Impulse Classic Car Auction Buy Doesn't Make It Home

Its one thing to browse around a classic car auction, but it's another thing to dip your toe in the water and bid for something on a whim.
Especially when you end up winning it!
Join Trevor as he starts off on the path of another illogical purchase...

[@VonCoco1944]

This video has made my day! I thought the little car looked like an absolute bargain but getting it at that price was the icing on the cake. Then, in the final clip, standing at the side of the road, bonnet up made me howl with laughter! I didn't laugh at you but with you. An absolute classic ending - thanks so much!

[@oscarsgarage447]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@antonk1893]

I drink to that 😅 🍻. My 64 sprite is still broken

[@azmike3572]

I've owned a few Spitfires (the car, not your magnificent plane) in years past. Always like their exterior styling.

[@kennethsanchez1200]

Lucas "the prince of darkness " your troubles have just begun

[@soonerlon]

Speaking as a former MGB, Sprite and TR-6 owner, they're supposed to break (and leak!). I will say though, that if I had spent 11,000 Pounds on a restoration job; lift the bonnet and see what the engine compartment looks like,, I would have said no way. Poor people were totally ripped off.

[@kevinparker461]

Wouldn't of had one when it was new!, they were known to be unreliable.

[@GrahamWalters]

I was thinking the same, I'd want to see the receipts to see where £11k went, underseal halfway up the doors is a big red flag for me.

[@christhomas131]

The money has gone on bodywork which is where you have to be careful with these cars. Assuming that the body resto has been done well its a good buy. Mechanicals are an easy fix so happy days. The engine bay could do with a tidy up but it looks fine.

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

@@GrahamWalters On the outside? That's not the door, it's the cill and that's how they came from the factory, black paint not underseal. Look along the cill on either side of the door and you can see two rubber bungs covering the insertion point for the jack.

[@confederatenationalist7283]

To be fair in the day the 6 cylinder Triumphs and BMCs were always a better bet.Here we are with 3.0 Litre Healey and TR5 and 6 and MGC values to prove it.

[@jonviol]

These things were thrown together with no PDI or rust proofing . Its quite astonishing that any of them remain, For the record ,they are terrible . Get it fixed and sell it ASAP. Nothing but low quality trouble .

[@oscarsgarage447]

I call it character... ☺

[@petebrown6952]

They were crap Brand new​ and do not improve with age! Owned several including a Shorrocks supercharger 1198 Sprite, 8k miles and it destroyed the crank, put replacement engine in and got 6k miles before repeating the message, sold it and bought a Mk1 Lotus Cortina. It was a real hoot to blow off Triumph TRs, MGBs and Healey 3000 (two seat Austin Princess!).

[@jayfontane3242]

What an idiot statement

[@fredgien]

I bought in 1995 a 1979 MGb from California with no rust. Had it Waxoyled and it still is in good shape! Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@jamesf4405]

I dont think the previous owners were ripped off. 11 thousand pounds goes very fast doing rust repairs and refurbishing the interior. Labor is most of it and it's well earned and deserved when dealing with a professional shop. Great purchase! Congratulations!😊 well bought! You done great!

[@tedecker3792]

Half the fun is tinkering, knowing you’re never done!

[@oscarsgarage447]

Bit like kit cars, never finished...

[@dq7143]

HaHa. When it comes to buying a used car, I feel passion usually overcomes logic.

[@poppyneese1811]

As a sales rep one day while working in Pocahontas County in West Virginia here in States, I ran into 6 of the happiest old guys I ever met driving their MG’s MGB’s Triumphs on Route 219. They were wearing British tweed jackets and tweed caps. One of the cars had went bad and all hands were on deck for the repair. I’ve always been a fan of these little cars and would have loved to be traveling with them in my own lil Britt!

[@nikolaslarson6891]

Lovely little cheeky restored Midget for very little money. Looks like a real bargain! I had my own problems with old petrol clogging the carbs, not a big deal at the end. Anyway, my compliments and have fun! Luv it.

