Is the Rubber Bumper MG A Good Car?

Today I get out my MG equipped with US Safety Standard bumpers.
Don't forget to visit my website for more updates: www.thisweekwit...
This Week With Cars - Episode 0153
#ClassicCars #MG #Sprite

[@bmh67wa]

I'm probably one of the few old guys who appreciates the rubber bumper cars.

[@bwho]

I like them as well. MG did a great job of designing the rubber bumpers in to the '74-'80 Midget, where there's still a great design integrity to them at the end of the project. I have to tip my hat to MG's body design/safety integration department for the job they did on those awesome cars!

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Americans prefer the look of the rubber bumper cars... still look modern...

[@professortruszkowski]

I've had my 77 Midget since I was 16, in 1993, and for YEARS I suffered from the purists grumping about the rubber bumpers. But interestingly, now, as I look at my car I feel like it has a beautiful mix of old, classic styling with the chrome, and the shape of the headlights/fenders, etc., and it kinda looks *almost* modern because of the black rubber. And you are completely correct... because the rubber was only part of this car for 4 years of production or so, they seem rare in comparison to older Midgets, Bs, or other classic cars. Thanks for another fantastic video.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

I think rubber bumper cars had much bigger yearly production/sales... USA buyers prefer them... they look 'modern'...

[@btinsley1]

I like the RB midgets. I've had mine going on 40 years when I bought at the age of 22. Now 61 y/o, I am glad I didn't sell it. My theory is that they got a bad reputation because who bought them when they were new? teens & young adults! Most ultimately did not maintain them and got sold 3-5 years later in a compromised state. I've had many cars, but the midget has been a constant all these years and is very reliable!

[@naberville3305]

Strange that they are rare as they constitute probably 9/10ths of the cars I see for sale

[@regsparkes6507]

This is an interesting 8 minute story on the Sprites and Midgets. Most enjoyable, again,.. Thanks for this.

[@4wheelsonmywagon733]

In the UK .... the bug eye ....is more commonly referred to as the ‘frog eye’ sprite. Great ‘focused’ content..... you clearly have a passion - and luckily a great facility to explore your hobby. 👏👏🙏❤️

[@visionsofhere3745]

Steve calls RHD ones frogeye, and LHD ones bugeye.

[@davesherman74]

I rescued my '77 Midget from a friend's garage. The trouble-prone Lucas Opus electronic ignition had quit on him in 1985, so he pushed it back to his garage and kept meaning to fix it someday. Someday came 18 years later when we were chatting, and I mentioned I'd love to get an MGB someday after I got to ride in one once. He mentioned he had a Midget, so I took a look at it. I actually had it running in two weeks, and I took a brief voyage down my street and back. Oh yeah, this one's a keeper!

[@solracer66]

Back in 1985 I bought a rubber bumper 1978 MG Midget to replace my 1968 Fiat 850 Spider. The MG had less than 50k on it but the lady who had it had ignored engine problems and overheated it. I replaced the engine with the engine from a 1976 Spitfire which required some adaption as the emissions controls did not match. As a result I ended up adding a header and a nice 4-tip ANSA exhaust to match. It was always quite peppy but oddly would not run on regular which it should have. It turned out that there was an optional 9.0-1 high compression engine in the '76 Spitfire and I just happened to get one. The author is right about the Zenith-Stromberg carb, I rebuilt it three times before truly understanding it and doing it right. It doesn't really require that much work but you need to know what you are doing. After I bought my Miata I sold the Midget in September 1990 but it had a couple of surprises left for me. First the thermostat stuck on the 150 mile drive to the meet I sold the car at but fixed itself just as I was about to pull over. Secondly the starter gear stopped working the night before resulting in my having to R&R the starter (which requires lying prone on top of the engine if you don't have a lift) at 11pm. Thankfully once lubed the starter worked better than ever and I don't think I was at the meet for more than two hours before the car was sold! 33 years later I am still driving the Miata but I do have fond memories of the Midget!

[@robertwalls5794]

I have a 1969 AH Sprite in BRG and love every minute behind the wheel. I prefer the pre rubber bumper just based on appearance but they'll all bring extreme driving joy.

[@americanpatriot2422]

I like the Rubber bumper MGBs for their smoother ride. I have both the chrome and the rubber bumper. Great video!

