1972 MG Midget
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Highlights
• Highly desirable 1972 Round Wheel Arch model
• Excellent exterior and interior condition
• New seats, carpets and door cards
• Ready to be enjoyed
Background
The Sprite and Midget was produced from 1958 until 1980, provided motoring enthusiasts over the years with plenty of thrills for a modest outlay. The Midget is one of the most versatile sports cars ever made successfully competing in all branches of motor sport, even to this day. A joy to drive, easy and inexpensive to buy and repair, these diminutive machines are an enthusiast’s all-rounder.
In 1972 the round rear wheel arch model was introduced, much to the delight of performance fans, who wanted to fit wider tyres on the car. This is now generally regarded as the most sought-after model, which many rate as the best looking Midget. Wire wheels, however, were still an optional extra in 1972 setting the car apart from the competition.
The 1972 Midgets had the 1275cc A-series unit developed from the power plant used in the Mini Cooper S. This produced 65bhp and gave the diminutive car a top speed of 92mph. Spritely performance was assured with a four-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels and a suitably sporty exhaust note. Right from its inception, it was regarded as a lightweight, fun sports car and it remains popular to this day with strong club support and excellent parts availability.
History
This particular MG Midget dates back to 1972, registered on 7th July that year. As with all Midgets now, that means it's officially an historic vehicle. The current owner acquired the car in 2018 but the history file goes back to 2008. He has undertaken an enormous amount of work to bring this wonderful little roadster back to a tip-top condition. Works undertaken include:
- Refurbished original leather steering wheel
- New brakes and starter motor
- New seat covers and head-rests
- New boot lid
- LED front and rear side lights
- Paintwork
- Dyno Tune
- New door cards and handles
- New side mirror
- Renovated carburettors and ignition system
This list scratches the surface for the work carried out with no expense spared in returning the vehicle to prime condition. With plenty of accompanying paperwork present, it has a reasonably well recorded history and a genuine mileage recorded from 2006 onwards, evidenced by the MOT Certificates.
At the time of purchase in May 2018, it was noted the MOT station had incorrectly recorded the mileage. This was subsequently corrected at the following MOT in this year, which is now valid until October 2021.
At the time of purchase in May 2018, it was noted the MOT station had incorrectly recorded the mileage. This was subsequently corrected at the following MOT in this year, which is now valid until October 2021.
The Paperwork
There is a good history file to accompany the Midget. There are plenty of invoices and receipts documenting the extensive work completed, an early photographic record of the car, and a Haynes Owners Workshop Manual. There are also a good number of old MOT certificates with the exception of 2019 when the Midget was garaged.
The Interior
The interior of the car is in great condition, featuring freshly trimmed vinyl seats, the original dash, switchgear, vinyl-edged black carpeting and new mats. The dashboard is a model of simplicity with Smiths dials nestling behind a refurbished three spoke leather steering wheel with new MG centrepiece activating a classic car air horn.
The door cards and handles are new - they have been replaced since the photographs were taken. The interior is rounded off with a roll bar to referencing the racing pedigree of the car. Everything in the cabin presents beautifully and the owner tells us everything is working. It really is a lovely place to be, with the chunky, period toggles and switchgear and beautifully elegant chrome-rimmed dials transporting you right back to the hey-day of British sports car motoring.
The door cards and handles are new - they have been replaced since the photographs were taken. The interior is rounded off with a roll bar to referencing the racing pedigree of the car. Everything in the cabin presents beautifully and the owner tells us everything is working. It really is a lovely place to be, with the chunky, period toggles and switchgear and beautifully elegant chrome-rimmed dials transporting you right back to the hey-day of British sports car motoring.
The inside of the boot is original and tidy and there is a full-size spare wire wheel, along with the original jack and copper tipped hammer.
The Exterior
The outside of the car is finished in a lovely English White colour that is rarely seen on restored MGs today. The chrome work is bright and with the exception of the quarter lights, which are slightly tarnished, but still not bad at all.
The roof is in good condition and can be erected with ease and clears the roll bar. There is a small area where the roof vinyl has split slightly but not all the way through (as shown on the photographs). The roof is still thought to be weatherproof, but not tested, as the owner has not used the car in the rain. The plastic rear window is in good condition without tears or cracks. There is also an accompanying tonneau cover.
The roof is in good condition and can be erected with ease and clears the roll bar. There is a small area where the roof vinyl has split slightly but not all the way through (as shown on the photographs). The roof is still thought to be weatherproof, but not tested, as the owner has not used the car in the rain. The plastic rear window is in good condition without tears or cracks. There is also an accompanying tonneau cover.
Underneath, the Midget vehicle is solid with no particular evidence of anything amiss.
The Mechanics
Under the bonnet, the MG Midget was always relatively simple and very reliable, especially in the MkIII form featuring the 1275cc engine from the Mini Cooper-S.
The engine bay is very original and the engine fires up first-time courtesy of a new battery and a Dyno Tune up by Pro-Tec Performance based in Preston, in August of this year. The seller reports that the Midget pulls well and runs smoothly, accompanied by a throaty soundtrack. The gear change is smooth and brakes work well and there are no untoward noises from the drivetrain or suspension.
The engine bay is very original and the engine fires up first-time courtesy of a new battery and a Dyno Tune up by Pro-Tec Performance based in Preston, in August of this year. The seller reports that the Midget pulls well and runs smoothly, accompanied by a throaty soundtrack. The gear change is smooth and brakes work well and there are no untoward noises from the drivetrain or suspension.
A quick look under the bonnet shows the mechanical appear to be in a great condition. The list of recent work includes: recent oil change, electronic ignition, new plugs/HT Leads, starter motor, air hose, air filters, rocker cover silicon gasket, new front calliper, replacement coolant and brake fluid.
This car also comes with some spares including front and rear chrome bumpers in great condition, original rear light cluster covers, tonneau cover, chrome luggage rack and new MG metal boot badge. There is also a Kenwood radio cassette that came with the car if required.
The Appeal
The Midget has always been a fun, spirited little sports car. It always punched well above its weight, and its appeal really hasn’t diminished over the years.
The compact proportions, low centre-of-gravity, punchy manual box, spirited 1275 engine and light weight, all combine to give you a car that is as fun to drive today as it was in 1972, and can easily keep up with modern traffic. If you’re looking for a practical, reliable classic that has clearly been cherished then the Midget will repay you with joy for years to come as a lovely vehicle that is begging to be driven.
The compact proportions, low centre-of-gravity, punchy manual box, spirited 1275 engine and light weight, all combine to give you a car that is as fun to drive today as it was in 1972, and can easily keep up with modern traffic. If you’re looking for a practical, reliable classic that has clearly been cherished then the Midget will repay you with joy for years to come as a lovely vehicle that is begging to be driven.
We think it’s everything you would hope from in a classic British sports car.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1972
- Make MG
- Model Midget
- Colour English White
- Odometer 36,550 Miles
- Engine size 1275
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Lancashire
- Country United Kingdom
58
bids
- Dr•••• £9,500 20/09/21
- WP•••• £9,400 20/09/21
- Dr•••• £9,300 20/09/21
- WP•••• £9,200 20/09/21
- Dr•••• £9,100 20/09/21
- WP•••• £9,000 20/09/21
- Dr•••• £8,900 20/09/21
- WP•••• £8,800 20/09/21
- Dr•••• £8,700 20/09/21
- WP•••• £8,600 20/09/21
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