Blog - BRIDGET THE MIDGET

EPIC BATTLES: MG Midget 1500 v MGF Reprinted by kind permission of Classic Car Weekly – June 2017

23rd June 201716th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

For many a classic enthusiast, buying a sports car with an octagon badge on its nose is the realisation of a dream. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, cars leaving Abingdon were not only bound for UK showrooms but dealers in countries across the globe, such was their popularity owing to the fun they offered and the freedom they represented. And yet, while many aspired to own an MG, it was a dream that was far from out of reach; especially moving into the 1970s when the affordability offered by these cars was brought to the fore. The same is true today; MG remains one of the most popular brands in the UK thanks to the range of classics in its back catalogue, with the 1970s rubber-bumper Midget and 1990s MGF in particular providing phenomenal value for money. A budget of £5000 guarantees you’ll be sitting behind the wheel of a fine of example of either of these B-road champions. But picking the best is...

Bridget and Bertie’s New Season

12th June 201717th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

Bridget has already completed her first engagement this year at the 'Old Speckled Hen Run'. This is a MG Car Club event, held annually, that was first run 25 years ago. Wednesday 7th June Bridget attended her first photo shoot of the year so currently is looking at her best. Since I arrived back from my Winter Quarters I have tightened down Bridget's new cylinder head, adjusted the timing and balanced the carburettors. She is in first class condition, even if I say so myself. I have decided that I am unlikely to go spend next winter away, but am planning to strip Bertie down to a shell and re-spray her. Currently, the choice is for a deep pearlescent red, but that may change. This weekend Bridget and I shall be at MGLive, Silverstone, so perhaps we will see you there. ...

Winter Quarters

4th December 201617th March 2020 By roychinnor3 Comments

I have been inactive for some time now and am once again in Gran Canaria for the duration of the British winter. This is the third winter, out of four, that I have spent here even though after each period I have decided not to return! The climate here on the southern coast of Gran Canaria is really as good as I have found anywhere in the northern hemisphere. I am considering another 'walk-about' when I return to the UK. Currently the thinking is to leave the UK in late June 2017 and to make my way into the Crimea and specifically, Balaclava. A relative on my father's side of the family fell in Balaclava and I want to visit the battle site. I need to sort out the pleasantries of which country issues visa's for visitors, etc. ie Russia or Ukraine or both! Following Balaclava I would also like to visit Azerbaijan and Baku in particular, but I am not sure it...

Return To Maspalomas

17th October 201617th March 2020 By roychinnor2 Comments

Having returned home in April I quickly beat a path north to Scarborough to collect my latest acquisition; a MGB. It is a 1968 vintage with an Oselli Fast Road engine, Weber 45 DCOE carburettor kit, K&N air filters, etc. It is finished in 'Snowberry White' (where do they get these names). Meant as a big brother for Bridget, Bertie B has already taken me down to the South of France for an inaugural run. He handles and rides very differently from Bridget and, I have to say, isn't half as much fun. Bertie feels more respectable, almost aloof, but is a very good 'touring' car. Although mechanically very sound I shall decide over the winter what I want to change to make him fit in more in his new 'stable'. I think perhaps a wrap might be the answer, with a few detail changes. Bridget is tucked up safely for the winter and is in excellent shape for another 'adventure'. As it will be three years since her last...

Destination Oxfordshire

10th April 201617th March 2020 By roychinnor4 Comments

Well Spring has definitely arrived in Gran Canaria, or at least the southern half of the island, with temperatures stable at around 80°F. My thoughts should be turning to the preparations for my departure home, but I am suffering from a plethora of electronic malaise. Firstly, the laptop I am currently using for this report, refuses to start more times than it accedes. The fault is not something obvious, but I believe it is caused by the boot-file. My Ipod, the only form of entertainment I have available when driving Bridget, has ceased to perform. The cause of this is not immediately obvious, as the balcony it fell from is a mere 15’ from the patio and it fell flat on its’ face rather than on an edge or corner! It does show a message telling me to use Itunes Recovery, but then won’t actually allow me to use any controls; not even to turn it off. To complete the hat-trick my...