehicles. They have a nice 911 for £14k!
G Williams (Graeme)

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C360229
trebor

That reg plate looks familiar but I can't place it.
R Williams

You've probably seen every Spridget on sale in the country Rylan. No wonder it looks familiar. :)

Lawrence Slater

Looks nice.

Has it been for sale for a while? The photos weren't taken recently.

If it wasn't so far away, I could be tempted.
Dave O'Neill2

Hi Rylan,
Have you actually had the chance to see any cars yet?
G Williams (Graeme)

He's seen mine, ----- for what that was worth. lol.
Lawrence Slater

I have seen 2 members cars.

I have also viewed a car over at maidstone up for 3.5k. I went with Alan and my Dad, but the car required too much work.

Since then I am still looking :(
R Williams

Good job you didn't stutter and say you've seen two members members. ;)
Lawrence Slater

Rylan, that vermillian car looks a good buy. I'd want to see some more photo's before I drove all the way to Barrow though. If its still available I'd be tempted to get some decent photos of the important bits, try and agree a deal on the phone and then go up there with the money so if all is well you can bring it back.

The only downsides I can see are colour and not tax exempt. Of course you may like the colour.

Upsides are looks in good original condition, decent hood, private sale and sensibly priced.



John Payne

Barrow is a long way from anywhere! Even Cumbrians joke that it is a place no one wants to visit at the end of the longest cul-de-sac in the country! For a while I worked there and it was a 75 mile daily round trip commute which quickly added quite a few miles to the clock on my Sprite.
Guy W

Nothing wrong with the colour.

Looks like Blaze to me.
Dave O'Neill2

Yes, I stand corrected - Vermillion was later.

I don't know why I put that about the colour to be honest, I'd be quite happy with it myself!

John Payne

"Barrow is a long way from anywhere! Even Cumbrians joke that it is a place no one wants to visit at the end of the longest cul-de-sac in the country! For a while I worked there and it was a 75 mile daily round trip commute which quickly added quite a few miles to the clock on my Sprite. "

I can remember what a journey it was before they dualled the A590! My grandmothers family all came from Hawcoat and I have fond memories of cycling down Dalton Lane to the Abbey before they built the hospital and the famous blue works in Backbarrow.
Barrow Crem has to hold the record for being the most cold, windswept depressing place in Britain!
Matt1275Bucks

I personally like the colour

It just seems to be all the cars that are appearing are miles away!
R Williams

get on a train for a nice day out.thats what i did 3 times. if you see the one you want GO GET IT OR REGRET IT.
trebor

If you're buying a specific model modern car it's hard enough to find a decent one in your local area. When you're looking for a relatively rare car then you have to be prepared to travel long distances to get the right one.

Obviously you aren't going to go and look at lots that are miles away but when a decent looking one turns up you've got to at least find out some more about it and consider going.
John Payne

I have successfully bought several cars effectively without actually seeing them. It all depends on being able to establish a good relationship with the seller. Much of what you need to know can be found out by telephone or email conversations if you can develop a trust. You need to know that answers are honest. It works well with owners enthusiastic and proud about their cars but not with wide boys and back street garages!

You can haggle and agree a price. All on the basis that the car is as described and as discussed when you have spoken. At this point when you are 95% sure that you will buy, you travel to pay and collect it. If when you arrive it isn't as described you can still walk away. or if necessary get a further price adjustment.
Guy W

Pretty much why and how I bought the midget recently Guy. The seller sent me over 80 very good pictures. I knew most of what I needed to know before even seeing the car. The trip to see it was just confirmation really.
Lawrence Slater

Hi Rylan

It's Mark that you went for a spin with a while ago. car looks very promising, worth further investigation I would have thought. One question though, why are the ignition keys hanging below the speedo? Thought they should have been in the middle of the dash?

