Electric MG Midget vs petrol powered Austin Healey 3000. Classic British sportscar road test.
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- Опубликовано: 25 окт 2024
- Today we take two classic sports cars from the 1960s for a test drive in the hills of Wales. But which is better, electric or petrol, stock or modified?
I was listening on earbuds when Tim flashed through the cattle grid in the Healey. Got my heart going - I thought he was heading straight to the scene of an accident ("let's offroad!" prophecy come true). 🤯
Me too! I'm listening with headphones on, I had just turned up the volume up to hear the Healey engine noise and nearly jumped out of my seat at 11:08! My heart was pounding.
So glad they swapped rides, I love the 3000 Healeys and this one sounds so fine, but I'd take the electric Midget in a second :) Great video!
Cheers from Canada!
Thanks for the comment. 😊
ruclips.net/video/RoDCftB09ow/видео.html
For an electric MGB example
I would like to see a 70s Citroen CX converted into electric. These Citroen were never famous for their engines...
Beautiful countryside. Now I want to come to visit Wales on holiday. Enjoyed the good banter between friends.
I used to drive a little Midget, borrowed from a mate in art school and loved it, so I enjoyed watching this. I think EV conversion will liberate hundreds if not thousands of classics and that we’ll see more on the road. I hope so, great vid guys
Thanks Geoff 😊
My father had a 1967, MK III, Austin Healey that he gave me in high school that we were restoring, but it was in respectful condition. In 1982, two weeks before I was returning to college from summer vacation the clutch went out and I wasn't going to repair it so I parked it in front of my brother's house on the street. Eventually parking enforcement continued to put tickets on it until they finally towed it and I never saw it again. After 40 years that has gone by every time I think about what happened to my Austin Healey which is sometimes often I get depressed.....lol. What a great driving car that I loved so much. Can't find one in restored condition today in the US less than $100k.
Great cars 😊
Awesome stuff. They're both gorgeous. And, as AWESOME as that Healey sounds (wow), it's still just begging to be upgraded. Especially since it's used so often.
Oh lordy, I miss those roads. I need to get over to mid Wales to get some smiles across my face soon. Loved the idea of electrifying a classic sports car if I had one. As for which one, I would pick a Triumph Tr6pi. Thanks for sharing 👍
Welcome anytime to drive our local roads. 😊
In fact you don't have to take the Tr6pi because a standard tr6 with carbs would be ok to be electrified. Even better if it was a tr6 with a completely knackered engine and in need for new shocks and brakes. That would justify the change to ev and upgrade to better brakes and shocks.
I would love to drive the Austin Healey 3000 as an electric conversion. I think it would make for a much better car as an electric. And it has the esthetics going for it as a classic vehicle as well, the contrast of metallic greyish blue body colour and chrome bumpers, etc.
Nice to see the MG finished. Looks great.
My first “sports car” , in 1970, was a 1960 “Bug-Eyed” Sprite. Wish I still had it, but would LOVE to see one electrified!
Awesome little motors 👍
Without a doubt the Midget wins by a big margin.
I have owned a 1950 MG TD since 1962 along with a 1953 MG TF and a 1957 MG Magnette .........I would convert all 3 to electric if it was at all possible here in South Africa. ....thanks for showing us all your wonderful conversions. Oliver Hart ....Pinetown.
Thanks Oliver 😊
Far better to change the things that matter. Number one is fit a five speed gearbox. Number 2 is fit electronic ignition and number 3 is to fit an air fuel ratio gauge so you can accurately check that your carburetor is correctly adjusted. These improvements will increase drivability a million oper cent and cost way less and use less fossil fuel than an electric conversion. That said all city cars should be electric.
Hi Tim, another great video. I said hello to you and Moggy on Friday morning at FC Live. Hugh Griffiths.
Hi Hugh, good to meet you on Friday. Glad you like the show. 😊
Great vid Moggs. I love the signs at the junction (19:12) where Llanidloes is 9 miles which ever way you go. Must be an Autopilot's nightmare in a Model 3. :)
All roads lead to Llanidloes 😂😂
I’m torn on this one. Part of me doesn’t like tearing apart an old classic, but the performance benefits of electric can’t be denied. I would be reluctant to convert my MGB to electric because the noise of the engine is part of the thrill of driving it. Great video guys!
