I get asked so many questions about my unusual car that I figured I would put together a news letter to give you the 411. So here goes:
This is a 1974 MG MkIII (aka: an "MG Midget").
Originally designed by Austin-Healy, it was made by MG (Morris Garages) in England from 1962-1980. Engine is a 4 cylinder, 1275cc A-series producing 65hp (same engine that was used in the classic Mini Cooper). Top speed is about 90mph. Transmission is 4 speed manual. Yes, it is very comfortable once you get inside. It carries two people. I paid under $3000 for her but spent another $1000 to get her running. As with all old cars, rust is the main thing you want to keep an eye out for. Everything else is manageable. MG's have good club support and parts are still produced by MOSS Motors. I bought this car in the Fall of 2006 and have no plans to sell her anytime soon.
MG stopped exporting cars to the U.S. in 1980. The MG-Rover company fell apart in 2005 but was bought in 2006 by Nanjing Auto in China. They are building new MGF's for the Asian and European markets which should be ready by the end of 2007. Hopefully they will make it back to the States some day soon.
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My 1974 MG MkIII
1974 MG Mk III
FAQ:
Engine is a 4 cylinder, 1275cc A-series producing 65hp (same engine that was used in the classic Mini Cooper). Top speed is about 90mph. Transmission is 4 speed manual. Car is very comfortable once you are inside.
Other Cars You Should Know About:
MGB -Larger version of my Midget. Very popular. Great club/parts support. $4,000-$9,ooo.
BMW 1600/2002 -First modern sports sedan. Very affordable today. $3,000-$8,000.
Austin Mini -Another LBC (Little British Car). A micro sedan. Forerunner to the Mini Cooper you see on the streets today. Has gone up in value recently $5,000-$14,000.
Saab 900/9000 -Yes, the Saab 900 and 9000 are now considered classics. Swedish car with a lot of pep and style. My father bought four of these. We loved them. Stick to the ones made before '94 (before GM took over the company). $2,000-$5,000.
BMW 1600/2002 -First modern sports sedan. Very affordable today. $3,000-$8,000.
Austin Mini -Another LBC (Little British Car). A micro sedan. Forerunner to the Mini Cooper you see on the streets today. Has gone up in value recently $5,000-$14,000.
Saab 900/9000 -Yes, the Saab 900 and 9000 are now considered classics. Swedish car with a lot of pep and style. My father bought four of these. We loved them. Stick to the ones made before '94 (before GM took over the company). $2,000-$5,000.
Where Can I Get a Car Like that?
The Internet. The best place to find classic cars at the moment is online. Check out Craigslist for cars in your local area. Hemmings is also good. And check out my other car site Jersey Mini with lots of links to classified ads and local car clubs. Most car makes have their own clubs with websites. Do as much research as possible before you buy any car. Talk to people on message boards. Find out where you can get spare parts and who will work on your car. Most likely, the car you originally want turns out not to be the right one for you. (That happened to me.) Better to find that out before you spend money. Look at as many cars as you can in person. Talk to their owners. And always look out for rust. If the floors are rusted walk away! Good Luck.