Overhaulin'

Classic car as a first car?

Looking to purchase a first car, and hopefully a classic car. WIlling to get hands dirty, and do a fair bit of work myself however I doubt I will be buying a complete restoration. Considering something along the lines of an MGB GT or MG Midget as a first car. Seems that both cars can be bought in a reasonable state for a reasonable price! I have heard of insurance being obtainable at under £1000 for both of these cars, for young drivers if you shop around. Just wondering which would be the better choice, the GT or the Midget? In terms of insurance and reliability which do you think would be the wiser choice?

Public Comments

1. An MG Midget is a really small car and a pain in the butt to get in and out of. And they are not that terribly fast either. These cars only have a three main bearing engine that does not take well to extended highway revs. The MGB GT, on the other hand, offers a larger carrying capacity and a real roof. It offers a more powerful 5 bearing motor and a robust gearbox. It would be the better choice of the two. Have the car checked for chassis rust first though.
2. long term durability was never a plus with any mgb, and you cannot overrev the motor at all, personally find something that can get up to speed on the freeway, the mg was a great little sports cars for tight twisty narrow low speed farm tracts and back woods, but its not up to the task of modern highway speeds