Thanks Gerald 😊
I have always been in love with the Triumph n the MG’s
I had a 64 MGB that I rebuilt and added an aftermarket exhaust, the sound of that 3000 brought back such amazing memories…. Currently looking to electrify my 88 Samurai Expedition which came standard with altimeter, roll gauge, and light bar… and 53 horsepower from a four banger about the same size as my old Austin America. With the current petrol motor it is possible to reach 60mph only going downhill with a tailwind 😎
That Austin Healey sounds awesome. And it's the sound of these fabulous cars I would really miss if I had an electric car...🙂
Have to agree it does sound great. 😊
Take away the engine sound and the sensation of changing through the gears and you're left with a milk float type experience. zzz
For fun some clothes pins and playing cards will do...
This channel is what keeps my hopes up for the future of car enthusiasts, I want electric triumph spitfire and I want it now 😂
Get £50,000 and add a perfectly usable Spitfire donar car for around £10,000. Add the 2 together and your wish is fulfilled. You now have a silent Spitfire with no gears.
@@BombSponge 10k for spitfire 😂
What is it about the spitfire that makes you want to vandalise it ?
@@DuBstep115 Ballpark figure for a decent condition Spitfire ready for conversion. Whats funny?
@@BombSponge your 2 month reply time
I remember in some of my old "classics", I used to carry a spare set of points and condenser with me, and the necessary tools, including a timing light. Petrol engines have moved on from that, although I want an electric car. Still buying lottery tickets.
thank you for the day out. question, would it be possible someone could prepare a map of your road trips? What a wonderful way to promote 'Visit Wales 2022'.
We are very lucky to have such fantastic driving roads. 😊
Love EV's but anyone butchering that gorgeous Healey want's a life sentence. EV replicas brilliant or kit cars dont destroy our heritage unless neccassary ie beyond justifiable resto costs. Enjoyed the vid keep up the good work.
Thanks, glad you liked it. I think you can relax, this Healey is staying ICE for the foreseeable future 😊
Loved the sound of the Healey.
If I had to choose of the two
I have Richard's wife Tesla..... O sorry a Electrified Healey. :-)
Go on Tim you know it makes sense.
If/When Tim decides to convert his A-H, I do hope you’ll do a series of videos on that. We’ve got a good taste of the Before with this video. It’d be great to see an in-depth series. Great video, great fun!
Watch this space ………….😊
@@spudproductions7606 Don't do it. If you want a silent automatic that looks like a classic put a shell on an EV, don't butcher a classic and end up with something no mechanic or Tesla will maintain. Agreed, EVs look boring but there are other ways to achieve the same goal. If it was a good idea more people would be doing it, the process is simple after all.
As a former big Healey owner, I would never convert one to electric. Apart from diminishing the big Healey experience, it would probably knock quite a chunk of its value. However, there's certainly a place for electric conversions and it has definitely transformed the little MG Midget and made it more user-friendly. Brake and suspension upgrades helping too.
Thanks for the comment 😊
You can do the conversion to electric without compromising the original layout ... so you can put it all back and retain full classic value.
I've a TVR, 1967 Triumph GT6 and 2 classic minis.. I wouldn't butcher any of them for the same reasons. I certainly wouldn't entertain spending upward of £50k to devalue the car by making it a one off 'project' that will need it's entire battery pack replacing every 8-10 years at the cost of another £10-£15k. And who's going to maintain the electronics? Tesla? Gimme a break. It's great to see the process and the outcome in these videos but most classic owners will laugh at the idea. What's next, putting electric motors into vintage steam engines. LOL.
@@BombSponge Totally agree. Removing the soul from a classic car whilst paying stupid amounts of dosh, creating far more co2 than leaving it as is just does not make any sense.
@@BombSponge Yeh, these EV conversions look nice in theory but when you dig into the details, cost, range, charging issues and what it does to the value of the car, the shine goes off them somewhat. Obviously these customers have decided it is good for them and that is fine, but I would not consider such a conversion at the present state of the tech. Ask me again in 5 years time.
Seeing a lot of mention of the Stag. At firsts I would be hesitant as they are fairly rare. However as they are becoming difficult to get engine parts for it might worth considering an EV conversion before you plop a Rover (Buick) V8 in.
