NO RESERVE - 1973 MG Midget
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Only two previous owners
- Owned by the same family since 1991
- Round-wheel arch model
THE APPEAL
Extensively restored during the mid-1980s, this MKIII Midget is a charming example of MG’s lightweight sports car. Introduced as an affordable option for the sports car enthusiast, the Midget started life as a badge-engineered Austin-Healey, providing enjoyment and thrill inexpensively. The Midget name had been previously used to describe MGs first baby sports car the M Type, however, this redevelopment birthed a new brand for the manufacturer and resulted in a 19-year production run and four renditions of the vehicle.
This third-generation, round-rear arch Midget is arguably the most desirable with enthusiasts. Benefiting from tasteful aesthetic upgrades and mechanical improvements from earlier models. The vehicle spent some time in New Zealand, where the previous owner carried out extensive restoration work throughout the late 1980s. It is today presented well, with character boosting patina plus an attractive Autumn Leaf interior.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5c present
- UK registered 1973
- Exported to New Zealand in 1986 by a British Aircraft engineer
- Extensively restored over the late 1980’s including body, interior and mechanical Purchased by the sister of the current owner in New Zealand in 1991
- Imported back to the UK in 1993
- Eventually coming into current ownership in 1998
- Has been garage stored for the majority of the past 25 years
- Used very rarely, with some maintenance carried out with the best intentions of using and driving the vehicle
- 2018 dated invoice for mechanical work commissioned totalling £2,301
- 1995 dated invoice for body respray and dent repairs totalling £1,401
- Additional maintenance was carried out in 1999 & 2001 including a new clutch, steering rack, and front shocks.
THE INTERIOR
- Presented well, with patina and some minor age-related wear
- Reupholstered in the late 1980s to factory Autumn Leaf
- Compact & sporty
- Stylish front bucket seats in good condition
- Matching door card trim
- Being Carpets free from any hard wear, but with general signs of use
- Large instrument cluster, consisting of a speedometer, oil pressure, water temperature and fuel
- Stylish Black dash refurbished in the 1980s
- Three-spoke steering wheel
- The wooden knobbed gear lever
- Large lockable boot
THE EXTERIOR
- Endearing appearance, with signs of age
- Round-rear arch model
- Stripped and repainted 1995
- Several blemishes & areas of patina present
- Black fold-out roof was replaced in the 1980s and is in good condition with some storage marks
- Tonneau cover included
- Brightwork appears in satisfactory condition
- Chrome bumpers look in fair order, with the front showing some patina
- Floor wells were painted with a heavy-duty graphite paint during its reconditioning in the 1980s - Factory-approved roll-bar fitted in the 1980s
THE MECHANICS
- 4-Cylinder BMC A-Series Engine
- 1275cc Petrol
- 4-Speed Manual
- Has been rarely used, being stored unmoved since 2018
- Occasionally maintenance is carried out with the best intentions of using the car - The last work was commissioned in 2018 which included Oil & filter, Water Pump, Fuel Pump, Radiator, Spark plugs, Electronic ignition, rear wheel cylinders, front callipers, brake pads, and clutch slave cylinder
- It has however been very much undriven since this work and is not currently running
SUMMARY
MGs petite roadster was all about providing maximum enjoyment for minimum money. The reliable BMC A-series engine was used to keep running costs down but still produced enough go to give the driver that sense of thrill. This Marque III would benefit from mechanical attention plus a little exterior love and as such a great car for an enthusiast to get stuck into.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1973
- Make MG
- Model Midget
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 99,527 Miles
- Engine size 1275
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Bristol
- Location City of Bristol
- Country United Kingdom
50
bids
- Ri•••• £5,000 05/04/23
- ri•••• £4,900 05/04/23
- ri•••• £4,800 05/04/23
- Ri•••• £4,700 05/04/23
- ri•••• £4,600 05/04/23
- Ri•••• £4,500 05/04/23
- ri•••• £4,400 05/04/23
- Ri•••• £4,300 05/04/23
- ri•••• £4,200 05/04/23
- da•••• £4,100 05/04/23
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| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
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