To "B", or not to "B"

[Bugeye58]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Ah, Baxter, you are the heathen devil, aren't you!
I like the Midget for precisely the reasons you mention. I do a lot of driving in the mountains of Northern California, or did, anyway, and loved the capabilities of the Midget versus the 'B'. To me, the 'B' seemed ungainly and sluggish. Still a helluva fun ride, don't get me wrong, I just preferred the more agile of the two.
Now, if I ever get it done, my "Cruiser" will be a MkI GT6. (Yeah, I know, I know!)
Jeff

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[Baxter]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Actually, I WANT a Midget for those very reasons. But the Midget is undeniably a harder edged car, built more for people who are going to flog it silly, or exploit the tremendous potential of the A-series, or just want the most nimble thing this side of a Lotus 7. For a pleasant drive in the country, the B is just easier. It IS softer, roomier, and altogether a bit easier around the edges than the Midget.

Now as far as Mk1 GT-6 goes, I've owned 2, and they are just deadly, evil little cars. But in a good way!

 

[steve99]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Gee, listening to your explanations, I think I'd still lean towards a Midget. I have a stock TR7 which is fine in its own. Sounds like a Midget in decent shape would be just what the doctor ordered. Any years to look for or any to stay away from?

 

[Bugeye58]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Wow, I can get myself in a bunch of trouble on this one.
Depending on what you are looking to do , I would look for a clean, early ('66 or '67) 1275 car. These are less refined than the later ones, but still have the steel dash instead of the padded, plastic covered one. (The plastic dash is prone to deterioration and cracking, and replacement dash pads are no longer available, to my knowledge.) They have minimal emissions equipment on them, and are just simpler than the later cars.
Suspensions are the same, and there are virtually unlimited performance options for a 1275.
Don't take the next statement out on me, guys, but I would stay entirely away from the Rubber bumper cars. They have the long stroke Triumph Spitfire 1500 in them, are loaded with emissions garbage, have a higher ride height and roll center.
If you really like the feel of the road, and can put up with the minimalist concept, a '61 to '63 is about as "back to basic" as you can get. No roll up windows or outside door handles, and you have to assemble the top frame and stretch the top over it every time it has to go up, but are gloriously fun cars. Essentially a Bugeye with different sheet metal.
I don't know what, exactly, you're looking for, but if you can narrow it down a bit, I can try to be more specific. (Now that I've managed to alienate at least half of the Spridget owners on the forum!)I've got at least one example of them all, with the exeption of the Rubber Bumper cars.
Jeff

[ 03-07-2004: Message edited by: Bugeye58 ]</p>

 

[Guest]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

I'd go with the B, and if you are a back to basics kind of guy I'd get an eary chrome bumper car if the budget allows. I think 67 was about the high point for the marque, although later cars can be modified to handle as well as the early cars

 

[Bugeye58]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Charles, Charles, Charles, can't you see he has his heart set on a Spridget? Don't confuse the poor man with piddly things like facts!

Jeff

 

[Guest]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

sorry Jeff, and my first LBC was a 58 sprite, but the B is a better choice at least for me. I'd recommend he go to a local British Car club meeting and arrange to drive both and choose for himself. I have to agree with you that the Midget makes a fine second choice

 

[Bugeye58]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Chuck, no need to apologize. I was just giving you a friendly nudge in the ribs.
My first LBC was a '59 TR3. But, as I'm a fairly short guy, the 'B', as well as the TR6, always seemed so HUGE to me. I don't know why I never felt that way in the TR3. Maybe it was the cut-down doors. Strange how perception works.
My brother had a '69 BGT for years, and I spent a lot of time in it, but still like the Spridgets better. I've had a lot of fun in 'B's over the years, and think they're great cars. Just not for me.
Jeff

[ 03-07-2004: Message edited by: Bugeye58 ]</p>

 

[Guest]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

I took it in the manner it was offered,

, and if I fit in Spridgets I'd own 2. I may build one for my daughter

 

[Bugeye58]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Chuck, my brother is building a '62 Sprite for #1 son, who won't be getting his license for another three years. My brother figures that will give him enough time to shake the bugs out of it on those nice, twisty, northern California roads before his kid gets it!
I think LBC's make great first cars for people. They make car control easier to learn than herding some "barge" around, and also teach self reliance, and ingenuity! (Panty hose will work for an emergency fan belt, for instance!) I have data on that one.
Jeff
Jeff

 

[steve99]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Jeff I have not driven a Midget for years, (and that was a rubber bumper one). I've never driven a B however there are enough of them around here even that I'm sure I could arange to drive one. One of the things that appeals to me about the Midget is that I dont think I have ever seen one around here. I think it would be kind of neat to have one if for no other reason than to have something different. I like the idea of an older 1275. Dont need any bells and whistles. Radio is not relevant. Just give me the wind in my hair, bugs on my windscreen, and the sound on the motor, ( while dodging the road apples).

