S Series Width?
Discussion
Hi all, I've been a regular(ish) poster in the Cerbera forum for a few years, however my Dad is now pondering changing his MG Midget for a more classic TVR; either a 3000S, or 1 of the S series cars. I've looked online and whilst it's easy to find dimensions I've not found anywhere that categorically states whether stated widths are with or without wing mirrors. While they'll fit in the garage regardless, the amount of space left has an impact on my Dad's purchasing decision.
Could one obliging owner either let me know if the stated width of 65.5" that I can find is correct and whether that includes wing mirrors, or could measure their car and report back with widths with and without wing mirrors?
Thanks!
Could one obliging owner either let me know if the stated width of 65.5" that I can find is correct and whether that includes wing mirrors, or could measure their car and report back with widths with and without wing mirrors?
Thanks!
88S1 said:
On my S1, wing mirror to wing mirror is 78.5 inches.
Big mirrors?Will depend on what mirrors are fitted (many older S's with manual adjust mirrors have had alternatives fitted) but I'm getting 73" with Corrado mirrors. I wouldn't imagine the Citroen electric mirrors fitted to later cars are hugely different?
As regards a 3000S or an S series I think you'll pay a premium for the 3000S, they are, as you no doubt know, much older, rarer and a very different car. Unless you specifically want one you'll get a lot more S for your money, even a V8S
Finally, it's too dark, cold and wet to go out and measure it but I wouldn't think my Taimar is a million miles different in width.
phillpot said:
88S1 said:
On my S1, wing mirror to wing mirror is 78.5 inches.
Big mirrors?Will depend on what mirrors are fitted (many older S's with manual adjust mirrors have had alternatives fitted) but I'm getting 73" with Corrado mirrors. I wouldn't imagine the Citroen electric mirrors fitted to later cars are hugely different?
As regards a 3000S or an S series I think you'll pay a premium for the 3000S, they are, as you no doubt know, much older, rarer and a very different car. Unless you specifically want one you'll get a lot more S for your money, even a V8S
Finally, it's too dark, cold and wet to go out and measure it but I wouldn't think my Taimar is a million miles different in width.
Mine are standard S mirrors, fully out.
Loads of replies. Thanks! My Dad is well aware of the price difference but will presumably get similar money back when it's time to sell it on again. He's after something a bit different to an MG Midget but as he's 79 next month he doesnt want the power of a Chimaera as he thinks it's a bit much for him, there's insurance to be considered too. As a V8S will likely be of similar performance to a 4.0 chim we're sticking to the V6 cars.
The car will fit but hes interested in how much spare room he'll have for storing bikes or other tools around the car. In his ideal world it'd be able to shrink to the size of a Midget!
The car will fit but hes interested in how much spare room he'll have for storing bikes or other tools around the car. In his ideal world it'd be able to shrink to the size of a Midget!
phillpot said:
No offence to your old Dad but try and get a drive in one or two, S's are not reknowned for light steering although there are options to fit power steering if budget allows?
Noted. Can you direct me to any PAS retrofit stuff? He's got no issues with the Midget's steering at the moment but I was wondering about a Chimaera 400 as PAS was a reasonably common option on those but I don't think he'll want 220-240BHP. - EDIT* - Ceased laziness and got to Googling. PAS addition could be considered but it seems the easier option thats been discussed previously is to fit a larger diameter steering wheel.
Edited by CerbWill on Wednesday 25th September 13:28
For those that have measured their cars, could you tell me how far the wing mirrors protrude from the body?
Edited by CerbWill on Wednesday 25th September 13:32
I've gone from a 1972 Midget to a 1988 TVR S1 and whilst the TVR is a little longer and wider it still fits in the same single garage. The extra space and comfort is also a joy. I have a dodgy hip and getting into the S is easier as is finding a comfortable driving position.
I've just finished the rebuild in that same single garage quite easily, in fact the S was easier to work on because the whole front clam shell can be easily taken off and stowed.
This gives you amazing access to work on the engine compared to the Midget but the panel is awkward to manoeuvre single handed.
Overall, after 40 years of buying and working on MGs the S has proven to be a revelation.
With regards to the steering it is slightly weightier than my Midget, which had Yokohama 165s but anyone used to driving old cars will be fine with the technique of gear then steer, rather than the modern method of steer then gear!
I've just finished the rebuild in that same single garage quite easily, in fact the S was easier to work on because the whole front clam shell can be easily taken off and stowed.
This gives you amazing access to work on the engine compared to the Midget but the panel is awkward to manoeuvre single handed.
Overall, after 40 years of buying and working on MGs the S has proven to be a revelation.
With regards to the steering it is slightly weightier than my Midget, which had Yokohama 165s but anyone used to driving old cars will be fine with the technique of gear then steer, rather than the modern method of steer then gear!
I have just put a tape across my S2 which has the original factory fitted bunny ear mirrors. With mirrors in correct position for driving.
Total width across the mirrors is 73.5" (187 cm) outer edge to outer edge..
The drivers mirror extends 9" (measured at a right angle from the window glass where it goes into the door to the outside edge of the mirror housing), the passenger side mirror extends 8" at this position as it is angled further back,.
Dropping a vertical line from the outer edge of the mirrors gives a measurement of 5.25" to the widest point of the drivers door, and 4.25" inches to the passenger door.
Total width across the mirrors is 73.5" (187 cm) outer edge to outer edge..
The drivers mirror extends 9" (measured at a right angle from the window glass where it goes into the door to the outside edge of the mirror housing), the passenger side mirror extends 8" at this position as it is angled further back,.
Dropping a vertical line from the outer edge of the mirrors gives a measurement of 5.25" to the widest point of the drivers door, and 4.25" inches to the passenger door.
phillpot said:
Another point to bear in mind is S3 onwards have longer doors making getting in and out easier. If the 3000S is anything like the M/Taimar it's real challenge
But beware!The longer doors won't open so far (in angular terms) when the car's in a narrow garage.
My first problem exiting the S3 indoors, is getting my right hoof through the angular gap between the door and sill. Once I've done that, the ar5e etc seem to follow quite satisfactorily.
I'm not complaining: just saying!
Spanish S2 said:
Hi Will, according to Steve Heath's bible the overall width is 57 inch ( thats without wing mirrors) if that's any help?
I think Mr Heath needs a new tape measure!A rough measurement by eye and I'm getting about 64" across rear wheel arches (widest part). Depending what mirrors are fitted it looks like you can add nearly 6" a side to that?
You have a Cerbera? You must be rich (sorry, would be rich if you didn't have a Cerbera) build your old Dad a nice big garage
phillpot said:
You have a Cerbera? You must be rich (sorry, would be rich if you didn't have a Cerbera)
You have no idea how true that is. 
. I have stuff, parts, and a constant to-do list, but never any money. Unfortunately space is limited or a bigger garage might be an idea. As I said in my OP, a bigger car will fit, my Dad just wants some space to get to and use a workbench as well as store a car so is wondering how much of that he'll lose.Gassing Station | S Series | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff