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desmo900rider

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Hello all, I am new to the forum as well as British cars, and just stumbled on this forum today...I am looking for some advice, and I will probably cross post this in the Triuph forum as well to get some balanced opinions...

I am at heart a motorcycle guy, but lately I have gotten the urge to buy something old, british and cool to play around with in the summer...I am looking at Midgets, and maybe MGBs, and Triumph spitfires...I like the TR6, but I have heard that there can be more expensive things to go wrong with those...I really don't like the big rubber bumper look, so it seems that I am looking towards something pre 1974, in fact I have been looking at a 70 Midget in my area that I am pretty serious about...I really like the size and fun nature of the Midget, and the MGBs don't really do it for me, but some of the older models look great, and I am wondering if one of those might be a better investment, or at least easier to sell should the need arise.

I don't want a show car, I want something that I can play around with and drive a few times a week, and I want to spend about 3-5K, and I am really just looking for the best bang for the buck...I have found all of the cars I have mentioned in that price range, I'm just not sure what the best direction to go is, especially with me being new to this and having what I would call average mechanical ability, I really don't want a money pit, something turnkey and fun that I can tinker with and learn on...

Any input nyone can give me on these cars would be much appreciated...I am very anxious to get one to start enjoying the summer in, but trying to do as much homework as I can before I buy...

Thanks!

Mike
 
Welcome to the forum, Mike, your interest in Ducatis is something I am sure at least some of us share!
Of the cars you mention the smaller pair, the Midget and Spitfire, are likely available in better condition (less rust) within your price range. Michigan winters are similar to ours in Ontario.

As you would if buying a bike, leave a bit in reserve in case unexpected repairs are necessary.
Having owned both, I prefer the Spitfire to the Midget for its looks, interior, and suspension sophistication, but this is a matter of personal preference more than anything else.
Simon.
 
Hey, Mike -

Welcome to the Forum! The Midget is a great choice, if you can fit in it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif. One good way to decide is to find a local Brit car club and visit 'em. Bum a few rides and you'll find the right one.

Oh, and don't let the "MG vs. Triumph" debate throw you off the track. There all good (I've got both!)

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif Mickey
 
Thansk guys, I think I will end up with one of those two, the Spit or the Midget, they just have something that the MGBs don't for me, I really love how impractical and fun the Midgets are...

My one concern about the Midget is the value it holds, it seems like a nicely restored Midget sort of tops out around 5-6K, but the Spits can be worth much more if nicely done...

Which of the 2 is more newbie friendly do you think? I know that the Spit engine can be easier to work on because of the way the hood opens...but how about other things like brakes, suspension, etc?
 
Just found a 79 Spit that I am going to look at tonight...I have talked to the mechanic that has been servicing in the past years, he seems to know the car pretty well and says its very solid, he just put a new clutch in it...any thoughts on what I should be looking for either on the car itself or during a test drive?
 
Look for evidence of whacking and splicing the electrical system. Rust is the biggie. You want an overdrive transmission if at all possible (Spitfire only). I think the Spitfires are more repair friendly due to the accessibility of the whole front end, but the rear suspension is more problematic. The 1500 engine is in both cars in the later years and isn't highly regarded. It can be fixed if you have the money or the ability and the time. The 1296 engine in the Spit and the 1275 in the Midget are better engines than the 1500. However, the 1500 has more torgue. Look luck looking.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Well I came home with a 79 Spit today for $3400...details to follow but I think I did good...

[/ QUOTE ]

WOW! You sure don't let any grass grow under YOUR feet.

Congratulations, and now an official welcome into LBC-dom!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif Mickey
 
7 Hours and 41 Minutes. That must be a record.

So why has it been nearly 12 hours and you haven't posted pictures?
 
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