[@paulmcfarlane6034]

I have an MG Midget myself, also a rubber bumper 1500 and I have to say that I love it. It drives like an MX5 but you can have all your fun at 50 mph and on the Lincolnshire Wolds it is perfect on a summer day. These are still a cheap classic to buy and own and whilst the earlier chrome bumper models have the looks, these are far more affordable. I would suggest a lowering kit to bring the ride height back to the original level. I did this on a rubber bumper BGT and it improved both the handling and the looks. It's a cheap and easy improvement to make and it is something I plan to do on my Midget. Looking forward to more content on your new classic car.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks for the advice. Agree on the fun at 50 - feels like you are flat out!

[@jujuUK68]

@@oscarsgarage447 indeed, I've had an MX5 Mk1 and a Mk4 1275cc MG Midget. And when my Midget used to break down from time to time, the AA men who arrived were invariably delighted, because unless you had an actual, physical failure of a part, they *knew* they'd get you moving again, even if it was just a bodge to get you home. Last guy who atteded mine, said he';s not had to open up a set of points at the roadside for 20 years! These years, you have to say "well my midget wont depreciate, but if it did at £1k a year, I'd better it in the bank, for the restoration and repairs - they're like the Forth Bridge, as you complete a restoration, going from bare metal, paint, to doing engine, suspension and brakes , interior, hood chromework, then by the time you finished, its about time to start on the body again....

[@duckpuddles]

I have a white 1973 Midget here in the Lincolnshire Wolds. We have some of the best roads, particularly the Bluestone Heath road to Cadwell Park

[@rogerhanbury677]

I find the mg midget handles like a half filled bath

[@A-Lovely-Bit-of-Kit]

​@@duckpuddlesI'm off to Cadwell this weekend. One of my favourite road trips of the year.. great roads.

[@michaelhart895]

Still got my 1500 Midget which I bought in 1982 as the second owner . Mine is one of the last 500 made ,they are mechanically so easy to work on there is nothing you can’t do yourself.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Great story!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Of course it broke, you would be lucky if you made it home from the dealer when it was new.

[@LindaGray-o7j]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@patdwyer6274]

😂😂

[@estebanfrisch2536]

Oh, yeah.

[@jayfontane3242]

Douche

[@levelcrossing150]

That's rubbish, I sold them when new.

[@Just_a_thought-k9g]

Try the fuel pump under the floor behind the drivers seat I think! It is an electric pump that operates through a couple of contacts (like distributor points). When they get dirty or corroded it can stop working. If you listen carefully you should be able to hear it cllicking now and again. As my pump started to give trouble either bang the floor behind the seats, the vibrations can often get the pump to start again or alternatively keep the fuel tank pretty full say over half full should be enough to keep it running. Anyway that worked for me 45 years ago on my 1275 Midgets!

[@oscarsgarage447]

Cheers!

[@steveclark..]

I'm surprised to hear that these even had an electric fuel pump, the mechanical type I had back in the day. They were cheap and easy to fix at the side of the road, if you carried a replacement diaphragm.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

The 1500 is a mechanical pump on the engine block iirc

[@steveclark..]

@@G-ra-ha-m Yeah, that's what I would have thought. Simple, cheap and easy for the owner to fix, unlike these electric pumps hey

[@G-ra-ha-m]

@@steveclark.. Yes, it's from the Triumph 1500 engine, cam driven on the side of the block. But in the spitfire etc, the sump had more airflow, so the oil gets too hot in the midget.

[@Chris-f7s2y]

I have not checked this video but I can imagine its content. If you have no experience of classic cars it’s best to steer clear. Likewise if you can’t do at least basic mechanical repairs yourself. Buyers are often incredibly naive and evidently think that old cars are the same as newer ones but look quaint, ie they go forever even when neglected, and do not let water in, do not leak oil, do not leak coolant. This model is very simple to fix and virtually every single part can be Mail ordered, and cost is moderate. Mechanical jobs are not therefore expensive. Corrosion and collision damage are a different matter. In this case you can even get a complete new body shell, although rebuilding the car is beyond DIY. How good a “restored” car is? How long is a piece of string? Same difference.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Interesting comment, but could have been even better if you watched the video...