[@johnquilter7620]

Tips for operators of the 1500 Midget based on my factory warranty experience from 1975-1980. The automatic choke on the Stromberg was problematic and if stuck on caused catalytic converters to over hear and destruct. Convert to a manual choke. Or better yet Steve should have a video showing how to convert to a single SU carb as he did with dual SUs on a TR6. Treat the gearbox with gentleness and care especially the 1st gear syncho. If a 1975 model, be advised the cooling system was improved for the 1976 model year due to earlier overheating issues in high ambient temperatures and highway speed running.

[@TX200AA]

In the UK the 1275cc A series and the 1500 triumph engine were both rated at 65bhp. The big difference is that the A series can be tuned to make quite a lot more power. With a stage 2 cylinder head and a single weber carburettor about 85 to 90 bhp is possible and race tuned engines can get quite a bit more power. By contrast the small main and big end bearings of the 1500 engine put paid to any really serious tuning.

[@mickduffy]

Thank you Steve! My father was parts manager at Standard Triumph on Bush street in S.F. 1965. I’d often go visit him at work. I remember at about age 7 or so he and his coworkers said hop in that car. After sitting and checking it out they said your the first kid in the US to sit in a GT6. He was with the company for 25 years before an early death at 50. We had so many experiences together with many of these wonderful British cars. Your channel is a great way to remember all of that. Thanks again.

[@johnquilter7620]

I knew your father from his years 1975-80 at the Brisbane BL zone offices.

[@mickduffy]

@@johnquilter7620 Thanks John for mentioning that. Nice to hear.

[@Birdman1334]

Had a Healey 3000 MK 11 in 63-65. Traded it for a Chevy Impala. Was rough in NE winters. Later had a 77 Midget that drove every day in good weather. That was replaced after being rear ended by a Mazda PU. Rubber bumper saved me . Thanks for the memories.

[@derekdelamar]

I had a 74 Midget. It had chrome bumpers but had these big rubber blocks attached at the bumper mounting points. It was a dual SU, 1275cc car. Interstate speeds were 55mph when I owned it so it wasn't awful to drive on the interstate. I was quite young when I had it and rural Alabama wasn't the easiest place to find parts for it in 1983. Now, I think it would be fun again.

[@ussweeneyd]

Please remember, these little gems were never intended for American oversized freeways. Get one on a British country road and you’ll find the true meaning of “sports car”

[@derekdelamar]

@@ussweeneyd I guess you dont understand much about the rural south in the US. Their are great two lane roads everywhere. However, I was addressing the gearing and top speed ability of the particular vehicle I had at the time.

[@pepawg2281]

I too had a 74 Midget in Flame Orange! Everyone remarked about the3 wipers on the windshield!

[@TERRYB0688]

Steve where could you see all the midget/sprites in a row an have explained the the difference,s nice one steve 👍

[@lloydgreen4091]

Once again Steve, you hit the spot for me. Just retired with a 62 Sprite, 64 Midget & 67 Sprite. All Need a little TLC, but I have time for them Now. Big Thanks Again, for the Effort you put into these vids for us, & the info the youngins will have for the future.

[@officialgood-boy8946]

I picked up a rubber bumper years ago in a junk yard and its been my primary for most pf that time. I've had problems with it here and there but overall its been a pleasure driving it. I made a custom true dual exhaust out of a 4-1 header with twin glasspacks which gave it a sound like no other.

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

Seeing them all lined up like that with dark clouds and rain could easily be mistaken for being in the UK.

[@bertiewooster3326]

Impossible ...no litter no houses no traffic jams no kids no foreigners no rain etc etc

[@johnnichols9056]

As a person who sold parts for these for almost 2 decades, worked on them and raced a ssriously modified 67 midget kudos on the video great memories. You covered the major differencs and make me want to get back into those cars, either a 67 or 68 for spirited driving, transplant a 67 engine and trans into a bug eye for true fun and as you recomend the rubber bumper for everyday runabout. The gas mileage wasn't as great as one would think but better than most. BRAVO!

[@ozanakkus7160]

And it would be complete if he faked an English accent

[@sweaspurdoddd5466]

@@bertiewooster3326 no foreigners lmao. 🤣

[@crelark]

I grew up in the ‘70’s. So, I get the rubber bumper styling. I really enjoy my ‘76 Midget today. Thanks for the video👍

[@mojowibble]

I had a 1980 1500 MG Midget in my 20's, the front rubber bumper saved me and the car one time. Nice video.

[@MovieMaker1040]

I showed this video to my mom. Growing up, her first car was a green rubber bumper MG midget. She loved the little car and apparently it did well enough in rural Michigan haha.