Inhale mentioned it before: the „Triumph Sports Six“ would be good as the share many parts and are very similar. They are the Herald, Spitfire, GT6, Vitesse, Bond Equipe and „Specials“. Apart from being 8 inches shorter the frame is the same.
I wonder if the Smart Roadster would be good for a conversation? I always thought they were the MG Midget of their day.
I have to agree, I’m sure that would be a great conversion 😊
Loving these videos Richard! It's definitely an interesting time with classics being converted to electric. I mean I am 100% in favour of electric over fossil but there are understandably a lot of other classic car enthusiasts that I think are a bit threatened/uneasy about converting their pride and joy. I feel like there is a bit of mind conditioning going on with people not wanting to loose that sound. I used to rate my friends classics based on their sounds (Audi Quattro and his V8 Stag were the front runners) but after getting used to driving electric I just hear wasted power and clunky performance. Now I actually much prefer the subtle whine of electric. Really good to let as many other people experience electric driving as possible. From my experience makes owning a classic so much more fun!
The first car I drive was a MG Midget back in the late 60s, this brought back fond memories, I would love a EV version if I could still fit in one.
Not quite sports cars but I would love to see an electrified Triumph Stag or Jensen Interceptor (maybe with the new EV West Revolt electric crate motor).
Tend to agree with you. Not sure either about spending $50k+ to convert a £10k Midget to an EV. If you want to drive in silence without tactile senses of touch and vibration with the interaction on gear changes and engine sound just buy an EV. Manufacturers are already putting manual gearboxes back into new 'sports cars' because 'drivers' appreciate it. EV classics seem to be taking everything out of a classic ports car that makes it enjoyable, that's including the tinkering. They should stop butchering classics and just stick a glass fibre Classic copy shell on an EV chassis. You'd then have all the benefits of a modern chassis and the car would look like a Classic. Probably cost less to do.
A Triumph Stag would be very interesting. It's problems are well documented, but it was a stunning GT car in it's time.
I had a 1275 sprite. To be fair, the original suspension is pretty darn good - it handled like a go kart and was fantastic fun to drive. I don't think you need to go down the front line route with them - an uprated anti roll bar is worthwhile but I never felt the need for anything more.
I had the 1500 version with the spitfire engine and twin carbs. Great fun little car, wish I had it now…
Davis v Goliath was Artillery against Infantry. A forgone conclusion. Why people think it was a miracle is puzzle.
For me the Healey is so yesterday, so the midget gets my vote. Great lines on the Healey, though. And the interior is gorgeous. Get the Healey converted, Tim.
Since my first car was a Morris minor, I'd love to see an electric version of that. Mine had about 33 hp or thereabouts. Pretty sure it was that a series engine again. I did like the red leather interior and other quirks. There was a traveller version, with wood . Early estate car. That would be great.
“My cheekbones are aching “ 🤣🤣🤣
Would love to have a converted AH 3000! It always was the more beautiful car than the Midget. Being a former Midget owner, I would have loved to have converted that car to electric as well.
A nice comparison between these two oldies. My preference goes to the Midget, so much less maintenance for more usability.
Thanks Michel, the Midget is definitely a more useable choice. 😊
The AH 3000 driver shifted into 2nd WAY too early. I did a run with a friend back in the late ‘60s or early ‘70s. He had an AH 3000 and I had a Morgan 4/4 with an English Ford 1600 engine. At the time, I thought that AH was trying to pretend to be a Mercedes in luxury. I came to love the earlier AH 100/4. However, the sound of an old British car is beautiful! I just bought a ‘64 VW Beetle that I had shipped to a shop in Austin, TX for electric conversion.
I'm guessing the early charge up was something to do with no syncromesh on 1st gear.
The entire run was a picture of an owner babying their old car in case something broke or blew up. I can understand it but as a genuine attempt at 0 to 60 run it was a bloody farce. The other thing was to do with the handling. If I understood correctly the mg had new suspension, can’t remember what they said about the brakes. But the Healey did not. Replace the Healey with new upgraded suspension like the mg had and upgrade the brakes. Also what is the range of the mg.
Yup, verging on dishonest. Always good to have a peetrol eengeene car with you that can tow you to a charge station.
