Midas
Midas, a name often associated with exhaust systems, surprisingly dabbled in automobile production. The British-based company, founded in the late 1970s, focused on fiberglass-bodied sports cars, aiming for lightweight performance. Their initial models, like the Midas Gold, were built on the Austin Mini platform, offering a distinctive, if somewhat quirky, aesthetic.
The brand's history is marked by financial struggles and ownership changes. While the cars possessed a certain charm and were relatively affordable, build quality and reliability issues plagued them. Despite a brief resurgence in the 1980s with models like the Midas Bronze, the company ultimately struggled to compete in a crowded market. Midas's legacy remains a niche one, a reminder of a British attempt to create a unique sports car experience.