FIVE TRIALS

We put both cars to the test and see who wins the 1500 battle

3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT

Both cars would be welcome with open arms at just about any show, not just exclusively for a single marque. They’re two stalwarts of the classic movement of which show-goers could share a million memories. Someone who left their Lexus in the public car park will reminisce with you about the Midget/Spitfire they cherished as a spotty youth, and might even nicely ask to sit in your car.

You’d have no problems covering a fair distance to get to an event in either car, and of course they would keep up with road run traffic very well indeed.

Especially with the Midget, do practice exiting the car in the most dignified of manners before you find yourself the centre of attention on the showfield. DRAW Each car has its own following and both bring back dewy-eyed memories.

1 DAILY DRIVING

Both cars are robust enough to survive a daily commute if you look after them, and that certain engine will be capable of 90mph and happily cut a dash in town traffic.

The Midget feels slightly more point-and-shoot in town traffic than the Triumph, which boasts slightly better overall performance. Both cars have rack-and-pinion steering, and all-syncho gearboxes. Even with the hood up, visibility is good on both cars.

Canley’s candidate does have the advantage of a happier ride, the steering and clutch feel lighter and there’s more interior space, meaning, most importantly, room to put things. Plus, something highly useful even for the more youthful members of the CCW team, it’s easier to get in and out. SPITFIRE WINS The Midget’s firm ride will jar after a long day at the office.

4 THE LONG WEEKEND

You’d probably have to take one toothbrush between the two you to maximise luggage capacity on either of these cars, but the Spitfire wins with its slightly larger boot (the car is a foot longer than the Midget) and there’s a useful stowage space behind the back seats. Both cars have lockable gloveboxes.

For a long drive we’d choose the Triumph, particularly one fitted with the optional overdrive. The ride is refined in comparison to the Midget and the seats are really comfortable, though those in the Midget are more accommodating than they look. The Spitfire has longer doors for easier entry and exit and generally feels more refined.

Hoods on both cars are relatively easy to operate, especially if there are two of you. SPITFIRE WINS The Spitfire is more spacious and has the better ride.

2 IN THE SERVICE BAY

Both can be looked after by a home mechanic and neither had any real complexities to overcome. Both also have excellent spares availability, including body panels, and you can even get complete Midget body shells.

The Triumph’s bonnet and front wings are one unit, and can be lifted up for great access to the engine and front suspension. The 1.5-litre engines are reliable, but wear to the pistons, rings and camshaft are not unknown. Check for smoke on starting and bottom end rumbling.

The Midget’s engine accessibility is far from bad, with all major components easy to get at. The simple suspension set-up is easy to maintain.

There’s not a lot in it, but parts are easier to get hold of for the Midget as many of them were used on so many other BMC/BL classics. MIDGET WINS A close contest, but you can buy a new bodyshell for the Midget.

5 THE B-ROAD BLAST

Driving fun is why many people buy one of these cars and both deliver that in abundance.

The Spitfire’s suspension was much refined by the time our test car was built, but it does retain the notorious swing axle arrangement, which in theory could catch you out, but to be honest, unless you floored the beast mid-bend we can’t honestly say there would be a problem.

The Midget feels as if it’s travelling 20mph quicker than it is, the car seems to go where you point it and the steering is responsive. There’s hefty understeer and body roll, and it can be popped off course on uneven surfaces, but it’s all correctable and entertaining.

Brakes on both are front discs and rear drums, and well up the task; slightly better on the Midget. MIDGET WINS Point-and shoot-handling and controllable understeer are winners.