[@madalynmcgoun8066]

Steve, this is a very good video with imteresting facts. My first car was a 1964 Sprite with side curtains and of course, that wonderful top that took 10 men and a boy to take apart (literally) and stow in the boot. In spite of that, I loved that car and drove it everywhere for 5 years. I recently purchased a 1977 MIdget, which I also love. The rubber bumpers don't bother me, as I feel it's also a really good look. I'm keeping this Midget, but only for fun, sunny days. Thanks again for a really good and informative video, and keep up the great work.

[@damolin77]

Nice Steve thanks for letting us all join you in the car while you drive and we learn some history from you . Hope you do more videos like this

[@thirdcargarage2951]

All sweet rides. I like the rubber bumpers

[@bryancohn9406]

I always liked the look of the rubber bumper cars, both Midget and MGB and of course for racing the rubber bumper had better aero for long tracks such as Road Atlanta, Road America and the like. I think the perfect car might be a rubber bumper Midget or B lowered to pre-US headlight spec with a pair of 1 1/2 inch SU's, header and some slightly lower profile, slightly wider tires, like a 185/60/13. A nice upgrade would be a larger front sway bar to control the body roll and you'd have a fun back roads car with good power, nice handling and the ability to take it on the highway for longer journeys.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Perfect Midget is Buick 215 V8 and BW T50 5 speed over drive tranny!

[@gryfandjane]

I’ve owned a rubber-bumper Midget (1978 model) for almost 26 years, and I agree that it can be a really enjoyable classic. While my car is largely stock, I did swap the Zenith carb out for a Weber DGV recently. I’ve also lowered the car and installed a stiffer anti-roll bar, so handling is quite nice. Thanks for the video!

[@Core_VII]

I put dual su carbs in my 75 and it made a world of difference the addition of a Monza exhaust also helped as well as removing the catalytic converter EGR etc

[@btinsley1]

i did all you mention to my 76 and I never looked back at a weber or stromberg.

[@aussiewendelken7499]

Lovely seeing these true British icons it really comes thru on the video your love for these special little cars, most of us here in England have seen these great cars growing up or have owned one now and again and are still popular to see running up and down the country lanes when the sun's comes out, the engine hum is something you never forget right from the starting off with a mini, thank you so much for showing these lovely jems all the best.

[@ChristianHasselberg]

Thanks Steve! It was a walk down memory lane. Had my first 1966 AH MK III Sprite in 1995. Good info for the next gen.

[@Lukeno52]

The big problem with the 1500 Triumph engine is that it had a tendency to self-destruct, it wasn't as robust as the A-Series. Also, the A-Series hadn't gone out of production; that remained in production right up to the Millennium in the Mini, but the Triumph engine was needed to cope with the extra emissions equipment.

[@michaelsarcone6575]

I had a 78 Spitfire, and I put a Weber carb on it. Ran great, but without overdrive, you are usually cruising at high RPMs. The weak link in those 1500 engines was the thrust washers on the crankshafts. Once they wore down, the would drop into the oil pan and the engines would start shaking

[@htimsid]

I concur. In my eperience the A-series i (much) more robust and also more tuneable / modifiable (if these are English words).

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

I had a yellow 78 midget in 1985 while serving USN in Virginia. she was a fun car, liked to run hot at times, and the zenith stromberg could be touchy,, such a fun car put in a 1975 triumph spitfire 1500 engine in because the original was shot,, I remember that car as the only car I have ever owned where I could sit in the car, open the door and touch the rear tire

[@seagorilla9704]

Driveline is not exactly the same as the Spitfire. The gearbox and diff are different. Also the single Stromberg setup wasn't used in UK, our rubber bumper cars retained the twin SUs. Waxstats on late cars like mine. The standard box is a modified Marina unit but the Spitfires single rail box with overdrive can be fitted with a little work and the overdrive is wonderful for cruising. Drops the revs by about 20 percent. Many have also been fitted with the Ford type 9 five-speed which requires modifications to the crossmember but it's a nice unit. Also there is a 3.5:1 crown wheel and pinion final drive set available which was never offered by the factory. A telescopic damper conversion does wonders for the handling (from personal experience). Nice video and I agree that the 1500 cars are under-appreciated.

[@davidhumphries7092]

I 'M ON MY 2ND M.G. MIDGET MY 1976 I DROVE FOR 29 YEARS AND I HAD TO RETIRE HER AFTER EVERYTHING FELL APART! MY 1975 HAS ONLY 62,000 MILES( BARN FIND) AFTER A REFRESH I STILL DRIVE HER EVERY CHANCE I GET!😁

[@ThisWeekWithCars]

They are truly a car you could drive ever day and it still is very efficient too.