[@graemew7001]

I used to work on these 35 years ago in a MG restoration place on a YTS. Good little cars to drive and you got this at a snip. So long as you check it over for rot creeping back in and make sure the engine's knocking on the bottom end (if I remember rightly), it's a Triumph unit in those ones and then you're onto a winner.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Yup, same as Spitfire from about 1974

[@graemew7001]

@@oscarsgarage447 Yeah, I thought so, I did obviously mean not knocking on the bottom end 🤦‍♂as that's a weakness with them. That was used as I'm sure they couldn't get the A series to meet the stricter US emmisions standards of the day.

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

@@graemew7001 I used to have one of these. I think the problem with the A series engine was more that they 'could' make it fit the US standards but there was no power left that would befit a sports car. Keeping on top of the oil changes is key with this engine.

[@graemew7001]

@@Tom_KZbin_stole_my_handle You're correct there on both counts because I remember driving a US import 1500 and even it was gutless with the emmsions gear left on it......we removed it otherwise we couldn't have sold it. You're so right with the oil changes too because we had one owner who changed it every 5k religeously and never had an issue.

[@kevinhall7518]

Another great video. It is an easy and enjoyable watch of a Sunday morning . Well done I look forward to more

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Harley-ir4er]

I travelled over to the Netherlands last year to buy a 45 year old classic car, I was so confident of it's reliability i drove it back to the uk, No issues. That car was a 1979 Opel Kadett C. I owned one of these car's 40 years ago and their engine's are bullet proof, never had a day's trouble with it. Hope your breakdown is not major. Thanks for the upload. Enjoy your Classic car.

[@geraldscott4302]

It's a NON COMPUTER car. No matter what might go wrong with it, it will be easy to find and fix. When computer cars break down, and they do all the time, it can be a nightmare just trying to figure out what the problem is, even when you have all the computerized diagnostic equipment, and the repair is usually very expensive.

[@charlieb3497]

I’ve had several MGBs two midgets loved them 🙌 but if you want the perfect two seater sports car it’s a no brainer buy an MX5 🤙it will get you to your destination and bring you home. bargain prices lots to choose from don’t be kidded into overpaying! Look underneath some suffer from corrosion if used all year round☝️

[@robinengland5799]

Great video, I bought a 1979 MG, it changed my life. After a year and constant Lucus electric and those carbs I about bought a bicycle! Love the looks but what a nightmare to own! Hope you enjoy yours! Beautiful car.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks for sharing

[@awalk5177]

I have a 1979 car, totally restored on a changed body by an MG specialist and the cost was about 8K and my car looks like new out of the factory. The current market values are so cheap right now , but I dont think they will stay so low as they become rare. Many are being scrapped as in the current economic climate restoration is above the market values. They are great cars, that you wear more than drive and great enjoyable fun if only the UK weather was better.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Think you are right, if good cars aren't expensive, project cars won't be worth much.

[@marknagle-vi7og]

My father was a British Leland Jaguar dealer in the seventies and all these cars were all 😊plagued with temperamental mechanical and electrical problems. Although my dad drove the Jaguar XJ12 you talk about a beautiful car and they were hand made back then.

[@peter3234]

You got a real steal there. Pretty sure there won’t be much wrong with it. looking forward to the next episode Well done !

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks!

[@fishbmw]

If it hasn't been used in a while maybe the points faces just need a bit of a clean up/ scuff with sandpaper, as points faces do tend to develop a crusty residue on them when left for an extended period of time, just a thought. I hope you get it going again without too much of a headache. I've help restore a few of these when I was an apprentice & they do like to rot as they were designed with many water/condensation traps, a really wise investment would be to get all the cavities in the panel-work treated with wax-oil or a similar wax based rust inhibitor. Good luck with the car.

[@johnbriggs3916]

Speaking of rubber bumpers.... There was the American who was going to get the chrome bumper conversion for his MGB. Before that could happen, he was rear-ended and found himself bounced straight across an intersection! Miraculously, he didn't hit anything and his car was undamaged. The car that rear-ended him, however, was a write-off. He decided to keep the rubber bumpers...