M Adams

<<Thought they should have been in the middle of the dash?>>

Ignition lock/switch moved to the column 71/72
Dave O'Neill2

Curse this old fashioned 70 car of mine! Not having been in a spridget with column switch I always assumed it was placed higher than that, more like a modern. We live and learn.
M Adams

I don't like the ignition on the column. I prefer it up top, and prefer to be able to take the keys out and leave the engine running on occasion too. Only a minor annoyance though I admit.
Lawrence Slater

The blaze one in Cumbria has sold
R Williams

Rylan,
I see you've put a 'Wanted' advert here, I recently sold a brochure from here to a someone that doesn't post here (well not that I've ever seen anyway) so leave the advert up (and renew if required) until you get your Spridget as every little helps

I don't think PH has a Wanted section in their classified section and you'd have to pay a tenner I think to get it in the for sale section
Nigel Atkins

rylan,
there is a wanted section on ph.
trebor

What's PH?
Lawrence Slater

Piston Heads I think
Ray Rowsell

Ah yes. That'd be it. I've seen Nigels posts there from time to time.
Lawrence Slater

Hi Rob,
where's the Wanted section on PH, I've not noticed it since they've changed the appearance but I might well have missed it

they charge now to advertise to sell (I've no idea about wanted obviously)
Nigel Atkins

hi nigel.
its under classifieds-mg-wanted.
trebor

Rob,
now I see it! thank you

I was only looking at the start or end of section listing, I think they had individual listings at the end of each model section but that could well be another of my false memories

if there's no charge it might be worth Rylan putting one there

but I remember looking at club magazines and you'd have cars for sales which exactly matched some of the cars wanted and book adverts were repeats from previous issues, I could never understand why one didn't responded to the other (or perhaps they did and a deal wasn't made)
Nigel Atkins

the old dodgy midget back on flea bay again.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mg-midget-/271145664499?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f218a7ff3
trebor

The 14 previous owner midget in Tenterden/Ashford is back on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Round-Arched-MG-MIDGET-/321063588882?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ac0e19412
R Williams

Def marked as "sold" in Completed Listings. Perhaps he has a number of them, all in the same colour and with the same registration number.
G Williams (Graeme)

New addition to the ad.

"Deposit of 250 pounds to be paid within 24hrs of winning & collection within 48hrs."

Clearly whoever won the previous bid wasn't happy to pay up.

Get him on the phone again. See if this time around he's more forthcoming about it's history, exact condition, current owner, and the extent of what you can see if you go and look at it.

That's what I'd do.

It could still be a good car, but you'll have to waste a gallon of petrol and some of your time, along with the time of whoever you take with you, to find out.

I would have come with you, but I'm off to the south pacific for a few weeks. Lucky me :).
Lawrence Slater

How about this one?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MIDGET-ROUND-WHEEL-ARCH-RWA-1972-/170980897816
Dave O'Neill2

Wasn't this on sale in Folkstone?

But it looks worthy of a decent inspection.
Lawrence Slater

Is it the same one?
Dave O'Neill2

Ah yes, I remember it now. Nigel didn't like the 'L's.

It still looks a nice, original example.
Dave O'Neill2

Just searched the archives. I eventually found it, although there are a number of threads covering Rylan's search for a Midget!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-Midget-1973-1275cc-Lime-flower-Ltd-Ed-Colour-/261131258751
Dave O'Neill2

It looks as though it sold once and has now come up again. Wonder why? Probably the number plate played on his mind.
G Williams (Graeme)

The latest seller appears to be a dealer.
Dave O'Neill2

heres an early one. needs tidying up a bit by the looks.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1961-AUSTIN-HEALEY-SPRITE-948CC-MIDGET-MK1-OLD-ENGLISH-WHITE-WITH-RED-INTERIOR-/230920519898?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35c3ef80da
trebor

"The latest seller appears to be a dealer"

So the folkstone seller, not getting what he wanted on Ebay, sold it to a dealer in Romney marsh. Probably got it cheaper than it deserved, and is now looking for a quick turnaround profit. Either that, or he discovered something nasty (L, lol) in the woodshed, and want shot of it.