[@davidwarr8600]

I like the rubber bumpers and they look even better when painted body colour. My brother bought an MG Midget brand new in 1962. It was a fun car and it went fine on the highways.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

Back in the day, the life expectancy of the Triumph engine was felt to be reduced when fitted in the Midget, as compared to the Spitfire. This was attributed to gearing that spins the engine faster at highway speeds and higher engine bay temps.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Doesn't matter which car it's in, Triumph Spitfire 1500cc engine that was put into Midget was JUNK! By 25K miles at USA speeds the valve springs break dropping valves into the engine, rod bearings are shot, transmission is junk! I'm told it was a weak 3 main bearings tractor engine to start with... should have only been in tractors...

[@100forks]

I had a shop that repaired and renovated classic British sports cars, therefor I definitely have the expertise tell you which IS the greatest British Sports car. It's the one you are driving and I mean this sincerely. Each one is different and each one puts a smile on your face. You drive a British sports car, it doesn't drive you. A restored one lets you know what it was like to drive a brand new one. A ratty one lets you know what it was like (for so many of us) to drive the first British car we ever owned.

[@GafferY23]

This is a well made video. My first Midget was a '64 Mk2 and now I have a '78 1500 (UK spec twin SU HS4s). I enjoyed the introduction will all the models and I think the take on the 1500 is spot on although the UK models do have more go. I've lowered mine by 1.5" and it handles really well - less body roll and better front-rear balance. Lowering is easy to do - 2 afternoons' work taken slowly & carefully. Highland MG Owners will be viewing the video this evening on Zoom.

[@dff19707]

I couldn’t care less about the chrome versus rubber bumper argument. My brother owned a rubber bumper Midget in the 1980s, and I loved that car.

[@gbass7328]

Cool….Your rear end whines like my ‘73 chrome bumper did. And I see the driver side lean like mine did too. I wish I still had it. Glad you love them.

[@choppergirl]

I owned a blue rubber bumper MG Midget. Okay owned a Midget is a strong word... I actually cut the steering wheel lock off an abandoned one, hot wired it, replaced the battery, primed the carb, got it running in the dark night under a street lamp and drove it across country and back with my friend on a man Thelma and Louise adventure... as a Freshman in college. Britishly unreliable, but I had a moment climbing over the windshield while it was going down the road in 3rd gear and hanging on top the windshield wipers while on the engine hood while my friend held the steering wheel and implored me to come back in the car. Loved the little car for that moment in my life, but it was by no means even close to the best car I ever owned. That crown goes hands down to a Datsun B210 Sunny.

[@choppergirl]

Oh god haha that in cockpit ride along listen and view brings back memories... that grinding wah wah bouncing transmission... accelerating to merge... what a riot... it was other worldly compared to a modern car of the era... like throw back almost to WW2.

[@choppergirl]

I would not own one today because they are old, way over priced, unreliable, probalby impossible to get parts for, and.. did I mention, way over priced. Hard to work on. Rust? Salt? plastic rot? Yeah tallt hat and more. There are better vehicles today to buy for a lot cheaper that would be a lot more fun... which is a shame. A used Midget should run you today about $2,000... but just looking on ebay people ask piep dream prices for a car that hasn't been all that in... 40 years...

[@Proud_Texan]

I loved my rubber bumpered, 1975 MG Midget, Special edition. Had I been able to marry it, I so would have, electrical problems and all.

[@kenem1946]

Thanks, Steve. What a shame you had to film the video twice ... well done, great dedication and very much appreciated. In my early 20s I had a 3A Sprite which I drove in country areas and interstate without any discomfort. Engine wise, the head had been shaved and I fitted extractors, so I remember it had a bit more 'go'. That was 50+ years ago, so I guess today, my older body would not fare as well! 😊

[@robertrolinson3821]

A last a person with sense. By the way the Uk rubber bumper has twin SU carbs and is a 1500 cc and my 79 is superb cheers