[@oscarsgarage447]

WOW!

[@nickyalousakis3851]

it's true rubber bumper is not the most desirable.... but that is changing with each new generation. a clean body rubber bumper is far far more better purchase than a rusty chrome bumper. and as the auctioneer pointed out - rubber bumper cars are simply changed to chrome without much fuss. this purchase was a steel for that money.

[@STho205]

There is a large auction house about 10 miles from my home. I used to go on Tues night to look at the cars and watch 3rd tier dealers and individuals bid for light entertainment. Decided then I'd never buy a car at auction. The dealers have a soecial relationship, the curbstoner flippers are going to pawn it of despite hidden surprises and the individuals are getting shafted. Individuals seldom outbid the dealers on a good car...and get the stuff that's glossy but dodgy. You can only start the car and run it in 1st gear around the parking lot. You can look at it and wiggle the wheels...but no jacking up or checking fuel flow or anything else requiring tools. For newer cars you can put a scanner on them, but every auction clears all the codes the day before auction....so you bettee have an expensive professional scanner.

[@chrisdstard5644]

My MG Midget was the worst car I ever bought. I changed it for a 1965 2Ltr Spitfire with Overdrive, no contest! I still have the Spitfire 36 years later.

[@neilbedford5082]

Looks like a good buy. Knowing MGs, your snag will be an easy fix - one of mine did just this and it was muck from the tank pulled into the carbs and stopping the piston moving freely...

[@gordonyoung3668]

Well done on buying such a lovely MG Midget, I’ m sure like you said the problem is a case of lack of use, time for some fettleing me thinks.

[@Reggaejames]

Might not be worth much, but your breaking down on the way home gains you my subscription. Love the car!

[@garysimpson3900]

You lucky man. I am sure the issue is easily fixed & it looks like you have a bargain of a classis. This article has brought back so many happy memories for me as my first car was a 1979 registered "Inca Gold" Midget which I owned from 1983- 85. Looking on the DVLA website its tax expired 1st January 1989 but is showing a VC5 issued 17 November 2005 so perhaps it was still intact & bought as a "project". Looking forward to the next episode on this one.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks!

[@eirik_halvorsen]

Breakdowns are never fun! At least not until it’s over and things have been sorted 😂 Really good looking little thing! I’m not so into them, but certainly made a good impression, visually 🤭 My first stop here, so if nothing else, the breakdown led to new viewers on your channel! 🇳🇴👋

[@oscarsgarage447]

So true!

[@et1249]

Yes, the bumpers are hideous, I reckon the price you got it for, chrome bumpers would still make it a bargain.

[@Stack_Silver]

The auctioneer’s Jiminy Glick Glasses are triumphant! LOL!

[@graham104e]

Bargain. Hope you get it sorted. First time I've watched a video of yours that isn't a "where are they now". Good presentation.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks, thats appreciated.

[@racketman2u]

Love those wheels on it, they are perfect for the period. My first car was a 1098cc Sprite , a lot of fun but I yearned for a bit more grunt and went to a TR6. The six spoiled me, after that I had a GT6 and then a 240Z, with wheels that looked like a bigger version of those on this car, again perfect for the period. I got nostalgic for a Spridget at one stage, but getting in one again after the roomy cockpit of even the GT6 was a big shock! The Spridget would still out-handle both the Triumphs.

[@Lot76CARS]

Having bought a car blind at an online auction during the pandemic (hence the channel name) I know exactly that nervous feeling of driving your new car for the first time. On the bright side, given the amount of money that the car has cost in restoration it doesn’t look expensive at the price you paid!

[@oscarsgarage447]

Think it will be OK. Looking at some of the other lots its important to try and view cars at the auction as they can appear in a lot better condition than they really are.