 

[Guest]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Jeff, I was thinking about one for a college graduation present, depending on where she ends up living

 

[tony barnhill]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Steve....I'm 5'11" & 210lbs - can't get in my Midgets with their tops up! The Midget top is a lot lower at the door area than a B...&, the doors themselves are smaller....

...has your body changed much since you last got in one?

 

[steve99]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Tony,

Unfortunatly, yes it has. This has occurred to me. Im 6'0" and 230. I know of a Midget in the area that never gets driven. Owned by a local scrapyard owner. I think I'll go see him and ask him if he'll let me sit in it. This may solve the question easily.

 

[Bret]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Tony & I are about the same height and while he has about 50lbs on me, I too have a real hard time getting into Midgets too. And after being shoehorned in I never seem to get comfortable. But that might just be me.

So personally, I think that B is by far the better all around choice. Roomier & with a few modifications you can have a rather spirited little ride without giving up too much comfort. I actually think that my 78B (W/cloth GT Seats) is far more comfortable for long drives than any of the intermediate or mid-sized rental cars I’ve rented lately.

My 78B’s “Black & Tan” interior

Another point on roominess of the B compared to the Midget; as a test – I recently tried to buckle my daughter’s car-seat (DOT approved) into a friends’ Spridget and it just would not fit.

 

[steve99]

To "B", or not to "B"

I have decided that its time to (some time soon) to get another project car. I have always liked B's but have not experience with them. I have also always liked Midegts and do have some experience with one of those. Dont care about performance, here in west central Wisconsin we have miles and miles of hilly, winding back roads that are great for about 35 to 45 mph.

I notice that B's seem to be much more common than Midgets. any thaought would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Baxter]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Bs are quite a bit more livable than Midgets... a lot roomier, softer ride, etc., and they always outsold the midget by a large margin. That's why they're more common.

For just a nice backroads cruiser, I'd go with a B. The midget's advantages -- extremely precise handling and a throw-it-around demeanor -- don't sound like what you're looking for.

 

[Matthew E. Herd]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

As a young guy, and happening to be 6' and 210, I don't really have any TROUBLE getting into my Midget, but it's nothing like my brother's B. It just has to be undertaken w/ a bit of care ...

And, on the other note, as my brother and I have sample cars of the rubber bumper variety, I've found that they handle similarly, with the midget (obviously) being marginally better. However, as compared with most anything else out there, they are both superior. And, if you're not going to drive it much, you can register it as antique and remove all the emissions stuff legally ... This makes the later cars slightly more desireable. Mine's been tuned considerably and its a blast to drive! I'd say, though, you might prefer the B for size reasons. It's more like a modern car in terms of size and features, as compared with the bare bones Midget. (Mine no longer has the radio because I would hit the radio presents when I shifted). My brother is very content with his LBC and does get some good back roads driving in our area.

 

[steve99]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Mathew, Thanks for the input. I miss the PA back roads, (Lancaster Cty.), however, the west central Wisconsin back roads arent too bad either, we still even have Amish.

 

[Guest]

Re: To "B", or not to "B"

Well, I might as well throw in my 2 cents.
I had a '68 Sprite then got the "B" I have now. While I didn't drive the Sprite enough to campare all characteristics, (I got mine wrecked then rebuilt it then gave to my son right away for college) I can compare the size. I am 6' and weight 185. When I got in the Sprite I found the door post a little too close for comfortable entry. I always had to pull up on my knee and get it close to my chest to get my foot in the door and once in I had more of that closed in feeling in the Sprite. The Sprite didn't handle as good as the "B" either but that was probably because the frame shop didn't get it trued up properly.
I really did like the looks of the Sprite though and probably could have gotten used to it had I decided to keep it. Wish I had now because it didn't last long with my son. Would have been a nice second LBC for my wife. And that little 1275 fired right up even after a head on with a light pole once I got the radiator unwraped from around it.
Bob

[ 03-08-2004: Message edited by: mrbassman ]

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