1979 MG Midget 1500
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Highlights
- Recently recommissioned Midget 1500
- Repainted and mechanically overhauled
- Tax, MOT and emissions zone exempt
- Terrific fun entry-level classic sports car
The Appeal
A stalwart of the British Sports Car scene since 1961, the evergeen MG Midget almost came to an end in 1975. The 14-year-old faced new do-or-die new rules from the USA, requiring a raised ride height and rubber impact bumpers.
It could have spelled the end for MG’s little funster, but there was a lucky bonus that came as a side effect of Triumph being sucked into the British Leyland empire alongside MG, which meant the Midget could be reengineered to use the 1,493cc Triumph engine. The 1,275cc A-Series couldn’t be detuned to meet the American rules, so in went the engine from the Dolomite and Spitfire instead, which met emissions targets while at the same time improving the Midget’s cruising refinement.
The square rear arches of the earlier Midgets made a comeback, too, as a result of the car having to be raised over an inch to meet Federal rules, which would otherwise have left an unsightly gap in the back arch. It was a resourceful approach on a limited budget and although not universally loved, with some enthusiasts preferring the more delicate chrome bumper models, the Midget 1500 was in many ways the best of the bunch.
This one is a 1979 car that was restored in the 1990s, but was found by the vendor last year having stood for a number of years. He has recommissioned the car and treated it to a new coat of paint, but reports that it is an incredibly solid car that needed no structural repairs as part of its recent overhaul.
The History and Paperwork
- UK V5C
- Some early documentation including service and repair invoices dating back to the 1980s
- Tax, MOT and ULEZ/CAZ exempt
- Some old MOTs
- Original supplying dealer number plates
- Invoices for recent service parts and Accuspark ignition components
The Condition
- Striking British Leyland Inca Yellow paint
- Rare factory hardtop included
- Will require new soft top but original frame is available if desired
- Recent repaint
- Appears solid underneath and has been fully undersealed – vendor reports that he discovered no rot in any of the usual Midget areas such as spring hangers, sills and lower bulkhead corners
- Rostyle sports wheels
- Will have tyres replaced before sale
- Period luggage rack
- All correct badges, glass and trim
- No visible corrosion to bonnet edge, headlamp bowls or rear flitch panels
- Black vinyl seats in good order
- All dials and controls work as intended
- Inertia reel seatbelts
- Good door cards
- Recently replaced carpet set
The Mechanics
- 1,493cc four-cylinder
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Renewed ignition system with Accuspark coil and ignition
- Starts on the button and runs very well
- Changes smoothly between all gears
- Great parts availability
- Fully serviced
- New brake linings
- Lively and fun to drive
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make MG
- Model Midget
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 47,154 Miles
- Engine size 1493
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
10
bids
from 5
bidders
- Fo•••• £4,300 22/04/24
- pa•••• £4,200 22/04/24
- ri•••• £4,100 22/04/24
- ri•••• £4,000 22/04/24
- Fo•••• £3,950 21/04/24
- Ro•••• £3,750 18/04/24
- sp•••• £3,300 17/04/24
- pa•••• £3,000 17/04/24
- sp•••• £2,500 17/04/24
- pa•••• £2,000 17/04/24
The Gallery
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| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
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