[@robertkincaid9122]

Owned Austin Healey 3000 1965. My high school tech teacher said the English can't put 2 gears together and make it work. Boy he was right

[@duckpuddles]

There were two different levels of British engineering, one plagued by union strikes, work to rule grumpy workforce with bad management. Then you have a company like FF Developments who create a four wheel drive system with antilock brakes way back in 1964 with Jensen FF , and several more conversions using the patented viscous coupling. The viscous couplings are used everywhere, especially agriculture and most modern cars are four wheel drive and antilock brakes. to say nothing of ~Harry Ferguson's other great invention the three point linkage used on all tractors now

[@markmed9091]

An example of what “ Hoovie” would be like in the UK .

[@giuseppe4909]

Having worked on and restored MGB’s, Austin’s, Etc….I replace the fuse panel with modern blade type boxes, and add relay’s …make sure all connections are clean and solid, and everything is properly grounded… 98% of your troubles are over….

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks for the tips

[@NinaYo401]

MG is a go kart. Figure out your electrical, fix the exhaust, look for a single Weber stromberg carb with manual choke. New fuel pump, and figure out heater control valve that isn’t cork.

[@mahulad7298]

MG with Rubber Bumpers is the big warning sign, they were thrown together with what ever was left over from previous models, with a just get it out the door pitch, they make a great garden Gnome.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Lol

[@mrlafayette1964]

I bought a '78 MGB back in 1982, looked real nice at the car lot but that thing stranded me just like this over and over. Lucas electrics the usual problem. One time it stalled right beside my girlfriends house so that worked out lol.

[@andrewb2475]

A work colleague of mine owned a second-hand MG Midget for 20 years (sold it 2005) and used it as a daily commute car between Oxford and Witney (26 miles a day). It never let him down but being a Toolmaker by trade he did look after it, periodically he'd take it off the road for a weekend and adjust the tappets, regrease the parts that needed regreasing, spray wash the underside and wings of salt and sh*t..... blah blah balh and it kept on going! Let us know if your was just dirty fuel, for what it's worth the Midget is a car that needs to be well maintained!

[@oscarsgarage447]

Update coming soon...

[@agentminerchuan007]

Found this channel through the video titled "Are the BBC Trying to Erase Top Gear From History?" This was the next video, it definitely reminds me of Top Gear's classic car rally challenge

[@oscarsgarage447]

Welcome aboard! Remember James in that Citroen - the lean angle!!!

[@agentminerchuan007]

​@oscarsgarage447 Yeah What hit me with nostalgia were some similar parallels 1. The auction scene 2. Clarkson and Hammond bickering about calling the car an Austin healey or Mg midget 3. The cars they bought having problems or breaking down Hope to see an update video about the situation of the car.

[@mikevanblommestein5726]

The joy of classic cars :) I’m sure it is nothing serious , just a learning curve

[@jeffhildreth9244]

The RBB Midget is in no way "a classic"

[@timothyknight2236]

From a TR6 owner in the USA - Great buy!! That looks like a wonderful automobile. Fun to drive, enjoy!!

[@oscarsgarage447]

Couldn't agree more!

[@tedecker3792]

I love midgets, having owned three: .63, 67, 76. When I drove the first one home my dad said “that looks good on you!” You really do feel as if you are wearing it rather than sitting in it.

[@johnnywarnerperfectroad66]

The Midget is a wonderful road going go kart, bought mine in 1981 and never been able to put it back in in it's toybox..just too much fun. Have done 5000 miles doing Rt66 both ways plus a bit extra in one. Last year did 1500 miles in UK over 10 days in mine..but for goodness sake put the hood in the loft where it belongs.. more smiles per mile and buck than any other car 👍

[@oscarsgarage447]

Very cool! Sound like great adventures!

[@johnmcconville6055]

I had one of those and had to spend a lot to rebuild the inner rear wings.Turned to dust. The engine is ok but things like sticking carb floats,and the usual old engine problems are a pain.However everything can be fixed relatively easily but sometimes they can turn expensive.Good luck.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks for the info

[@johnmcconville6055]

@@oscarsgarage447 I used to help a friend who was an aircraft engineer and fixed cars on the side.He was a brilliant engine tuner and tuned MGs for the local MG garage.He also restored several old classics, including 2 MGA and a 67 MGB GT.He died about 4 years ago but one of these days I might get another Midget and start tweaking these old engines again.🙏👍

[@roybatty2030]

Old MGs can be bought for very little as they were shyte from new and went downhill as they aged. The tech was at least 20 years behind their contemporaries, like a Lancia Fulvia.

