Friday, August 26, 2022

1975 MG Midget

Brian had challenged the kids a few years ago - telling them when they went to buy their first car, he would match their money. So if they saved 5k, he'd give them 5k for a 10k car. Being the schemers that they are, Kenna and Brooks decided if they combo'd their earnings they could get a better car, and share it. But they didn't have a whole lot of money, so Brian began looking online to show them, as an example, what two or three thousand dollars could buy.

It was then that he discovered his long lost love...or new found love...of old British automobiles. Because they are TINY. And CHEAP. It turns out two or three thousand dollars can get you an antique car that still runs!
So he's been trying to convince them that they need this car. They are not convinced. "Wait, what?! It doesn't have air conditioning?!" "How safe can it be when there are no airbags". We have raised modern, practical children who see zero value in sweating while you drive, and have a very high view of safety concerns like seatbelts and air bags 😂

Also, knowing they are not about to become car mechanics, or know how to drive a standard magically overnight - "Is this thing going to break down every day?" But Brian persisted in checking Facebook Marketplace and showing them all the cool ads for the cool tiny cars out there. 

All this did was fuel HIS interest in the tiny cars, trying to convince them to buy one. Somewhere along the way it just became Brian's mission. Find a cheap little British car to play around with. 


Well. He found one. Cheap, runs great, but will start to run too hot if you go 65-70mph...It's sweet spot is 55. Perfect. It was originally Red, but painted Mitsubishi Lancer Yellow by the former owner. He had it and tinkered around with it from 2002 until getting it road worthy in 2019. It's been to a few auto shows. 

Runs fine but can use work (drivers seat vinyl worn in places, needs a spring in the front wheel area bc that's looking a little low etc...but small stuff). 
I haven't driven it yet - no power steering, no power brakes. We ordered custom tags for it..."MIDGET1"...and the way he's talking, there might very well be a MIDGET2 in our future as well 😂

 We have not decided on a name yet, as we each like something different. Vale wants Taxi. I like Barmy Fotheringay-Phipps. Brian likes Jeeves. Kenna like Bingo Little, and Brooks like Barney (Luc used to call Brian Barney). I'm not sure which one Grey likes - but...it might be a minute until we decide on that one.

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