Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 28th April 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Wed 29th April 2026 from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1969 MG Midget 1275
No Reserve
Registration No: HYJ 700G
Chassis No: GAN470000G
MOT: Exempt
Uprated with a five-speed Ford Type 9 gearbox and front disc brakes
Subject to an engine overhaul with twin HS4 carburettors in 2004
In current ownership since 2019, and a long-term previous ownership from 1996 to 2019
Supplied with a large history file dating back to the mid-1990s
The MG Midget of 1961 was essentially a MKII Austin-Healey Sprite in a slightly different suit of clothes. The newcomer started life powered by a 948cc BMC A-Series engine. The doors were without external handles or locks and the side windows comprised sliding perspex screens. Braking was by drums all-round. Matters had greatly improved by the time the MKIII version appeared in 1966, not least in the engine compartment where the motor's capacity had been increased through 1, 098cc to 1, 275cc. Semi-elliptic rear springs had replaced the original quarter-elliptic ones inherited from the Frogeye Sprite, and the front drum brakes had been replaced with discs. Wind-up windows had been fitted, together with a superior hood.
This Midget looks outwardly like an ordinary, well-kept 1960s sports car, but its pretty exterior belies many upgrades. The MG was in single ownership from 1996 to 2019, and restoration work started immediately. Between 2003 and 2005, the engine, suspension and brakes were overhauled and a five-speed Ford Type 9 gearbox was installed. The most significant work was performed by Minimaster, and invoices from 2004 and 2005 reveal how the engine was rebored, the block was skimmed and many new parts including Powermax pistons were fitted. The original carburettors were supplanted by twin SU HS4s and the appropriate manifold, while new Avo shock absorbers were fitted and the rear end was converted to Spax items. Altogether, Minimaster’s work cost around £3, 000. Later work included the fitment of wire wheels in 2013, a front disc brake conversion in 2015, and repairs to the underside of the bodywork in 2017. In 2019, it was sold into the present ownership and has continued to be enjoyed. One of the most accessible and enjoyable classic sports cars, it is sold with the V5C, a service guide, copious invoices back to the late ’90s, MOTs dating back to 1995 (at 87, 000 miles) and past ownership records, plus a hood and tonneau cover.