[@bobfrankish8883]

Can't argue with that purchase at all, that has got to be a good deal. The back story is all too common unfortunately. It should be pretty easy to fix, dead simple mechanics, loads of parts available.

[@UKSCIENCEORG]

Every classic car is a money pit. My old SD1 and Land Rover laugh at me when I try to use them at the weekend!

[@MajorT0m]

Agreed. I've had a Capri for 20 years. If you enjoy it, ie actually drive it, you have to throw money at it occasionally.

[@weekendwet1]

£11,000 of plastic padding I should think. People forget how cars used to rust. I had a 68 Frog Eye Sprite. There weren't too many places where a magnet would stick on.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Crikey...

[@robertcooke1774]

I had 2 frogeyes loved them.

[@TheSecurdisc]

Had an MGB GT, enjoyed it but so unreliable. Never did solve the frequent electrical problem's over the 10 years I owned it. I was faced with stripping the whole wiring loom and replacing it to trace multiple 'earth shorts'. Gave up in the end. Bought a Mazda MX5 mk II....had it 17 years now, its 27 years old and changed one oil seal in all that time. Never looked back.

[@russellstewart5414]

One great thing is that this car is already done inside and out and seems to be all safe. That little motor is a tank and with a day or two of work you know he’ll have it running top knotch. As a spitfire owner I would have payed the money for it. Just for a toy

[@stickymoan]

Looks like a good buy to me given the amount that's already been spent on it in its' long previous ownership. I'm sure it'll be fine once you've sorted out the minor niggles. Older cars are fine once fully sorted.

[@alanpeachey4085]

Thank you for being you. You have saved history. The one thing that is in my mind is to get the use of the day that will inherit this automobile in tune with history. It will be a road of interest. Money has no value whatsoever. It’s what you leave behind when they talk on the Internet he was a billionaire and he died. He died a pauper, because we still have MND breast cancer and many other aspects of life skills we have to contain regards from down under

[@stephenbrown5410]

Don't forget to check the coil if getting very hot resistance......coil breaking down......?new coil plus points condenser jobs a good one

[@oscarsgarage447]

TBH, the coil looks like it has done a few shifts...

[@johncahill3644]

Wow, second I saw the engine compartment....no way in hell!!

[@Carlos-r5n2b]

You didn't do bad I've owned several. Part's here in the United States are available 2800 you didn't get burned. Fix fuel problem can swap old carburetors for fresh rebuilt here and adjust the valves easy one man job. One wrench flat head screwdriver and a set of feeler gauges. You'll get her humming. They are simple and last forever. Like a Ford model T

[@clivewarner2162]

I had a 72 one. Decided to drive it down the M6 at 90 mph and it seized solid. Then I discovered it took a hydraulic press to remove the gudgeon pins...

[@robaustin245]

Probably points. All you need is a screwdriver, feeler guage and a bit of emery paper. Be good as gold.

[@heckmacbuff]

Tuning in for the update. I’m sure you’re right and it’s a fuelling issue.

[@ggmtv1394]

Points! It's always the points.

[@paulm3965]

Good video, excellent restoration. This MG midget is not exempt from ULEZ or congestion charge. I am not sure if it will run on E10 petrol. These cars are full of nostalgia but with Lucas electrics. I suggest you have the fuel tank flushed and fuel lines. These cars are sluggish and under powered. The coolant should be changed regularly.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks for the info!

[@Natureswealthcouk]

Thanks another great video. I grew up on MG's loved them had many! Im looking forward to seeing more of this one on your channel!

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks!

[@danlosgar9194]

I like it and I'd like it better with an engine & trans swap. My neighbor had one long time ago and it didn't run right then it got stolen. I'm really surprised that the thieves didn't bring it back. 'Probably parted it out. Cheers!

