Description
Quite possibly the best Midget I have ever driven. Presented in Black with Black trim edged White and sitting on immaculate Minilite-replica alloys, this stunning Midget is the best fun on four wheels that I`ve had in a very long time. The subject of an older restoration, this little MG is an absolute flyer and sounds amazing too. If you are looking for some excitement this Winter that isn`t going to break the bank, this could just be the answer. Currently my daily driver, you`re going to have to fight me for the keys first!
Introduced in 1961 and with production running for some 18 years, the Midget was a small, open 2-seater sports car that evolved through several incarnations. Initially fitted with a 948cc A-Series engine, early cars were very basic with no external door furniture, plastic side screens for windows and a heater came as an optional extra. In 1966, with the launch of the Mk. III, the A-Series engine had grown to 1275cc, producing around 65BHP, and some modern luxury now featured with wind-up windows, improved and updated suspension and an attached hood. In 1969 came further revisions to the model with black-painted sills, square taillights and Rostyle wheels but the biggest change came in 1972 when the previously square rear arches became rounded for the first time. These final RWA Mk. III cars (1972-74) also featured a better steering rack, borrowed from Triumph, and from 1973 onwards, an alternator replacing the original dynamo. Major changes came in 1974 with US Federal Regulations demanding greater safety resulting in the fitting of larger rubber bumpers front and rear, an increased ride height and the introduction of anti-roll bars. Mechanically, out went the A-Series and in its place the 1493cc Standard SC engine as seen in the Triumph Spitfire, developing 65BHP and a modified Morris Marina gearbox with synchromesh now on all forward gears.
Our little Midget was registered in Croydon in August 1967. Sadly, we know little of it`s early history but by the early 1990`s was residing in Bexhill-on Sea, moving to Eastbourne in 1996. In 2001, the car was sold to a gentleman near Yeovil, Somerset and we believe that it was around this time that the car was restored and repainted, remaining with him and his son for at least the next 15 years. In 2017, the MG moved to Bristol and receipts from this period record notable work to include some minor welding, a replacement dynamo, voltage regulator and fuse box and some electrical rewiring. In 2023, the car was sold again to a gentleman in Bournemouth where is has resided to this day and has benefitted from recent fettling to include the replacement of ignition parts, clutch master and slave cylinders and a fresh battery. Since acquiring the Midget, we have undertaken a full on-ramp health check and simple clean-up.
The car presents as can be seen in the photographs. The subject of an older restoration, the panels and paintwork are generally excellent with just a few age-related minor blemishes consistent with a classic that was restored some 23 years ago. Sitting on unmarked 13” Minator (Minilite replica) alloys shod with as-new Michelin Classic Radial X tyres, the MG looks stunning and boasts superb chrome, a very good hood and full tonneau cover. The cabin is also in fine shape with Black seat covers piped White, excellent door-cards and carpets and very tidy dashboard with a full array of working instruments. Turn the key and with the ubiquitous clothes peg on the choke, the little A-series fires immediately into life sounding sweet and purposeful. Select 1st and straightaway the character of this MG is clearly apparent. It is quick! I have driven literally hundreds of Midgets over almost 40 years and this one is exceptional. From gear selection to brakes, road holding to sheer straight-line performance. It doesn`t disappoint on any level. On a bright November morning, I decided to head through the Dorset lanes towards West Bay and loved every second. With an infectious exhaust note, plenty of pulling power and wonderfully positive steering, it is a car that sadly brings out the hooligan in me, pinning a grin from ear to ear as I darted amongst the lycra-clad weekend warriors on their pushbikes. It is a proper little sports car and begs to be driven. I was so impressed that the MG ended up coming home with me and I`m now itching for another sunny day.
The Midget comes with a large quantity of MoT Certificates from 1996 to 2024 documenting just 8, 300 miles in over 28 years, receipts and invoices for work covering the period 2017-2025, old V5C documents and a current V5C. Whilst benefitting from a recent MoT inspection (August 2024), the MG is naturally classed as Historic and as such is both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A cracking little Midget that doesn`t disappoint. Great value too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
