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Broad Subject - Wanting General Info on Different Cars

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H

h2000fb

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New to this forum and the reason I joined, I need information about Triumph and MG. Recently sold my 66 Mustang and have been looking for another car. While looking at 66-67 GTO’s and 68-70 Road Runners, I came across an MG TD and a Triumph Spit.

Of course this had me reminiscing. Not knowing much about any of these cars, I have started investigating:

MG-TD
I like the style, but am hearing things about oil leaks that are basically unsolvable without machining the block to accept modern seals, ladda, ladda… Again, I really like the style, they look fun, but I understand they do not handle the highway speeds at all. Top cruising speed 60mph, maybe. Any quicker, if they go that fast, and the the oil slinging at highway RPMs is supposedly much worse? I live in the country so it's about 10 miles one-way to get to work or town on the occasion I drive it.

Tell me this ain’t so! The look is great, but oil leaks I don’t tolerate well.

Triumph Spitfire
I had an older one in high school. Loved it. 1963 model I think. I don’t remember much about it as it never went out of town much. Easy to work on!

Other cars that have caught my eye are the:
- MGA (read they still have the oil leak problems),
- TR-4 Like the look
- TR-6 Like the look and 6cyl.
- Plus some other MGs
- Austin Healey 3000 style (most expensive of the lot)
- TR-3 Know nothing about it. Should it be a contender?

Other the Spitfire, I have not driven this cars.
Can anyone shed some light on handling, fun factor, drivability characteristics some of these cars, and any other tidbits of wisdom and knowledge that might be useful?

Which might be the top contenders? Wow! This may prove to be one of those “which oil is best” threads, but I had to ask anyway! :smile-new:

Tom
Crawford, TX
 
Welcome, Tom!

First off, regarding oil leaks, they all have that proclivity. And they can all be remedied. So don't let that be your deciding factor.

Second, it kinda sounds like you need to narrow your search down a bit. Find a British car club nearby and hook up. I'm sure members will be happy to give you rides and have you pick their brains about their babies. Sooner or later one of the choices will speak to you.

And keep us posted on you quest. Ask questions; lots of help here.

:cheers:
Mickey
 
Gotta get what you'll love. Obviously, the specific car (regardless of brand) will be hugely important (in terms of mechanical needs).
 
One way you could begin to narrow down is to consider what you want to do with it and when.

My Midget is a 50 mile car. (not a 500 mile car) I would put the Spitfire and TD and probably the TR3 in that category - that is not to say that you can't drive them 500 miles (many have) but, they are (mostly) local driving cars.

TR6/ AH 3000 TR4 are cars you can more easily take a distance - bigger engine, a little more refined (He says hesitantly) and more able to keep up with highway speeds without rattling your fillings.

It's also worth noting that in Crawford, none of these cars will be particularly driveable from mid June to Mid September - at least - too hot! and, all will be much more suited to secondary highways than interstates.

Not in any way wanting to dissuade you but there certainly are more limitations to the car than you would find with a GTO or a Road Runner - of course the budget isn't the same either. :grin:

BTW, being from Crawford, you aren't really W are you?
 
See if you can find a local club or show and have a walk around to see which one really calls to you. I like all of the cars on your list, for very different reasons. I'm with JP on this thought: "consider what you want to do with it and when"

Also, some of these cars are quite small -- I don't know your physical size, but some can be a challenge to get in and/or be comfortable. I'm 6'1" 220# with really wide feet and there are some cars (like MG TC, and MGA) that I just don't fit in well. But I do fit in a Sprite, so there you go.

As you noted, some of these cars are not the fastest if kept stock. MG TD definitely on that list. The smaller engined cars (Spitfire, Sprite/Midget) can be quick but most in the USA didn't have overdrives so gearing can be a limiting factor.

ALL of these cars are fun to drive, just in different ways. I've found that British car folks are pretty friendly, so get to a club or show and ask if you can have a sit or go for a ride with them.
 
Your information concerning "50 mile cars" is interesting an interesting concept. They would be enjoyed more locally only during more moderate weather! Sometimes AC has limited value from June to September in Texas. During those months, I tend to hole up in the cool. Evenings have been known to be in the low 90's.

No, not "W". During his presidency his helicopters frequently flew over our home on the way to his ranch. At the same time, a convoy would be seen driving their also. Never knew if he was by land or by air. Guess that was the plan.
 
