MG Car Repair: MG Midget starting in 1st gear, mg midgets, mg midget

Question
Hi, my husband just bought me a 1968 MG Midget and I when I took it out for a test drive - I wasn't able to start in 1st gear from a complete stop. I could however start in 2nd gear. When I tried it in 1st gear it made noise - I was thinking the transmission. When I took it back to the owner  and mentioned the problem, he explained that this was normal and that it was common problem with most MG Midgets????? He told us to google it and it would come up as being a normal issue but I can't find anything about it anywhere......Is this true about the 1968 MG Midget?
My husband and I don't know much about cars.....but it was a good deal so we bought it.  What is the problem and can this be easily fixed? Thanks Lori

Answer
HI Lori,
You need to clarify your statement "Made a noise" do you mean it made a noise when you tried to put the shift lever into 1st gear or do you mean you had it in 1st gear but it made a noise when you let out on the clutch pedal?
The Midget did not have a syncro on 1st gear so if you did not use the correct procedure it could make a grinding noise when you tried to put it in 1st gear.
If this is what happen, do this.

Start the engine and depress the clutch pedal and note that the RPM on the tach is below 1000 RPM. Then put the gear lever into 2nd gear, then quickly put the lever into 1st gear and take off normally. 1st gear will make a little more noise than 2nd gear as you take off. It sometimes makes about the same noise as reverse when moving. NEVER try to put it into 1st gear if the car is moving at all.
You need to read my tech tip on how to make a standard transmission last. http://mg-tri-jag.net/tech4.htm
Let me know,
Howard