UK - 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...

Cars That Rock

3rd May 201517th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

Although I can rarely think of a good reason to stay in the UK during the dark ages (winter), seeing my grand-daughters make it worthwhile. It was fortunate that I did stay here this year as a little before Christmas I was contacted by Back2Back Productions, the company that makes the series 'Cars That Rock', presented by Brian Johnson. Brian, of course, was the front-man for rock band AC/DC and is also well known as a petrol-head with a fine collection of cars. MG was selected as a marque that should be included in the second series of the program 'Cars That Rock' and I was asked if Bridget would take part. Of course she did, and the result can be seen on the Quest TV Channel on the 21st May 2015 at 9:00pm (BST). It was a fun afternoon filming the episode. I have no idea what Brian thought of Bridget, which of course he drove, but perhaps we will find...

Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo

21st December 201417th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

STILL in the UK! Eight months served and just four to go then Bridget and I will be free to wander again. However we have no firm plans for a specific run of the type we have done in the past, but will be partaking in a number of MG Car Club events. The club have just announced that we will be running up to four holiday tours in Europe next year with Bridget acting as Tour Leader. The first will be around France, Provence in particular, during May. This will be followed by two tours in Italy and the final one visiting the Bavarian Castles of Germany. This will give us something to do for the summer, but we want to do something for the more adventurous enthusiast during the winter of 2015. So, if you have followed Bridget's adventures on here in the past and thought to yourselves, "I would like to try that", then this could be your chance. We are seeking...

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...