Another consideration is side curtains vs. roll up windows.
a side curtain car like a TR3, AH, MGA, etc. can be another limiting factor, you have to get use to.
i kind of classify my TR3 in the 4 wheeled motorcycle catagory.

regarding differences in performance:
I've always classified them like this in the same year cars ( more or less)

MG. best ride
Triumph. More power
AH 3000. (Couldn't afford)

dont know about sprigets
 
Why not wait & see what comes along - you might see
something that you hadn't thought of.And go to any British car shows you
can,& talk to the owners,sit in the cars (wit permission,of course).
craigslist is also a great resource,& a way to waste lots of time.
 
A British car show would be worth the trip. Seems like there are quite a few TR6's that are still reasonable and would make good drivers, that's probably what I'd look for today even though I wasn't crazy about them when new. I was watching them all and not really looking for a TR4A when I saw my car. It still brings a grin and it still leaks. If you have a bunch of money get a Healey, same leaks they just cost more.
 
sail said:
A British car show would be worth the trip.
Click to expand...

I thought the same thing. There doesn't appear to be anything near you (or even in Texas?)... but turn this into an opportunity for a summer trip to Seattle, Portland or where ever (wherever there is a British Field Meet). In one day you could see all of these cars; sit in them; and speak with their owners.

Also, if you have a price in mind, that will surely narrow things a bit.
 
Tom - you could also contact Stacy Cooper, events coordinator with the Texas MG register:

stomson@grandecom.net

972-678-1499

https://www.tmgr.org/

And Phil Mackenzie of the Hill Country Triumph Club:

https://hillcountrytriumphclub.org/#contact

https://hillcountrytriumphclub.org/

Either of those should be able to point you to club events where you can check out the cars.

If you find an MGA and need someone to test drive it for a year, just send it to Connecticut. (yeah right)

Best wishes.
Tom M.
 
GTP1960 said:
Another consideration is side curtains vs. roll up windows.
Click to expand...

It is worth noting that around here a lot of people still consider Roll up windows/ door handles and trunks (boots) to just be a fad. :grin:

Actually, hanging around a car show or two will tell you a lot! Depending on your budget I might also include some less popular - and therefore less expensive options - TR7 (and especially TR8 - to my eyes the shape is really maturing nicely) Jensen Healey/ Triumph Stag - both have decent hardtops and could be fitted with AC. I might also even go to Jaguar XKS or XK8.
 
... or like me, I never use the top or side-curtains (nice as they are). That limits the driving season in Oregon but it probably wouldn't in Texas.
 
Not all T series cars are 50 mile cars. I have driven this over 100 miles to a show and back. I've never put the curtains up, their stored in the compartment. I love the open air, but do ride with the top up most of the time. Since upgrading the final drive, it'll do 75 mph with no sweat and handle like a dream. It is a 1500, so it has a little more power than earlier models. PJ
View attachment 47308
 
The Austin Healey Club of America (AHCA) is having their annual Conclave (national meet) from Sunday, July 9th to Friday, July 14th in Waco, TX this year. There will be many Healeys of all models there and the members will be more than happy to answer questions.
The popularity show, I don't know which day it is, would be a great day to wander around.
 
Boink said:
... or like me, I never use the top or side-curtains (nice as they are). That limits the driving season in Oregon but it probably wouldn't in Texas.
Click to expand...

Same here. Mine are like new. I just put the top up every month or so to keep it stretched.
also I removed the heater on my 3. ( really just didn't put it back in after I restored it)
 
GTP1960 said:
Same here. Mine are like new. I just put the top up every month or so to keep it stretched.
also I removed the heater on my 3. ( really just didn't put it back in after I restored it)
Click to expand...

I should probably do that too (though it's been awhile).
 
Bob McElwee said:
The Austin Healey Club of America (AHCA) is having their annual Conclave (national meet) from Sunday, July 9th to Friday, July 14th in Waco, TX this year. There will be many Healeys of all models there and the members will be more than happy to answer questions.
The popularity show, I don't know which day it is, would be a great day to wander around.
Click to expand...
The show is Monday, July 10.

I had a TR4A. The roll-up windows were nice, it was reasonably comfortable for an 8-hour drive, but the handling resulted in it's ultimate demise. Power was satisfactory. Oil leaks were not an issue.

I have an Austin-Healey 100-6. The handling is better than the TR, and the side curtains are best left stored away. It is also reasonably comfortable for an 8-hour drive. Power has been much improved, but at a cost. The oil leaks keep the bottom side from rusting.
 
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