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: While I appreciate your program and the love for those old cars, you are incorrect about the quality of the late Truimph drive train. The 1275 was a far superior engine. I am a Jaguar Rover Triumph trained mechanic and worked at a large MG and Triumph dealer for the last 10 years of their production. The 1500 cc engine used in both Sptfires and Midgets was very problematic. The crude cast crankshaft only has 3 main bearings and there was a huge failure rate. They were not long lasting engines, and a few times through the gears at redline would significantly shorten the engine life. We had to rebuild the bottom end on at least 1/3 of all the cars we sold just to get them out of warranty. The Spitfires could not hold the rear axle system together with the roller bearing needles in the trunons would eat the axle shafts. Luckily, the midget did not get the Spitfire IRS. While the MGB's 1800 engines were longer lasting, they had a problem with the catalytic converters melting the bottoms of the single Stromberg carb and lighting the cars on fire. There were dozens of recalls for those models. They were fun cars, but if you don't understand the limits and weak spots, you will be spending serious money to put it back together.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

So true! Triumph Spitfire 1500cc engine that was put into Midget was JUNK! By 25K miles at USA speeds the valve springs break dropping valves into the engine, rod bearings are shot, transmission is junk! I'm told it was a weak 3 main bearings tractor engine to start with... should have only been in tractors...

[@MrJhorseman]

Ive got a rubber bumber midget de bumpered lowered and on twin carbs. Best of both worlds

[@kellybreen5526]

I had a pick up back into me. The rubber bumper saved my car. If it had been retrofitted with the chrome bumper, or was bumperless it probably would have been a write off. That single Stromberg has performed well for me for a few years now. Knock on wood I guess but I have nothing bad to say about them.

[@2H80vids]

Good to see some "behind the scenes" stuff from shooting the line-up. There's so much unseen work goes into these videos. Also, it was nice to hear something positive about the "rubber bumper" MGs. I'm not a huge fan myself but, compared to today's bland, same-ish cars, they still have a load of chatacter.

[@Tigerfan50]

I owned a 78. Loved driving it, when it worked. Leaked oil from the main seals. Electrics were crap. Replaced several gauges and switches. My favorite Midgets story---driving home one night, the headlights just winked out--totally.

[@jamescrugnale2763]

I have a 72 midget that I grew up in since the age of 3. I’m now 21 and the car has been passed down to me and I plan to keep it running as long as I possibly can

[@MilesCobbett]

I had a 1973 oval rear wheel arch car. I loved it.

[@rovercoupe7104]

I also like the look of the early XJS. M

[@michaelarchangel1163]

Hello from Wales. I only ever drove one Midget, a 1500cc version in the 1980's, when a pal who'd been drinking a few beers asked me to drive him and his lap-sat girlfriend home. I do recall a period road test had the top speed for the early lesser capacity Midgets as being 93MPH and same year Healeys at 89MPH. I think the 1500 would do just over 100. To my eye at least, final model of Healey is the best looking car in combination with the convenience of a folding, rather than a stowaway roof. As an aside, I did also drive a rubber bumper MGB GT, which had overdive and went pretty well, albeit the hiked up suspension did it no real favours when cornering. Best regards, hope you have a good summer to enjoy your driving.

[@anthonyhfe6450]

I think the rubber bumper Midget looks much better than the rubber bumper MGB design. It just works well visually. I have a '72 MGB which is certainly one helluva fun car. As far as the carbs, have dual Zenith Stromberg CD175 carbs on my TR7 which I have well sorted, and on the "B" I have dual SU HIF44 carbs, also well sorted. But the TR7 adds an extra level of complexity by sporting an automatic choke, whereas the "B" has "less to go wrong" manual choke. Knock on wood, both are functioning as they should at present. Anyway, those are all beautiful cars. Good luck with them!! And Happy Motoring!

[@HaveUCalledPinkFloyd]

My first car was a 1976 MG midget Special. I was 16. A bought from a lady who bought it new but she found out she was pregnant, she decided to sell it. I felt lucky to get such a low mileage almost new MG. It was the same color blue with black stripes on the side. I quickly pulled them off. I don’t think I ever got rid of the residue. When the sun hit it that just drive, you could see where are the stripes used to be. I sure do miss it and enjoyed watching your video.

[@gunder3]

We hated the rubber bumpers in England, they spoilt the look of the car but had to be put on for the American market

[@perlisproductions435]

Datsun and Porsche didn't have problems adapting to US regs, so why did the UK?

[@perlisproductions435]

Also, forgot Mazda. And they're all still making and selling cars is the US. But the Brits all went out of business - to bad - the English cars have always been my favorites.

[@KiwiStag74]

Great video, Steve. Often wondered about the timing and development of these little cars and which ones specifically were the equivalent of the other. Being that I also love Triumphs (I own a Stag and a 2500S saloon), I would get a great kick out of owning the rubber bumper model....so I might have to go find me one!

