Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!
Alan asks: My son is considering purchasing a 1962 MG Mark 2. I would appreciate any thoughts or info you could provide, which I would pass on to him.
My reply: Well, I’ll start with the advice I give to anyone considering any make/model used vehicle – especially one that is more than 60 years old. Condition matters at least as much – if not more – than the price. When it comes to very old vehicles such as this one, I’d also counsel finding someone who really knows old MGs to look at the one your son is considering. I am a Jedi Master when it comes to second generation (1970-1981) Pontiac Firebirds. I can spot problems and incongruities that a novice would miss. You want someone like that, who can tell you whether this particular MG is what the seller says it is. A person who really knows early MGs will also be able to tell you what a fair ballpark price is, too. You may find the MG Experience helpful.
Are you/your son able to competently perform mechanical work? How about body work? Can you weld? All of these factors come into play when you decide to buy a classic car. If you can do mechanical work, then a tired engine or a worn out clutch (and so on) in a prospect car aren’t deal killers and may even be deal-makers in that you can save a lot of money by haggling down the price and then repairing the vehicle yourself. Body (and frame) integrity are very important to determine before sale – especially if you are not an adept at welding, because if you have to pay a welder, it will get into money.
I’d also look into parts availability. I am not a Jedi Master when it comes to old MGs, so you’ll want to find someone who is and can tell you which (if any) critical parts you may need are hard/impossible to find.
I do know these little cars are fun to drive. But they are also small and (by today’s standards) underpowered. I would recommend driving one before you consider buying one.
Please keep us posted!
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You forgot to mention that proficiency in dealing with electrical problems would be a good thing to have, since this is a British car with British wiring. (Obligatory joke: the first time Lucas makes something that doesn’t suck, it’ll be a vacuum cleaner.)
I don’t have any direct experience with such, but my father had a ’67 MG Midget for a bit in the mid-’70s. ISTR the engine got overhauled while he had it. From what I understand, even after it was up and running again, it was a bit of a gas hog for what it was, so it got traded in on a ’76 Chevette.
Lucas, Prince of Darkness. 🙁
My first auto was a 1960 MGA, 1600 Mk. 1
“Mostly Garaged” is an apt description, in my experience.
Fun to drive, when it ran.
Main problem was babbitt rod & main bearings,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babbitt_(alloy)
which failed easily, necessitating a complete engine rebuild ($$$).
The engine & drivetrain were otherwise reliable, including twin SU carburetors.
My suggestion:
If you can find a way to ditch the original bearings in favor of a more modern, more reliable type, the car could be a real hoot. Otherwise, I would say forget it.
Other drawbacks:
1. 12 volt electrical system used 2 six volt batteries wired in series, mounted under the floorboards, one each side, this exposing them to weather.
2. Distributor is mounted rather low on r.h.s. of engine block, and is subject to failure if driven through a deep puddle. “Unfond” memory of standing in a puddle in the rain, bonnet raised, drying off the points. Wearing nice clothes, I was. 🙁
3. There are no door locks. Doors are operated by a cord in the side pocket, which must be reached from the outside. There are no side windows, only plexiglass side curtains, which may not seal particularly well.
4. Windshield defroster is a bad joke. I resorted to using a can of de-icer, reaching through the open side curtain to spray it on the windshield. Heater works, though.
My 1968 English Ford Cortina wagon would keep running with the key turned off and removed if the windshield wipers were on and the high beam lever on the steering column was held.
Much prettier car than the MG B. I remember playing in one abandoned in a small town alley as a kid. Those deep tuck and rolled leather bucket seats were really cool, as was the banjo spoke steering wheel.
They are kind of limited production, the saving grace on old English stuff is that it’s pretty much hand built so much easier to fabricate stuff you can’t buy. I’d guess that curved windshield would be a challenge to get.