Readers' views on the new M.G. Midget
Sir,
I am one of numerous M.G. Midget owners who regard the “New Midget” with an air of disdain. I say the “New Midget.” Mr. Courtenay Edwards, the motoring correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph, calls it “the Austin Healey Sprite wearing a false moustache and dark glasses,” which I feel is a much better description.
A better performance it may well have over the old M.G. Midgets, but better quality in construction and coachwork! – Never! When the new Midgets are falling to pieces, the old ones will still be around, their bodywork as sound as ever.
I am, Yours, etc.,
Anglesey. – R. Gowring (Plt. Off.).
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Sir,
Until this month I have been able to look upon the many different makes of sports cars and find something characteristic in the design of each of them. However, during the last week I have inspected both the Mark II Sprite and the M.G. Midget and find that there are slight differences in upholstery, instrumentation, grille and chrome work, other than these minor points the cars seem to be identical in every way. In effect the famed Midget has been revived as an Austin Healey in disguise. It seems that B.M.C. are not content to standardise their saloon range but also their sports cars.
I cannot help expressing my disgust and sorrow in this latest development. Both M.G. and Austin Healey are famous throughout the world for their performances, past and present, and it is a greaty pity therefore that B.M.C., with its great resources, could not leave the Mark II Sprite with its individuality, and at least have given the famous M.G. Midget a different body design.
I realise B.M.C. are after the export market, but is standardisation really necessary?
I am, Yours, etc.,
Windsor. – A. J. Beere.
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Sir,
Delighted to observe the return of the M.G. Midget. Observing what happened to the B.M.C. 1-1/2-litre saloons, I can hardly wait for the appearance of the new Wolseley Hornet – a Sprite with lamp-lit grille badge and veneered dash, and the new Riley Nine Imp, a Sprite with blue diamond badge. Since the combustion chambers will not be hemispherical, at least the hub caps could be, thus preserving all the finest traditions of the marque! Incidentally, if B.M.C. gain Borgward, will the next Isabella be a narrow-track Farina-finned 4-door which anyone except B.M.C. would have called an A55?
I am, Yours, etc.,
London, N.5. – M. G. Slattery.
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Sir,
My congratulations to B.M.C. on announcing two new versions of the Sprite within such a short time.
I am, Yours, etc.,
Burnham. – “A T.D. Owner.”