Uncategorized - BRIDGET THE MIDGET

Restoring Bertie

6th September 201716th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

It is now 18 months since I bought Bertie the 'B' and I have decided to carry out a restoration of everything except the Oselli engine. The intention is to take it back to bare metal and replace any rusty panels before respraying it. Bertie will remain Snowberry White but will have a new red trim and hood. The above picture and the first 4 pictures on the slider below are of Bertie before I started work. These are followed by pictures as the strip-down has advanced. More will follow as the work progresses....

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...

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...

Red Is This Years’ Green

7th October 201218th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

Yes, it is true, Bridget has a new set of clothes. Following her visit to the little red car factory and museum in Maranello she has been pestering me for a 'nice red outfit'. I have to say I think it suits her and clearly so do some of her fans. I have already received a letter from a young lady in Germany. I can't make out her signature but I think it is Michelle Shoemaker, back in history her family were probably all cobblers! Anyway she says she is currently working out her notice from her present employer and asked if she could drive my car next year? Of course I shall have to refuse her request as Bridget will be otherwise disposed. The new floor pan has been fitted and so all I have to do now is re-assemble everything with as few parts left over as possible. I am hoping she will be ready by Christmas and...

Damage Repair

12th August 201218th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

All the examinations and problem diagnostics are over; it is time to rebuild Bridget in preparation for next year’s run. The experts have identified the damaged box structure of Bridget’s chassis, the distorted floor pan, and the damaged passenger seating anchor points. I now need to strip her down to the bare shell for the experts to repair and repaint. There is the usual gallery of pictures available of the progress made, stage by stage. There have been some surprises already and I am making some small changes to Bridget’s mechanics as I go along. These are mainly replacement of parts that are showing signs of ware, but also upgrading her timing chain to a duplex one. The surprises so far; when unbolting the engine mountings, one was found to have sheared off! So for the past six thousand miles she has only had one supporting mounting, which may have been the reason for the judder every time she pulled away. The second...