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

What a neat car. It is all part of our love of old car lovers! Carry On and get her fixed.

[@diegosilang4823]

Bought a cutlass, it almost didnt make it home, died on stop n go traffic. I thought I ran out of gas or worse, turns out I got vapor locked because the Fuel i filled in is Ethanol mixed which increase risk of vapor lock.

[@acefreaky2988]

I had an mgbgt the car was built like an ocean liner but with an 1800 british leyland engine. As a 'sports car' totally unimpressive, I swopped for a 2 years old Chevette, terribly built , no paint anywhere that could not easily be seen 1275 engine and huge amounts of fun to drive. ....The difference is that chevette died and was scrapped my MG is probably now worth 20 grand and still running.

[@hojo9115]

I think you got a fantastic deal on the mg. It looks really great and I agree it's probably dirty fuel

[@keithgreen9009]

I am so jealous.... I think you have bought a really solid model. If I owned it I would be so happy

[@waltdisnenycopyright8048]

Had mg/mini garage for years, now retired, 10.000 for rebuild is about right, but you need to be a practical person and do most of your own repairs, great classic car

[@TProfileG]

If you think Midgets are money pits then classic cars are not for you.

[@barryrathbone]

She’s an absolute beauty! Really enjoyed the video sadly you didn’t make it home but I got an unused for a couple of years allegro that decided to give up the day after I got it due to mucky fuel

[@sjcuk]

I am your age and I agree with that auctioneer on the bumpers. They were 'modern' and new when I was a kid. It just looks right to me. Enjoying the channel.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Glad you are enjoying it. The ironic thing is my neighbour when I was a child had a chrome bumper MGB. I told him he should upgrade it with rubber bumpers... I do prefer chrome but this car is so original I don't want to mess with it.

[@azmike3572]

No rapid-paced and continuous "auctioneering" here, as we in the states are used to.

[@andrewhickton3189]

Joking aside (see my previous comment), sort out a "get me home kit". That's spair coil, points, rotor & cap. All water hoses & clips, tools to cut the old ones off if necessary, spare spark plugs, container for coolant. Spare bulbs, right gage of wire if you need to connect the fuel pump & coil direct to battery. Check where your jack locations are & if you can undo all your wheel nuts. Allways listen to your car, it will usually tell you if something going wrong. Do the fluid checks including the gearbox & back axle oil levels. Good luck & don't be too surprised if the midget starts becoming your daily driver.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Good advice, which I should listen to. But I do have an AA car?

[@jonathanlewis453]

One of the best investments possible with an old car like this is to fit a bolt- on electronic ignition kit. It may necessitate modern leads. Fussy things condensers and if your points close up three times in a fortnight you’ll be ready to kick the wretched thing. The band of black along the cills should really be topped with a straight line.

[@jonathanlewis453]

If you are not handy buy a Haynes manual for fault troubleshooting and pictorial step by step instructions to repair. You can probably rebuild one of these on YT tutorials!

[@mattb3283]

I live in Pennsylvania and own a 74 midget..fun to drive in the fall and gets second and third looks.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Great to hear!

[@adebrade172]

What a lovely car for the money,I'm sure a certain classic car dealer would have it up at 10 k plus

[@wideyxyz2271]

Easily !

[@oscarsgarage447]

I'll let it go for £9k...

[@greggbutler9344]

Maybe 2 years ago, about 5k these days.

[@1heavyelement]

you bought a money pit, i had 2 1977 MGB's and it was a constant battle to keep them running, i might suggest you upgrade them to modern type of car. what i mean by that is electronic ignition electric. cooling fans. maybe a weber carb. unless you have a BMC expert on speed dial,

[@G-ra-ha-m]

These engines suffer high oil temperature oil due to the sump being shielded by the front cross member, so I'd fit an oil cooler and possibly use synthetic oil.

