While I'm rebuilding the MG's motor, it would be nice to have
something to drive bigger than my motorcycle and smaller than my van.
Last weekend I picked up a '91 Miata. It had taken some front end
damage in a wreck, but not too awful much to repair. The plan is to
use it as a street car (maybe taking it out on the track now and then)
until I get the MG back on the road. Then I'll turn it into a Spec
Miata.
Being a '91, it is a 12 year old example of pretty much the least
expensive sportscar that was available when it was built.
In '81 I bought a 1968 Sprite, a 13 year old example of pretty much
the least expensive sportscar that was available when it was built.
As I look around at the Miata "culture" it really reminds me of the MG
culture of 20 years ago. They are the common car at the race
track. There is factory support for the racing. If you crunch a fender
you can buy a replacement for $100.
You can get a reasonably straight runner for about $2000, which if you
calculate inflation probably isn't too far off of what an MG in
similar condition cost back then.
Moss carries restoration and aftermarket parts for it.
I suspect that Miatas even carry a similar percentage of the sportscar
market that MGs did in the late '70s.
It's a LOT faster than a 20 or 30 year old MG, yet the car is rather
underpowered by current standards, but handles pretty well.
--
Girling is not a verb.
lrc@red4est.com http://www.red4est.com/lrc
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