Spitfire vs Midget vs Sprite vs ???

[DickieB]

OK, now that my daughter is 18 months old I need a new challenge (having sold all my toys about, oh, 18 months ago! )

Can't afford a Westie this time (at least not the kind of Westie that I would need/want).  Thought I might try something older, eg a Spitfire, MG or Sprite.

Does anyone have any experience with these - advice, things to read, subscribe to etc? Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Dickie

[fatbaldbloke]

If you go to my website and click on Sprite you'll see a few relevant pictures.  Feel free to ask away on Spridgetly things...

[Norman Verona]

Spidget good, Spitfire bad.

But only the early ones with the "A" series engine.

Only probelms I remember is getting the rad out and getting the gearbox onto the prop shaft. Ah, fond memories.

[bhouse]

Get a midget and use it as a donor for an XI - best of both worlds!

Brian

[Blatman]

I reckon even a half decent MG of that age will cost more in the long run, and will cause more issues day to day, than a Westfield bought for the same sort of money

Remember, you know a bit about Westfields already, so the learning curve is less steep, and you've got us to talk to.

Besides, I just can't picture you with a beard

[highwayman]

Are you looking for a semi-project Dickie?

I have a rubber bumpered  MGBGT with a low miles new full unleaded engine which runs great Pm me if yr interested

[John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison]

Go more modern. Get an early MX5

[chazpowerslide]

Just as an aside Dickie I rekon a Westy is a fair bit safer than either a Spitfire or Midget.

Judging by some of the results of accidents that have been posted up here involving Westfields, Paul Huddersfields and Mark Jacksons in particular, I rekon that if it all went wrong you'd stand more of a chance in a Westy.

On the 11th of last month a friend of mine was killed on the way to Royston in her MG Midget in (similar circumstances to Pauls accident) when her car crossed the white line (for reasons unknown) and hit another car coming the other way.

The MG she had was a very good one, properly restored, rust free and structurally sound.

It folded up on impact like a wet paper bag, she was instantly killed, identification was made from personal belongings (you get the picture) she was only 26

Chaz.

[Blatman]

Go more modern. Get an early MX5

Good shout...

[cast iron]

Get a new TVR, it will keep you in the garage for ages          

[DickieB]

All valid shouts.  The problem is if I bought a Westie again, then I'd be into upgrading, back to the Speed Series, then on to circuit racing again - and I have neither the time nor the money for motorsport (sadly - at least until daughter is older).  So I need a hobby that will not lead me into motorsport (is that possible?)

[cast iron]

All valid shouts.  The problem is if I bought a Westie again, then I'd be into upgrading, back to the Speed Series, then on to circuit racing again - and I have neither the time nor the money for motorsport (sadly - at least until daughter is older).  So I need a hobby that will not lead me into motorsport (is that possible?)

come marshaling - its free (sort of)  

[samcooke]

QUOTE

Go more modern. Get an early MX5

Then swap the front and back bits and make it look old :

Retroforza

[Rory's Dad]

Spidget good, Spitfire bad.

But only the early ones with the "A" series engine.

Agreed - had one of each in the seventies - Mk 3 sprite was best by a mile.  Spitfire (actually my mother's) had evil swing axle IRS.

Would also agree about their lack of in-built safety (crashed them both - and got away with it both times   )

Rory's Dad

[Mark Stanton]

Just get yourself a Westfield         and I know where there is a nice one - not suitable for SS or racing