@@BombSponge I disagree. I agree the circumstances of the video weren't fair, but that's the nature of sales. It's no different from sales tactics used for ICE cars.
It doesn't mean the EV is bad, nor that it will need towing anywhere.
I love the Healey, the sound, the looks, the engineering from the day. I also appreciate EVs. The two can co-exist.
@@pugmanick The EV will need towing if it runs out of Batt. The two can exist sure but one is classic engineering the other is a Frankenstein project that no mechanic will touch. It's not as if you can take it to Tesla if a cell or controller fails.
I miss my first car a 1971 Beetle, I sold it in the early 90's because I couldn't keep up with the rust, and in those days couldn't afford the £1500 in panels needed!
That MG seems so well judged. Great call on keeping the battery small, it's a car for a quick sunday blast anyway.
A pity safety regs had a hand in stopping production, I suppose that chest crushing steering column was a big factor.
Thanks guys. We enjoyed that. 🙂👍 When Tim said 'Listen to this soundtrack.' my first thoughts were, 'I can't hear the soundtrack because of the racket from that engine!' I've never really enjoyed driving a car with a noisy engine. The quieter, the better.
Some suggested classic British cars for conversion, in no particular order. Tongue firmly in cheek for some of these:
Triumph Stag 2000,
E-Type Jaguar V-12,
Rover P6,
Morris 1000 - You really should convert a Moggy! Call it a Mog E 1000.
Lee Francis Sports,
Aston Martin DB6,
Triumph TR7,
Morgan 4-wheeler, such as a 4/4, or later - A different Moggy, with some class.
Ford Capri Mk2, or later,
Singer Gazelle or a clone, such as the later Hillman Imp .
Peel P60, as a fiendish challenge.
Upgrade a Sinclair C5, to go for the speed record. It's faster than most people think.
I like the ‘ Mog E ‘ idea. 😂😂
@@spudproductions7606 Hoped you would. 😉 There are still plenty of them around, which could do with some love. It would be great if you could return at least one to active service, and give it performance which would exceed Sir Alex Issigonis's wildest dreams.
The Austin-Healey was the sporting car American Ivy League college students wished their fathers would give them back in the day. It went well with a tweed sport coat and a turtle neck knit for weekend motoring on New England's autumn days. Converting this one to an electric power train and upgrading the suspension, steering, and brakes would be wonderful. Splitting the battery pack weight front and back and getting the weight a bit lower could improve balance and handling.
Good video thank you. On the one hand, converting a classic to electric makes it more of a usable option and cements its future. But, on the other hand there is still something to be said for a car you have to ‘drive’ like the Healy. Back to basics has a definite attraction for those who can afford a car that only comes out for a short blast 6 times a year.
Glad you liked the video. You’ve made some fair points . 😊
I had several of the big Healeys, my favorite was a 1967 MkIII with BJ8 engine. Loved the blue color paint on that car. It had a subtle metallic glitter under the lacquer finish. I was told that the glitter was from fish scales added to the base coat. Don't know if that is true. The car handled beautifully. It looked and sounded awesome. But it had a steering column that extended from the front of the car up through the dash and pointed right at my chest like a steel harpoon. Not good in any kind of front end collision. Also no air conditioning ( I took it with me to college at U of Miami) and it was awful in any rain storm. One small puddle and it would stop running (Lucas ignition). I bought a second one, 1966, and a third 1960 AH 100-6, and a AH 100-4 that was pretty rough missing the engine that I never got to drive. I would never convert one to electric. That would be a sin. Although some better wire wheels like XKE wheels would be a nice improvement, as would disc brakes for the rear axle. As for a classic car to convert to electric, how about a Jaguar Mk8 or Mk9. They were beautiful sedans. Great video, enjoyed the country roads. Thanks.
👍
An electyrified MG Metro would be a good laugh. It was great back in the day, but electrified would be unbelievable fun.
Brillant FUN😃😃😃😃 When I was young wanted a Jag E type or an Austin Healey the Healey when new would do 0 to 60 8 sec. I could only afford a 1974 Triumph Spitfire now waiting for an electric conversion 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 Make it go as it looks
I used to drive an H reg mg midget and 65hp (which was built with Morris minor suspension and brakes) was quite enough power, doubling the power and having decent suspension is quite an improvement!
i WOULD LOVE TO SEE YO CONERT A DAIMLER 250 V8 , the Daimler version of the Jag Mk 2 but with an ayto box and a lighter engine, Try it and see
Exactly my journey - MG Midget followed by Nova SR. Great times!
