You’ve already made that first big choice – the classic you’ll be enjoying in 2016 will be a ragtop MG. The MGB is Britain’s best selling sports car – but should you pluck for its smaller, sportier sibling instead?
STYLE AND INTERIOR
The main question is – are you sitting comfortably? The Midget’s petite proportions mean you’ll have to squeeze into a tight cabin. For most people the slim footwells, titchy windscreen and rather barren dashboard will do just fine for weekend blasts – but if you’re of Johnny Vegas proportions and you like to take a fortnight’s worth of clobber with you then you’re better looking elsewhere.
The ‘B is much more civilized, with plenty of legroom, a proper glovebox, centre console and a decently-sized boot behind two plush vinyl-trimmed seats. It’s even better if you plump for the GT version – the tiny rear seats aren’t up to much but you get plenty of room behind the nifty hatchback, and more headroom on account of the taller windscreen. It’s also as a general rule of thumb cheaper to buy than the roadster, but what you lose in al fresco fun you make up with elegant coupé proportions and comfort.
It’s also worth noting that both the MGB and Midget were given rubber bumpers and revised interiors towards the end of their lives – and while they tend to fetch less, don’t dismiss them because they’re still good fun. Plenty of cars – including the MGB pictured here – have also been converted from rubber to chrome. While there’s nothing wrong with doing so beware converted cars being hawked around at a premium.
POWER AND HANDLING
To put it crudely, the ‘B has plenty of the former and the Midget shedloads of the latter – so make sure you’ve enjoyed both before taking the plunge.
The Midget’s all about immediate cornering and grin-inducing dynamics – both the A-Series versions and the later Triumph-engined 1500 version have plenty of pace but the bumpy ride, short wheelbase and the lack of the ‘B’s top-end oomph make them thrashy companions on longer runs (especially on motorways – Midgets were definitely born for the B-roads).
The MGB – particularly one fitted with an overdrive system – will happily sit on faster roads and chew through the miles, and the softer suspension is a lot more forgiving on long journeys. The tradeoff is not having the Midget’s fun factor on tighter roads – it’s good fun, but push too hard and you’ll be treated to a mild helping of understeer.
LIVING WITH THEM
Call it an easy victory for both – because there are few classics that are better supported in terms of specialists and parts than these two. Just about every bit imaginable for the ‘B and Midget, right up to brand new bodyshells, can be ordered over the internet or picked up at autojumbles. In fact, if you’re thinking of giving one a little TLC then we’d definitely recommend a visit to the International MG and Triumph Spares Day on 21 February, 2016.
They’re also backed up by two of Britain’s classic clubs – the MG Owners’ Club and the MG Car Club, both of which have plenty in the way of expert advice and club events to help you get the best out of your MG.
THE VERDICT
Well, the MG wins obviously! Both are plentiful and cheap to buy, the abundant parts and club backing make ownership a no-brainer and they’ll be welcomed with open arms at virtually every classic meet up and down the land (including, if you buy a pre-1976 model, the Over The Road section of next year’s Goodwood Revival).
The Midget is by far the more fun to drive on the right road – but we reckon the ‘B is the better all-rounder because it’s lovely to drive and more enjoyable on those longer classic outings where – perish the thought – sensible things like boot space and comfort come into play.
Which is why, we suspect, the more expensive of the two to buy new was the bigger seller.
Musing over the Midget? Here’s a previously restored 1968 car we’ve found for less than £6k.
Thinking of buying an MGB? Here’s a 1979 roadster that’s up for £6.5k.