[@andrewkingdon2000]

I owned a 1979 (T Reg) carmine red (same as yours) MG Midget about 35 years ago. I spent so much on it it makes me cry now just to think about it. And yup it was really unreliable as well. That triumph 1500 engine is all wrong for those cars. If I was ever going to get one again I'd buy a chrome bumper 1275 round wheel arch version. Those rubber bumpers weigh a tonne and ruin the handling as they are like pendulums at either end. And to make it even worse they raised the ride height just to comply with US crash regulations. For the record I now own 5 classic minis. Much better in my opinion. 16:31

[@stevendaleschmitt]

It may be a money pit, but at least is about as shallow a pit as you can find. (MGBGT and Spitfire owner) Good Luck! You'll be on the road in no time. You don't even need a hoist to lift the engine, a couple of friends can do the job.

[@Jooligan1]

Obviously the auctioneer is going to say yes it's definitely worth buying - hilarious. It's a money toilet.

[@martinplatt5928]

Great video! Trigger's broom comes to mind LOL

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks!

[@XeroBritt]

The engine bay looks a bit messy. The rubber bits probably need sorting. Alternator looks old. How is the wiring?

[@oscarsgarage447]

It looks ok. In fact I would say 'honest'. It could do with a good tidy up, but think it is in good health.

[@martinwalker3372]

I loved the video and I've subscribed. I do think you've got a real bargain there and as you say what's not to like? I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next with the Midget.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Welcome aboard!

[@graemeadamson7272]

I used to work with a lad who ACTUALLY parted with his hard-earned and bought one .......nothing but bother with it . If it wasn't in the garage for repair it was either on his driveway (waiting to be repaired ) or it was leaking . I honestly cannot understand why oh why anybody would want to own one , they don't even drive that well from what he said . Ludicrous .

[@duckpuddles]

I have a German friend who loves Land Rovers, all his German mates say vy did you not buy Mercedes, Land Rovers breakdown. He says you always meet new interesting people when you breakdown in a Land Rover as other Land Rover owners will always stop and I think the same goes for older MGs.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Very true!

[@sameyers2670]

It looks a nice car going by the pictures. What cars have you had over your driving life?

[@oscarsgarage447]

Fair chunk of Ford's, kit cars, couple of old Mercs...

[@156dave]

I thought the rubber bumpers were to meet safety requirements if you change to chrome would it still be road legal?

[@oscarsgarage447]

Hmmm... good question. The bumpers were for the US market, so don't know if that regulation ever came into the UK. I may investigate...

[@jokermaan1]

I had a '73 in 1981. Great fun to drive but lots of aggro. Always having some problem or another!

[@oscarsgarage447]

That's MGs for you...

[@besenzon1]

Great bargain. Enjoy the Summer ☀️🔧🪛. Maybe just tidy it up a bit and sell it at a profit 👍

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks

[@azza8249]

Did you get it going was it points that closed up or something

[@nicholasdaly7355]

Beautiful car absolute bargain

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks

[@craigbuckley3373]

Bad luck fella. It wont be much be assured, these midgets were great little sports cars and the days of these mgs and Triumph cars were absolutely magical

[@allyburg7145]

I got one yours is in better nick body but I have a lovely engine , smile you will love it honest

[@getoffenit7827]

Growing up in the States in the 70s i loved the looks of the MG Midgets. To me they were exotic,imported, and i wanted one. UNTIL I saw a brand new Triumph TR6 my neighbor had bought a brand new 1976 model Dark Blue and he put on what he called 'sports exhaust' she sounded good too! I hope its only a few small issues that can be fixed cheaply and easily and you can have some fun with the MG

[@mike-r1p3y]

I always thought they were a BIT UGLY

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks - but TR6...hubba hubba... :-)

[@markgraves]

Are they Newton commercials seats in there? Couldn't quite tell from the camera angles. If they are, they're dead expensive!

[@markgraves]

Pretty certain they are, looking again. Check out how much they sell for!

[@oscarsgarage447]

That's answered a question of mine. I hadn't seen Midget with the same seats, wondered if they were MGB ones?

[@mike-r1p3y]

I think thats a 1500 engine that was made for front wheel drive cars, inline makes it quit nippy but may suffer crankshaft issues because it is now inline not what it was designed for

[@oscarsgarage447]

Its the same engine as the Spitfire from 74