[@cdjhyoung]

Nice video about a cars series I have always enjoyed. I owned a Series IV Midget, a 1973 1/2 back around 1982. Lots of fun to drive, but you had to be willing to spend Saturday morning every week fixing that week's failure. For mine, it usually involved ignition wiring. About the time you bought your rubber bumper version, a popular up grade for these cars was to do a body repaint and over paint the bumpers with the body color. Lowering the car back to the original designed height was also popular, but it is not an easy afternoon change. I drove Spitfires and Midgets in the 1980's, but always preferred the Midget. The Midget A35 engine always seemed to run smoother (when it wasn't mis-firing from moisture) than the Spitfire engine. The Spit had a displacement advantage at 1500cc verse 1275, but never felt like it had more power, even before it was downgraded by emission compliance. The Midget transmission is the trans of legend. It just is so right - the shifter just lives in your hand wanted to be played with as you run up and down the gears. The Triumph always seemed to me to have come out of some truck, with the gear ratios not quite right, and you found your right hand swimming around to find the lever. One big mistake in this video - never, ever compare an in era old sports cars to a Miata. Mazda got that car so right, everything similar that came before it is just not good enough.

[@mundanestuff]

I have a 77 (and 58, 59 and 60 sprites too but those need restoration, the 77 is a runner), it was debumbered by a previous owner and converted to a weber. There's a problem with the weber so I'm switching to dual SUs, since I have a pile of them in storage, and the manifold is $50. Also, I like the way the SUs work, and it needs a new exhaust manifold anyway, so why not upgrade that while I'm in there, and add a heat shield to protect the SUs. It'll be even more of a frankenSprite for sure, chrome gill, no side or front indicators, just smooth surface where they used to be, no bumpers, dual SUs, spicy exhaust, etc. But it can run on the highway, 70 MPH for 200 miles. Just don't stop, the heat soak on the carb today will cause you to run out of gas and take a break before continuing on surface streets... I suspect the original Stromberg doesn't have this problem.

[@stewtube1240]

Thank you for taking the time to share your wealth of knowledge about the MG Midget . I had a 72 Midget in Canada when I was 16 and bought a 74 midget as a parts car . Loved my midget and it taught me a bit about fixing cars for the first time in my life :-) . Thank you !

[@upscalebohemian5372]

The midget is too tiny for me, but I love its looks and I prefer the rubber bumper Midget and MGB since that's the first way I came to know them. They look graphic and more clean lined to my eye (since I was 16 years old, and I'm 63 now).

[@choppergirl]

Yeah, I drove a rubber bumper midget across the US nonstop north to south on the interstate. I got about 50mpg which blew my mind at the time. Which was a a gift from heaven, because I was probably broke at the time. I picked a good little sportscar to hot wire :-) gone in..... not 60 seconds.. more like.. 8 hours. Some sourcing of parts and tools were necessary.I'd buy one today, BUT British Reliability, probably way old junk now, and cruiser motorcycles are so much cheaper and easier to maintain and repair, more fun, and just as thrifty on gas. All the MG's are now way overpriced now and not a good value for your money.

[@craigpests_channel]

This video came at perfect timing. I'm going to look at one of these

[@awalk5177]

Interesting Steve and great video. Here in UK the rubber bumper Midget 1500 did not have the Stromberg carb, but kept the twin SU's. The Stromberg was only on the USA cars. These 1500 cars are still very cheap in UK but prices are now rising for exactly the reason you said.

[@thomaswykes3647]

I could never understand why they never offered overdrive. Way under geared for cruising speeds. More variants than covid 19

[@jeffr0]

when i was in jr high school (1973-74), our band director had an mg midget. sure went through a bunch of oil pans.

[@Hoganzie]

Thank you. Excellent video. One reason I like my Series IV Sunbeam Alpine: the overdrive. Makes highway driving much more relaxing.

[@ThisIsEngland1967]

I put a Frontline 5 speed gearbox in my '67 Midget and it transformed the car. Same ratio 1-4 (synchro on 1!) and then a 5th gear for cruising at 70mph. Agree with comments on the carbs, SU's so much better. As for other niggles, the more you drive the better they get - all over 40 years old now and they don't like being sat in the garage.

[@tomwilcox1574]

I had a 1979 Midget that a purist would hate. It had a swapped in drive train from a Nissan, 1800cc I believe, mated to a Nissan 5 speed. Original MG rear axle and gearing, didn't mate well with the Nissan final drive, absolutely a screamer around town and backroads, but wringing it's guts out on the interstate.

