Morris Minor Owners Club

After the recent demise of my BMW, ok it still moves just not very fast. I’ve been thinking about a replacement. Something I can;
• Drive 80 – 100 miles a day, every day for work.
• That can take on the motorways without fuss.
• Is easy to maintain and service.

First I looked to another saloon like my BMW but then I thought, for 90% of the time it’s just me in the car. When we go out as a family it’s only at the weekend and, these days, we are more likely to use Annie. With the restoration of Puddles on the cards it is likely that ‘my work car’ will become just that.

So with this in mind my thoughts moved to a two seater convertible.

I started to look at the MGF’s there are some deals to be had with a decent car costing less than £2000. The problems started when I sat in one. They are a bit basic. The seats are fine enough and the engine sounded responsive but the sun visor in Annie is better. It just felt a little too plastickey.

So my mind ventured to other 2 seater convertibles for around the £1500 - £2000 mark….. MGB roadsters… Spitfires…. Etc….

What are your thoughts? I’ve owned a Triumph 1360 before and found the engine access to be amazing, as you’d expect if your bonnet is basically the front of the car. The Spit’s are just a little faster, lighter and with better rear suspension so are very tempting. I’ve never owned a sporty MG so have nothing to base a decision on. So any advice from you guys would be appreciated. Past experiences of any small convertible would be good as my mind is not fully made up yet.

I’d love a Minor Convertible but with three Minors already in my shed and my want for it to only be a two seater, counts the old girls out… maybe later when I’ve done my Fiancés’ Traveller……

Many thanks for your help.. I’ll let you know what I decide on……

I have heard, although I have no experience of them myself, that TR7's are a good buy at the mo. They have a poor reputation but only because they suffered more than most by the poor build quality issues of the time. Get a good one and it's more than worth it, they say.

My TR7 is great!!!! Absolute bargain - but I would suggest ANY older convertible is not going to be great in winter. The very best practical 2 seater is without doubt the MX5. Buy the newest you can afford!

I'd be going with the Mazda if it was me, seems like a combination of of the best elements of a classic (style, fun, lots of parts and accessory support, thriving owners scene) with everyday reliability and economy. I would imagine a bit of googling would find a few buyers guides as well.

Thanks for all of your comments.

I'm test driving a number of options, MX5, Spitfire, MG Roadster, over the next few days. Not too bothered about the weather as it may be better to test them in the rain to check how badly they are at keeping it out.

Then I'll choose...

Thanks again..

have you tried a fiat barchetta?

I drive 110 miles a day to and from work both motorway and cross country.

the down side is that they are only LHD, so over taking can be a pain on B roads but apart from that.

Barchetta,eh - a leftfield choice but very very cool

Depeding on your height/weight a 60s sprts car might be a little cramped, I know the Spitfire is larger inside than an older MG. The 1500 is the largest engine but its said that the smaller 1300 is more revvy and willing.

As for the MX-5, you should get one with the pop-up headlamps, for that proper sports car look!

You could buy a Triumph Herald convertible, they are supposed to be good, and although there are 4 seats I wouldn't want to sit in the back! If you want a bit more kick you could even get a Vitesse!

I have to second the MX5 - mine is black 1998 1.6L with the pop-up lights - that was the last year they made that model. Its fantastic to drive and not one single problem in 5 years

Thanks for the comments, the choice is very hard but I think the classics are winning against the newies because of the TAX situation...

Saying that though I've always liked pop-up head lamps, very nearly got a Volvo 480 once, and do like the look of the MX5 rear lights. That and the fact your rear screen is glass is helping to keep it in the running....

Test drives are planned for the weekend with a decision on Monday.

Of course the MX5 is classes as a Classic (by Footman James anyway) but sadly not exempt from the dreaded road tax

Hmmm, I wouldn't mind taking a punt that the cost of the tax would be offset by the added reliability (saving on cost of parts etc) - unless it's a principle thing and you don't want to give Alistair Darling any more of your hard-earned (and I wouldn't blame you!)

Definitely MX5- excellent Japanese translation of a British sports car! Wouldn't touch an MGB roadster unless you are A: rich and/or B:good at welding!

Thinking about that one you are absolutely correct - apart from servicing, a couple of tyres and MOT costs there has been nothing else in 5 years. That's got to be cost effective.

Of course none of us want to give our money to that Darling bloke because he'll probably spend it on his latest Jag!!

ani wrote:Of course none of us want to give our money to that Darling bloke because he'll probably spend it on his latest Jag!!

Or put in an expense claim for a set of tyres, which he gets free as part of the lease agreement.....

charlie_morris_minor wrote:have you tried a fiat barchetta?

I drive 110 miles a day to and from work both motorway and cross country.

the down side is that they are only LHD, so over taking can be a pain on B roads but apart from that.

Second that, had one as my daily driver for a few years. Fantastic cars. That said, a few people that drove both it and the MX5 said the MX5 was the better drive. Barchetta is FWD if that concerns you but very nicely designed. The soft top disappears under a metal cover and there are no quarter windows so it's a very elegant

Nice looking Barchetta, are those the standard alloys?

Cheers,

Paul.

OK. the tests are done and the choice is made....

I blame my love of classic cars, it's the Spitfire... The look, the sound (the one I've chosen has the twin stainless exhaust system) and the under bonnet access.....

The deal is struck and all it needs are a few tweaks to get it through the MOT, having been off road for 4 years.

Pictures to follow...

On another note, would anyone be interested in a 1953 MG YB in need of a full body-off restoration? Even I think five cars is too much...

I think the classics are winning against the newies because of the TAX situation...

at 80 to 100 miles per day, I'd be looking for a 50+ mpg diesel. (E.g. 1.7 16v Astra Diesel)
That'll save more than the cost of road tax!