Here's the plan for the weekend Rylan.

Arrange appointmnents at Ashford(red Midget), and Romney(sick yellow Midget), and take digital camera with you at minimum, and expert company at maximum.

Record all you can and report back. Await advice from al and sundry here.

You could have a car by Sunday night.


Lawrence Slater

My goodness! Talk about procrastination!

If Rylan has read half of the advice given on previous cars he should by now know exactly what to look out for on a possible car. And having viewed and had comments on that many adverts he should also know within a whisker what is a fair price for any given model and condition.

Go and look at the car. Have a good poke around. Drive it. Ring a friend to discuss. Discuss with the owner. Ask direct questions. Haggle. Make a decision and lay you money down!
Guy W

There's a dad involved Guy. ;)
Lawrence Slater

Ah well, its harder when there are two people trying to decide. At least with his long hard deliberations Rylan has avoided buying a rogue one.
Guy W

Rylan, I live in Ashford and might be around at the weekend - scuderiablkhole at aol dot com

David
d brenchley

The one that Trebor has highlighted was/is on Car & Classic for £2250 offers invited. Now on Ebay for £3995.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C358491

Very quick turnaround.
Dave O'Neill2

Is that the same car? The heater matrix looks white in one and black in the other? Also the air intake hose has gone?
Not as though time was spent tidying up under bonnet.
G Williams (Graeme)

Yes, definitely the same.

Same red interior and black carpets, wooden steering wheel, brass-topped carbs and filters - which look like H4 1.5"

The heater box has definitely had a makeover, but the air intake pipe has been added rather than removed.
Dave O'Neill2

So there you are Dave! That's why the price has gone up.
G Williams (Graeme)

Yep, that's got to have added £2k to the value ;o)
Dave O'Neill2

Labour charges! Some bolts can be real b*gg**s to undo!
G Williams (Graeme)

quick tidy up, weekends work.??? my weekends are long.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUSTIN-HEALEY-SPRITE-1967-EX-VISCOUNT-WEYMOUTH-LORD-BATH-FOR-RESTORATION-/160969224063?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257a836f7f
trebor

Thats a very weird hardtop, never seen one before, anybody a clue about the manufacturer?

Whats a Viscount, I gues some sort of noble title like count but then different?
Arie de Best

No records on DVLA site.
Dave O'Neill2

Here's a nice example:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C362536#
J Paul

or this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201301154920348/sort/default/usedcars/model/midget/make/mg/page/1?logcode=p
J Paul

Possibly a positive resonse from Rylan this coming W/e
Alan Anstead

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stunning-MG-Midget-1972-/261165475873?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cceace821
trebor

Alan: Really? You mean 30 Spridget owners are going to have nothing to write about in coming weeks? They may be reduced to talking to their other halfs!
G Williams (Graeme)

"They may be reduced to talking to their other halfs! "

Nothing good can come of that, it end up in divorces and nessecary selling the spridgets and the colapse of the Kent region...
Please let Rylan come up with something and give some distractian or it might be the beginning of the apocalypse starting in Kent!
LOL!!!
Arie de Best

Its started already Arie! Lawrence is abandoning both of his cars and fleeing into self imposed exile on a remote Pacific atoll. We are all doomed!
Guy W

Kent Masc is secure under the Invicta motto - undefeated!
www.masckent.org
Alan Anstead

Has Lawrence gone? It has been very quiet around here.
G Williams (Graeme)

I think Lawrence said he was off to the South Pacific for a few weeks
Ray Rowsell

UPDATE:

I have now agreed to purchase a 1964 Austin Healey Sprite mk3 from a fellow kent member.

Thanks to all of you who were willing to put time and effort in on my behalf!