😂😂 what a coincidence. The SR was a luxury rocket ship after the midget. 😊
I have a 1997 Mazda Mx5 (Miata) that I would love to electrify. Have you ever done one of these vehicles? Are these conversions pretty expensive?
I have owned a '66 3000 BJ8 since 1984 and a '73 MG Midget since 1987. Both cars are still close to daily drivers. Added 600 miles to the Healey clock last week, and the Midget is my "errand runner" around town, although I have taken several very long trips in it over the years. Electrifying the Midget is a good idea, but I don't think I would like it in the Healey.
You have a lovely selection of cars. Thanks for watching. 👍
Sounds like a sensible compromise to me 😊
I am fortunate to drive an iPace and also own a Daihatsu Copen which has a go-cart ride which I am told is reminiscent of a Midget so is it so that even if the Midget had not been converted it would have out handled the Healey?
Electric Healey 3000. Has to be!😁
Maybe ……..😊
Adorable landscape you’re blessed with to test drive these historic beauties! I think both ways have their charm as you put it quite correctly in the video.
How about a 1964 Triumph Spitfire from the first batch? After all it was one of the most popular affordable convertibles of that time! Would be worth a try…
We are very lucky to have such wonderful roads to drive 👍
Love these videos keep them coming. I would love to see you do a Reliant Scimitar fully wild convertion. For the 2 cars you have I think the 3000 would definitely benifit from electrification
Hi there!
Watching your video is real fun and enjoyment to me.
I love these „small“ British roadsters and therefore got me an 2004 MGF.
Since I drive an electric Ioniq as regular car, the MG has gotten a little bit lonely. Now it also has a headgasket issue as it seems, so I‘m playing with the idea to swap the ICE to BEV.
Do you have any suggestions concerning conversion kits?
If there are any?
Nearly half of my photographs at FC LIVE Farnborough yesterday were from your CC2 stand. 👍
Can't think of a single car that wouldn't ultimately be improved by being electric. Just keep a few examples of any classic model original and electrify the rest. How about a Citroën DS? A car that pointed a way to the future. Making it electric would complete the journey.
A DS would be an ideal candidate for conversion 😊
Total Healey fan, but I think with a big Tesla motor and modern suspension it would be a beast!
Just a question on keeping the British tradition, do you guys supply a small can of oil with the conversions that occasionally drips on the customer's floor?
Great work. I wish I could have one of the conversions, but electricity is not plentiful in South Africa.
Love what you’re doing!
Glad you like the channel😊
I went to an Open House this weekend and they had a 1975 Zagato Elcar . Very different but cool electric car.
Like the curves of the blue one.
Thanks 😊
I had a 1965 Healy Sprite in the early 1970's. Absolutely fun in summer but I needed a warm and dry car for commuting in winter. Why would you buy an Austin Marina?
Great video guys 👌
Differently a Stag. or a 2.5 triumph. But dream would be a 1964 tbird, while not British , would benefit from British improvement. Love the series, while I'll never be able to drive one but love to ride in classic EV.
My first car was a Hillman Minx back in the 60's. I got it for free from a random gentleman. That would be a great platform for electric. They were Rally raced for a few years I think.
Get £50,000 and add a perfectly usable Hillman donar car for around £15,000. Add the 2 together and your wish is fulfilled. You now have a silent Hillman with no gears worth less than you spent on it.
I have always loved the shape of the Healey, it's one of the classics I have been hankering after. That, or the TR4/TR6 / Stag / Jaguar XJS (twin headlamp, coupe not cabrio)
Have to agree that the Healey is a great looking car. Lovely lines. 😊
I want an electric Austin Healey 3000mkIII even more now, probably with a Milltek Sport Active Sound system (if they ever recreate that Healey exhaust concerto), so you can have the sound if you want it, and turn if off when you don't
Definitely have to put at least 1 electric engine into that beautiful Austen Healey. Give it a new spark of life. Not to mention a better, cheaper ride, because you must be crying every time you fill up! Do it, SPARK THE HEALEY! 👌👍
I try not to think too much when I fill up at the pump. It’s more a case of smiles per gallon 😊
Important to note the Healey has long been a rich man's car. It's easily worth 10x the Midget because collectors never valued the latter.
