74 Midget - may purchase, looking for input

[RickB]

I've been looking for a white Midget, I have owned an MGB-GT and currently own a basketcase MGC-GT.

This would eventually be to give to my daughter after graduation, she's the type that will appreciate and care for something like this.

Here it is on Craigslist:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/297567652.html

Please share your thoughts / warnings / encouragement, I've never owned a Midget before.

 

[zimmy]

looks worth checkin out.....zimmmy

 

[arfamoe]

That looks like a bargain for $1900, take cash and offer $1500 and you might have got yourself a nice looking Midget.

 

[Speedy_Pete]

First of all make sure you see it in person, as pics don't always show all the detail. For that price if the bodywork is solid and it's a runner then it seems like a good price. Pretty much every part is available through a couple of main suppliers, so don't fret if the odd bit is missing. Normal classic car buying rules apply, make sure it has good oil pressure, not overheating excessively, etc. The difficult bit is trying not to let your heart rule your head!!

 

[terriphill]

The difficult bit is trying not to let your heart rule your head!!

Easier said than done when it comes to these cars for me! It was love at first site and even though I paid for that....it has been worth it!

 

[Baz]

That's not too bad of a price.
Round Wheel Arch and Chrome bumpers are desireable for the early '70's.
Under the hood looks stock pretty much.
The inside of the driver door, bottom looks like it needs very close attention, ask for a couple more pics of the rust spots.
It's LOT less than what I paid for mine.
Another 74 back on the road! Good luck!

 

[RickB]

Thanks Guys!

Baz - after looking at your pictures: Where do I get one of those cool air filter getups for the Midget?

 

[Baz]

Found it on E-Bay, they're out there, mostly on Euro models.
This place has them new.....
I linked to the main page because you have multiple LBCs, they're kinda pricey, but for one of a kind stuff....
Anglo Parts
It's on page 120 of the spridget catalog.

 

[Bob73RWA]

Rick,

That car has been listed on Craigs list for the last month or so. Don't pay the $1900!!

 

[regularman]

I was trying to find some hood pictures and ran across this dreamy little midget for sale in the UK. Its expensive but it is sweet. white midget

 

[drooartz]

Thanks, Kim. Now I've got another little car to desire... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

 

[Speedy_Pete]

Very tidy! I doubt that one will hang around long, there's no way you could build one to that standard for that price!

 

[regularman]

I made that one the wallpaper on my computer.

 

[Speedy_Pete]

My wallpaper is "Project Moneypit" from SpriteSpot

 

[RickB]

So the negotiations begin.

I asked if I could come out and see it today, he replied:

"I was hoping to get a couple things done on the car. But if I dont get to it we can adjust the price. Need to put new wipers on, look at why one tail light is not working and put the new seal on the top"

I can put on new wipers & diagnose a tail light (one of my specialties - I'm a specialty electrician). What's the "new seal on the top"?

Here's a bit of an embarrassing question - can a large man fit behind the wheel of one of these cars? I've never even sat in a Midget. I'm a big guy, only 5' 10" tall but what some would call a "Wide Load".

Anyway, as long as that "new seal on the top" thing isn't bad news it looks like he's willing to lower the price a bit.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

If the seats are not "broken in" then it will be a tight squeeze under a stock steering wheel. And... the doors are short so you need to be able to pull your knee up a bit to get your feet in. However, once you're in a midget they are pretty comfortable.

 

[regularman]

I hauled around a 300 pound dude in my midget.

 

[bugimike]

I hauled around a 300 pound dude in my midget.

Yeah, but Kim haulin' don't require the wheel in front of the big guys either!!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[regularman]

True

 

[RickB]

That's got me a bit worried.