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Hi there. I just got this '71 Midget with a Bugeye bonnet. The nice gentleman I bought it from had owned it since '07, and bought it off eBay from someone in Ohio. Len, if you're reading this, it was a pleasure to deal with you.
What I know of this car's details is second or third-hand and incomplete. It was reportedly set up as "rally racer" (not sure in what respect). It was stripped of most of its interior, some lighting, bumpers, and heater. Bonnet seams and exterior door handles were shaved and filled, as were marker lights and rear plate light. Also had a performance engine build (not sure to what extent), including possibly a camshaft. Fenders are obviously flared. Prior owner said he rebuilt the engine because of leaking valve guides, rebushed and powdercoated the suspension, and also restored some of the interior. He replaced the differential with a taller ratio (original was 4.2:1?) because he was "chirping the tires and topping out at 60." That sounded odd to me, but he gave me that differential in a bucket and I mean to physically count the teeth to see what the actual ratio is.
Anyhow, the car runs strong. It feels strong to me based on what I remember from my ex '81 Spitfire. I currently race a 1.8L vintage Alfa Spider, and have tough battles with Midgets, so I know what they're capable of. Speaking of Alfas, I'm familiar with and partial to Webers, so I plan to convert this SU setup to a single Weber 45 DCOE. Brakes are veeeery weak, so that needs attention. As do a couple of minor oil leaks. And it needs to be wired for a horn. Also have to get used to that non-syncro first gear.
Steering is incredibly quick, and the ride is a little harsh. Very much a go-kart. Paint is great. Body is solid, but there's surface rust in the trunk at the rear apron. Bolt-in roll bar was added later. Because there's no heat, prior owner put seat heaters in under the new seat upholstery. Not wired up yet. Windshield is Lexan, but I have stock one with new glass as part of the deal. Windshield wiper is just a prop. Convertible top frame without the vinyl was included, but I doubt I'll install it. Also got the door cards, but I'll probably just rivet on some bare aluminum panels. Carpet set is new. Steering wheel is tired but feels good. Really annoyed at fumbling with the flimsy and frayed hold-down straps for the bonnet and trunk lid. Those are going to be converted to latches for sure.
That's about it. I'm excited about this car, and am trying to keep myself from going overboard with performance modifications. It's easy to do on something that's already been hacked, lightened, and made unoriginal. It gets a lot of attention, and I need a shorter answer for explaining what it is, because I gets asked that a lot. So there it is, and here's a couple pics below.
Oh, I mean to ask, does anyone out there know this car from its previous life? If so, could you share some details of its build? Thanks.
What I know of this car's details is second or third-hand and incomplete. It was reportedly set up as "rally racer" (not sure in what respect). It was stripped of most of its interior, some lighting, bumpers, and heater. Bonnet seams and exterior door handles were shaved and filled, as were marker lights and rear plate light. Also had a performance engine build (not sure to what extent), including possibly a camshaft. Fenders are obviously flared. Prior owner said he rebuilt the engine because of leaking valve guides, rebushed and powdercoated the suspension, and also restored some of the interior. He replaced the differential with a taller ratio (original was 4.2:1?) because he was "chirping the tires and topping out at 60." That sounded odd to me, but he gave me that differential in a bucket and I mean to physically count the teeth to see what the actual ratio is.
Anyhow, the car runs strong. It feels strong to me based on what I remember from my ex '81 Spitfire. I currently race a 1.8L vintage Alfa Spider, and have tough battles with Midgets, so I know what they're capable of. Speaking of Alfas, I'm familiar with and partial to Webers, so I plan to convert this SU setup to a single Weber 45 DCOE. Brakes are veeeery weak, so that needs attention. As do a couple of minor oil leaks. And it needs to be wired for a horn. Also have to get used to that non-syncro first gear.
Steering is incredibly quick, and the ride is a little harsh. Very much a go-kart. Paint is great. Body is solid, but there's surface rust in the trunk at the rear apron. Bolt-in roll bar was added later. Because there's no heat, prior owner put seat heaters in under the new seat upholstery. Not wired up yet. Windshield is Lexan, but I have stock one with new glass as part of the deal. Windshield wiper is just a prop. Convertible top frame without the vinyl was included, but I doubt I'll install it. Also got the door cards, but I'll probably just rivet on some bare aluminum panels. Carpet set is new. Steering wheel is tired but feels good. Really annoyed at fumbling with the flimsy and frayed hold-down straps for the bonnet and trunk lid. Those are going to be converted to latches for sure.
That's about it. I'm excited about this car, and am trying to keep myself from going overboard with performance modifications. It's easy to do on something that's already been hacked, lightened, and made unoriginal. It gets a lot of attention, and I need a shorter answer for explaining what it is, because I gets asked that a lot. So there it is, and here's a couple pics below.
Oh, I mean to ask, does anyone out there know this car from its previous life? If so, could you share some details of its build? Thanks.
