Californian car imported 1993 and converted to RHD
Restored 2010 with focus on usability rather than originality
Unused for some years
Retrimmed upholstery and new weather gear
Could be recommissioned and used as-is or provide the basis for a more comprehensive restoration
The Appeal
The final iteration of MG’s original 1250cc Midget sports car looked to capitalise on the car’s popularity in the US where the tunability of the engine had made it a big hit. This example was registered in California but was imported to the UK in 1993 and converted to Right Hand Drive. A subsequent restoration in 2010 focused on usability rather than originality and in recent years it’s been sitting unused in a barn.
Its current condition will present the new owner with some options: with some light recommissioning, it could be up and running in short order and, particularly in light of its weather gear which looks to have been renewed in 2010, should make a very usable classic. But if you’re up for a bigger project, then equally it could be the basis of a more comprehensive restoration that could also see a return to a greater level of originality. Choices, choices, but we’ve a feeling that whichever way it goes, there will be many hours of enjoyment in store for the next owner.
Undoubtedly the star of the show here are the retrimmed seats which still present very well. The rest of the cabin has been assembled from a collection of parts from various sources and which have not been fully tested so it’s best to expect that there will need to be some effort put into maintenance of the dials and switchgear as part of the recommissioning process.
The original steering wheel is present, though has had the rim re-trimmed, and the cabin has received a new carpet, presumably during the 2010 restoration, whose finish could be improved around the edges. So, some scope for improvement but nothing that would get in the way of using the car once everything is back in working order and the seats are one less item on the list for a wider restoration.
Finished in Ivory over red, as per the original specification according the heritage certificate, the paintwork presents well from a distance though on closer inspection is somewhat patinated with blemishes and flakiness present across most panels. Similarly, the chrome work has received some attention at some stage but would benefit from some more work to bring it up the best possible condition.
The hood and weather gear, on the other hand, looks to have been renewed in 2010 and hasn’t seen much use since and so should be perfectly usable. The oversized modern lights at the rear, while undoubtedly brighter than the original items, are practical if not appealing to fans of originality. In all, it could be very usable as is but there’s plenty of scope for further fettling.
Five boxes of assorted parts, believed to include all the original parts that have been removed during previous RHD conversion and restoration
The good news is that, despite being off the road for quite some time, it still starts and drives. However, the seller recommends that it should be collected on a trailer as the brakes are not believed to be road-worthy and the car would benefit from a full going-over before being pressed into active service.
The 2010 restoration does appear to have included a full engine rebuild and the popular upgrade of fitting a reconditioned Type 9 five speed gearbox which means that there should be a better starting point than an unrestored example. There are also no signs of leakage where the car has been stored which is an unusual and promising sign!
A project car that will enable its next owner to recommission and restore to whatever level they desire.
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1954 MG TF Midget
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