[@ThisWeekWithCars]

Check out my old modified Midget: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3TcgWaGopadh7c

[@wilson42cc]

I had a triumph herald, a mark one Ford zephyr, used to be fun days back then in my teens and now in my 60s I still like the small cars ,

[@stevegibb6421]

Ive always preferred the look of the Rubber Bumper model. To me it has a smoother, crouching tiger look, as though it is about to leap into action ….

[@SierraJohn]

I bought my '78 Midget new from the dealer. I liked the looks, rubber bumpers included. Sold it when I got my MGA.

[@oldtanker4860]

I am a fan of the little cars like that and have secretly wanted a midget but never pulled the pin on one. One of the reasons is I am kind of old now and really like AC in my cars. I absolutely LOVED my old 289Z 2+2 and kept it until it tripped over 100k miles.

[@losbanos999]

I owed the '76 MG Midget. The motor blew up for no reason after owning it for a month, but I had no history on the motor. After paying for a rebuild, my wife and I drove it from San Jose to LA in the heat of the summer. Loved it. I sold it about a year later. Motor reliability and electrical were suspect on these cars.

[@rogerking7258]

Many thanks for this, particularly the line up of all the different versions. Personally, I have a Frogeye which I'm very happy with, although I do sometimes wonder how it might be if the later semi-elliptical suspension were fitted for a smoother ride and a much less stressed tub just behind the seats (not going to do it though).

[@datasailor8132]

In 1973 when the five mph front crash and 18” bumper height requirements became mandatory, MG added the rubber bumpers and raised the cars. This had a disastrous effect on the roll center completely destroying the handling. There was no easy fix for this because MG rather than designing new suspension pieces, modified the actual bodies lowering the suspension attachment points. There wasn’t a large enough aftermarket for them to make it worthwhile to produce modification parts.

[@johnnichols9056]

Think my comment went to the dark side. KUDOS on the video and evolution of one of the best little sports cars. I sold parts for Hopelessly Shot British Sports Cars in the States for nearly 2 decades. Owned a 67 Midget racer for a number of years, not street legal buy any means but did so ar times, lowered 800 lb frt. springs, single leaf rear with coil overs. 40 overbore ported, polished, seriously tricked SUs for the look, they almost ran as good as the Webber conversion, radical Paeco cam. Needless tl say a blast and could give an American V8 a serious run light to light. Admire your collection those rubber bumper cars were more civilized for daily driving but I never truely trusted that TR 1500 motor or gearbox. A good analogy for the early cars is a 2 person skateboard with a motorcycle motor behind it loads of fun. Again KUDOS for a well done comparison video.

[@johndavey72]

Perfect description Steve ! 👌

[@davidsimons1152]

Looks like someone shoehorned a MGB grill into that middle car. The '73 model year was the best of the Midgets, with the rear quarter-bumpers.

[@Maxamilion007]

I purchased one Brooklands Green new in 1976 used it for many years I had 115000 miles on original motor with no issues. I swore by Castrol 20/50 every 3k miles. Loved car sold it running after 11 years.

[@martinwarner1178]

I think its time you visited England Steve, we would all give you citizenship as soon as you landed. Keep up the really great videos. And thanks.

[@aceroadholder2185]

The easy fix for the Stromberg carburetor is to put the Weber progressive 2 bbl carburetor and manifold kit on the engine.

[@frankiebob7345]

Gee I enjoyed seeing and going for a ride in my rubber bumper Blue Midget again. I am holding a picture of it that has been on my desk for 41 years.

[@MrSecretooo]

I owned a 1979 Midget. Although it required some updates (O bought it brand new but the electronic ignition sucked and the radiator was too small) it was the best handling car i have owned. The steering response was INSTANT.

[@ussweeneyd]

Good review! One iteration of the Sprite you missed is the full rear wheel arch body. This makes the car look much more like a sports car. It’s fair to mention though, that the US governments attempts to restrict imports of British sports cars was the reason for the ugly rubber bumpers on Sprites, MGBs and type E Jaguars, ride height was a compensation for the extra weight of these monstrosities, in the case of the MGB, it added 70lbs to the front end, totally destroying weight distribution and safety While they invented specifications directly affecting British engineering, they made no such demands on domestic produced vehicles. Just image if they had succeeded in blocking the AC Ace body here !!!!! Who would have made the iconic Cobra? Still, it took a Japanese designer to make the first ones. 😎

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Rubber bumper cars look vastly better! Drop in a Buick 215" - 350" aluminum V8 and little BW T50 5 speed overdrive tranny and you have a dream roadster! Also ends up a tad lighter...