I wish. 😂
I was a apprentice engineer,when I bought my first Austin Healey 3000 MK2 ,used it every day to go to work and college. 1980.
I restored it 4 years later. From the sale bought an Aston Martin DBS .
And with and electric engine will worth even less 😂
Guess it depends on whether your classic is an investment or a means of getting around? Regulations will prevent classic ICE cars from being driven on public roads in the future, so I think converted cars will become even more popular. But I can understand why an owner wouldn’t want to remove what is probably a work of art under the bonnet though.
Great comparison Moggi, but what about cost of conversion, and values?
I have 3 classic cars and would never consider converting them.If an old classic is very near the end of its life, then it might be a good thing to do. Otherwise keep driving the true classic.
That’s a proper Irish T-junction. 9 miles to the same location whether you go left or right!!!!
Or the direction you came from. 9 miles in three directions 😂😂
Would love to have my 83 Toyota converted haha. A motor straight into the transfercase would be mint. Can choose 2wd/4wd and not having gears. And alot of space for batteries haha
When I was younger my father had a early seventies MG Midget. and although it was rather underpowered it handled like it was on rails and was a hell of a lot of fun to drive. the only real issue with the car was living in the Pacific Northwest in the United States parts were a little hard to get. but not a problem it hardly ever broke down much. however I do remember my father had to put an after market ignition switch in it when the original one failed. the car was much better for driving in the summertime than in the winter after all it was a soft top. and anyone who has owned or driven an MG Midget I'm sure will agree with me. they are not a good car to get in and out of with the top up. so all and all it was a pretty good little car but I don't think it would be a great EV since it's basically a go kart with a body on it.
What about a Triumph TR7 or MGF converted to electric?
Younger generation like me are more familiar with Austin Healey.... Before this video I had only heard once about MG...
Thanks guys. That was a great video. I like the looks of both of them very much, but for me I'd prefer them to both be electric.
It would be interesting to do a retest following conversion of the Healey 😊
I'm an auto-gearbox fan, so running an EV is a simple switch for me.
However, there are plenty of ICE drivers who feel the move to an EV will rob them of interaction with the mechanicals of a car - the gearbox being a major source of enjoyment for most.
So, that you've created the Midget with a manual gearbox is fantastic...!
Question - do you still need to use the clutch when changing gears...?
And, do you still have to feel for the clutch bite when setting off from standstill...?
This is a really exciting development in EVs. 🤓
Gread vid, Richard. Trying to convince your mate to get his old rig (but no less awesome) convertible converted into electric may be a hassle. But sure that beauty also deserved to be "upgraded". There is lots of potential in it, ain't it?
You may have a point there …….😊
Fabulous to see two British favourites and I would say a Draw. Both winners in their own right. What about a Jaguar XJS conversion? Thanks for sharing with us👍
I too would love to see an XJS converted. A reliable Jag you didn’t need to worry about would be amazing.
Thanks Nick😊
+1 for the XJS. I have one sitting in my garage I'd love to convert!!
I've owned an Austin Healy 106 and a Jaguar Etype roadster. Loved them both . I wouldn't hesitate to convert either into an electronic vehicle. I would upgrade the Healy to 4 wheel disks. Does the setup you used have regenerative braking? I would want that ability for range as well as reducing wear and tear on the brakes. Good job on the midget. I love to see old Healys on the road.
Thanks. Yes the midget does have regen. 😊
The electric midget looks fun but when that big healey roars past that's the money for me, I love my mgb gt and if money would allow I'd have an ev one and petrol one
Why are the front indicators on the MG not fitted at the same level as each other? Once you’ve seen it, it stands out like a sore thumb.
It was explained in the video. 👍
It’s the OCD 😂
nice cars..
Not sure how you can wear shorts, here in Newfoundland we had snow again.. argh
Loved this. Surprised there is no gear whine in the midget
I think the beautiful old Triumph Stag could do with a power upgrade. Cheers from NZ
"Here we are, enjoying a nice relaxing hike in the country . . . " Vroom vroom vroom "Dang petrolheads!!"
