The first Midge was built in 1985-6 over winter in eight months and  kept for three and a half years. I used it as my everyday transport, clocking thirty-six miles each day in term-time.

In the days before  SVA, it was a case of running it until something dropped off, in which case that item was 'beefed up' accordingly. Thus  it was that the car gained extended rear mudguards, extra louvres in the front valance, an efficient heater etc..