[@bluepointlookout388]

I have all of these. I do love my 1500 1979. same colour. It is my daily driver in summer. My winter car is a 350Z Anniversary colour.

[@shannonwittman950]

Thanks, Steve, for providing welcome clarification about these cars and especially the blue Midget. The rubber bumper Midgets and MGB's have long since grown on me so that I don't mind them. I'd worry more about the black rubber "grey-ing" over the years. That happened with my 1979 Renault "LeCar." I shrugged my shoulders and painted them with satin black tire paint. Seemed to work all right. I wonder if you could get a solenoid overdrive to fit in your blue Midget? I'll bet you'd get some terrific freeway mileage as well as keeping the revs down to a more pleasant level. Great video!

[@ProjectFairmont]

As a car nut growing up in the 70-80s, I actually prefer the look of the rubber nose cars if not the rear bumper, and increased ride height. I had a stint on a team that ran an SCCA E production MGB with the rubber nose, good memories.

[@AlanAbbruzzese]

I totally agree with you there is nothing wrong with rubber bumper MG good car when maintained

[@michaelsarcone6575]

I liked the part where you are driving along Mortenson Road by my old dorm at Iowa State. That’s where I parked my 65 Midget. I would not be comfortable driving a small sports car around anymore. Too many giant jacked up pickups on the road driven by aggressive and distracted idiots.

[@hardlifecrew]

good video!! I have a blue midget that is very beautiful, tonight I will watch your videos to learn more about these cars... thanks

[@AndysMGAdventures]

what year is your blue one?

[@Ouch.]

I used to have a rubber bumpered midget and as with all early cars here in the UK where we have a lot of rain. It suffered with rust underneath. I did enjoy the car but the triumph 1500 engine I had was very weak in the big end bearings and eventually it had to go to the scrap yard!

[@awtistiaeth4699]

I get that the rubber bumper Midget wasn't as nice to look at as a chrome bumper model, but I found the 1500 engine to be more torquey than the A-series when I had a 1500 Midget. Less thrashy though.

[@JBFromOZ]

One of my biggest regrets is selling my black rubber bumper midget, the tales of a weak bottom end had me spooked, and being 18 at the time, and without a decent workshop, sold it on, but at least I still have my bugeye!

[@johndavey72]

My bottom end isn't what it used to be either !😂😂

[@fepatton]

I have many happy memories of driving my cousin’s rubber-bumpered Midget in college in the ‘80s. I thought it was a wonderful car. The only reason I wouldn’t buy one now is that they’re new enough by California standards that they require biannual smog checks. I’ve had a hard enough time getting newer cars to pass! Your videos have goaded me into picking up a shop manual for earlier Sprites and Midgets and setting my eyes on one as a future retirement car. 😄

[@chuckthebull]

I'm in CAL and i have a 78 that i'm getting back on the road.. i have dealt with smog issues many times with the 89 Isuzu trooper and my last rebuild i got the lowest numbers ever from my last smog check.. i'm hoping i can have the MG just as efficient in that department. smog check is a far bigger pain in the ass on newer cars ..but they go by model year as far as the criteria so i should be good

[@moodiblues2]

What a wonderful situation you have being able to have all these great cars.

[@PetergdWard]

I bought a new rubber-bumper sprite in 1977 (I'm in the UK) and it was fitted with twin SU carbs. Power rating was given as the same as the previous model at 65 bhp. It was a fun car, but I later owned a 1973 chrome-bumper model, and overall I think I preferred that one, it felt nippier. It's a close decision though. The chrome bumpers definitely look better though, to my mind.

[@pooddescrewch8718]

I didn’t hate the rubber bumpers . I avoided British cars in general . The rule was that if your British car was not leaking oil it had none to leak . Not being a good mechanic I leaned more toward bullet proof designs . Thats not to say I did not want one , just wished their build quality was better

[@sutherlandA1]

Also the rubber bumper update also included reverting to the squared off rear wheel arches of the earlier Healey/Midgets over the rounded versions of the 71-74 mk3's due to having better crash resistance in a rear end collision

[@roberth3094]

My buddy had one of these midgets in the 70's . He cut the top of the steering wheel off to make it easier to see . It was always having electrical problems . When it ran it was a great car to buzz around the backroads with .

[@dscarty]

I owned a bug eye for a while & had a friend with one. Did some road tripping with it (backroads). I’d forgotten about that gear noise.

[@stevehill5637]

I LOVE me some MG Midget! Thank you for sharing.