I'd probably prefer the electric Midget because I wouldn't be dealing with the hassles of keeping a classic British car running, Lucas Electrics, oil leaks ect... Honestly I'd prefer to split the difference and go with an electric MGB.
I've always wanted to see a big Jag Mk10 or similar converted, what a ride that would be? You've just highlighted that any car is worth converting to electric though, I wouldn't have thought you could have made a midget good to drive for a tall dude
They did great job of making the midget comfortable for us taller drivers😊
Midget for me! Love the Healey just the way it is too.
Lovely comparison. I have a 1275 Midget that has a performance engine, and it does indeed nip around corners. Curious about two things on the electric version: does it have a heater? And how are the batteries mounted? They seemed quite high mounted in the short shot with the bonnet open.
Yes, it has a heater. Half the batteries are mounted in the front box, half in the rear box in the boot, nice and low down. 👍
@@ElectricClassicCars I don't see the Midget on your website. Will you please post photos of how the new electrical components are fitted into the car? Or maybe do a dedicated video of it?
Hey Moggie, I'd own that little red Midget in a heartbeat 😁😁
How about a Fiat X1/9 with a Tesla small drive unit under its bum? I know it's not British, but hell it would be a great little electric sports car 👍👍
I agree, that would be a great conversion 😊
X1/9 I like that idea!
given the space available in a Fiat x1/9 you'd have an EV range of maybe 10 miles :D Great idea.
@@BombSponge I beg to differ.....
A pack where the fuel tank was, another pack in the frunk.....you could fit a fair few packs in there and balance out the weight quite nicely.
If they can fit a Tesla motor in the front of a mini and still have room for batteries, you could definitely make it work in a X1/9
The only drawback would be that you couldn't stow the roof in the frunk.....but that's not a big deal
convert my 69 camaro ? never, who would hear me coming for a Start ,they wouldnt have time to get their phones out and take a picture
I have owned my Midget since I passed my test in 1997 and would certainly consider an electric conversion in future... just a shame I've spent so much money on improving the petrol engine over the years!
you could always try to sell the engine ! I am sure people restoring broken Midgets would gladly buy it, already upgraded
@@arthemis1039 True!
Probably more likely I'd end up buying something else to fit the modified engine in to!
I think you said MG had lots of upgrades. I don't think anyone is saying old cars are as good as more modern cars. My Toyota sienna minivan would probably out perform both... But would anyone prefer to drive it?
Every classic car would be better as an electric, especially with upgraded brakes and suspension for better stopping power and handling. I would love to have a converted Citroen DS to zip around France in 😁
Very cool 😎
Really? You realise the most valued cars in the world are classics, valued not only for their appearance but their history, their engine, the exhaust note and feel of the gear change? A classic car is more than just a shiny shell.
@@BombSponge If you can find a “perfect” one, yes. And can live with the maintenance cost and unpredictability. Or just want to look at it and only drive it a few times a year. But for drivability and handling, and reliability for use as an everyday car, I’d go down the electric and upgraded path without hesitation.
The only downside on the MG is the battery size. Looks like the AH could carry a little more weight. Brakes, suspension and a Tesla drivetrain. What a car that would be.
Tesla conversion would be awesome. 😊
The Healey looks like the Midget drives, and Midget drives like he Healey looks!
The Healey needs to be electrified, get it driving the way it looks, cause it's just gorgeous to look at and deserves to be on the road for decades more, cheering up everyone one gets to see it's perfect curves. Why of why can't modern car designers learn what works from the past.
AMEN!!! Robert
Well said, Robert. 😊
The converted classic is a sleeper. Doesn't matter if you stick an LS or electric in it. You upgrade to modern suspension, steering, brakes and engine and I would hope to see massive improvement in performance... That said, I'd take the original 3000 or even an original Midget every day.
Thanks Dave. 😊
@@spudproductions7606 you're welcome. I really am looking forward to much better, lighter, and environmentally friendly batteries in the not so distant future. Ultra capacitors gives me the most hope.
I might be a bit biased but the Mk2 Spitfire is my best candidate for conversions, it's easy to work on and the 1.2l engine doesn't do the car justice