Rylan


R Williams

Woohoo!
Well done Rylan. Looks great in the picture too. Good idea blanking out reg just incase someone comments it's got a dodgy "L" :-)
I thought that was the direction you were going from the conversation at the last meeting. So pleased for you. Enthusiast's car must always be the better buy, particularly if it's someone you will be meeting regularly.

Did it come with a handbook, or will you need to buy one?
G Williams (Graeme)

nice colour :)

I don't care if you bought it off god herself, no disrespect to seller, still carry out the 36k-mile check up/service and use the car frequently to iron the wrinkles

good luck, enjoy

just noticed, not that it really mates, the indicators/sidelight units are wrong way round, a sign perhaps that the present owner is not in possession of a owner's Handbook - both good reasons for a drop in price I think :)

ETA: Graeme posted whilst I was typing - obviously the seller didn't look at the Handbook even if they owned one, tut, :)
Nigel Atkins

OMG....

I thought for sure id had my car running agian before you finally found a midget

well done, and big time congrats to you

when will we see.the photos...at least tell us some of the details

prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Theres a hand book for these old cars ???

someone should make it a point to let others know of these wonderful books

hahaha

prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Pic 1


R Williams

Pic 2


R Williams

Pic 3


R Williams

Pic 4


R Williams

Pic 5


R Williams

She is a 1964 mk3 Sprite.

She has:
A Alternator instead of Dynamo
A brake servo fitted
A single carb and manifold from a mg metro
A 1275cc A series engine from a 1967 Sprite
Stainless steel single box exhaust (sounds nice!)
5 almost new wire wheels
interior is in excellent condition
Copper brake pipes
Underside is mint and in excellent condition
Paintwork is excellent too.
Generally excellent

Really happy I got it
R Williams

Looks good Rylan, pleased you got sorted with one and that you're happy with it.

Good colour, nice spec and some sensible modifications as well.

Not long till spring now!!
John Payne

Good lord, THAT is just outstanding... its not a car, thats ART, pure and simple

im not sure id want it, the 1st time I got a scratch ...id be completely devastated

that is just so nice


prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Looks brilliant Rylan, pleased for you! I'm collecting mine in a week or so - just waiting for it to MOT'd.


Dominic Excell

Dominic,
Where in Lancs are you?
I do like the colour of your car. Must be some reason for that!


Guy Weller

Wondering about the GB sticker on the rear bumper of Ryan's car. Where they a requirement if travelling in other countries in Europe so people knew where the car had come from? I see these now and again and assume that's what they were for. New plates have the country on them so I assume only for cars with older plates.
Greg H

Greg, correct on all counts.
Dave O'Neill2

Great photo Guy!
Struggling to work out where it is.
Kirkstone pass looking down to Brothers Water?
Matt1275Bucks

Spot on Matt. The little carpark just below the Kirk Stone. With just a sprinkling of snow on the hills to make it look good in the sunshine!
Guy Weller

hi rylan.
glad you got car at last. enjoy.
cant wait till lawrence gets back to ask how much you paid :) hahaha.
regards bob.
trebor

here the GB bumper sticker is just for show, and fairly common on old brit cars.



Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Never had a nation-sticker on my car before and never got stopped in the UK/Germany/France/Belgium.
Without borders in Europe I dont see the use of it anymore.

Dont use adapted headlights or blackening stickers on the front lights either when going to the UK, the midgets lights are so low they cant shine in anybodies eyes(except for lotus drivers) :)

Guy, is that photo been manipulated?
I can believe there is snow in the UK, what I dont believe is that clear sky.
Thats a give away that this is a manipulated photo, nice try but you cant fool me. :)


Congratulations Rylan, enjoy it!
Arie de Best

No, not manipulated at all Arie.

In fact, here's one you took earlier. OK, not much sky to be seen, just a little at the top, but it was good sunshine for that day


Guy Weller

This thread was discussed between 20/01/2013 and 11/02/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.