Description
A cracking example with wonderful provenance. In the ownership of 1 genuine enthusiast for almost 50 years (1975-2024) and benefitting from detailed maintenance records reflecting most of this period, this superb little Mk. III, presented in original Vermillion with Black trim, ticks all the boxes. Other than very minor repairs, an historic repaint and a Silver Seal reconditioned engine, it is also delightfully original and represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a really genuine, well-maintained Midget at a sensible price. Perfect for the sunshine ahead.
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also featured a better steering rack, borrowed from Triumph, and from 1973 onwards, an alternator replacing the outdated dynamo. Indeed, these final cars from 1972-74 are considered the most sought-after of all Midgets with everything changing from August 1974 and the introduction of oversized rubber bumpers.
Our car was built in September 1972 and supplied new on 1st June 1973 through Broad Road Garage, Chippenham to a local gentleman. The original Passport to Service records three visits back to the supplying dealer during the initial 12 months with the owner conducting his own maintenance from August 1974 onwards. The MG was sold in early 1975 and soon appeared for sale on the forecourt of Swanmore Garage, a high-profile sports and performance car dealer in Bournemouth. In February of that year, an MG enthusiast in his late 20`s spotted it and commissioned the RAC to undertake a full inspection. A copy of their report is in the history file. With 24, 213 miles recorded, the Report read well, a deal was done and the car headed to Portsmouth where it was to spend the next 49 years. For the first 10 years or so, it is evident that the Midget was used and enjoyed as daily transport covering between 6-8, 000 miles annually. A comprehensive hand-written log from the day acquired documents mileage and work undertaken with early highlights to include replacement clutch, exhaust system and shock absorbers as well as regular oil changes and general servicing. In February 1985, now with a recorded mileage of 97, 290, the MG benefitted from the fitting of a replacement Silver Seal engine and new clutch, with the car “clocking up” the noted 100, 000-mile mark in the July whilst on a trip around Winchester. This landmark persuaded our enthusiastic keeper to acquire another vehicle and effectively enjoy the MG hereafter for just light use and sunny days. Indeed, the subsequent 39 years saw just 9, 100 miles covered. But regular servicing and necessary work continued with a new hood in 1987, a full brake overhaul in 1988, wheels repainted in 1989 and rear leaf springs replaced in 1992. In 1996, now with 106, 000 miles, the car was repainted in it`s original Vermillion and in 2000, minor repairs were undertaken to both front wings and valance. The next 20 years saw the car being used less and less with mileage between annual MoT inspections reflecting little more than 100-150 miles but importantly the MG was kept on the road and whilst being enjoyed sparingly, it was still in regular use. Other than MoT inspections, other notable work including a new fuel tank and fuel pump in 2006, new tyres in 2008, new stainless-steel silencer in 2010 and replacement water pump in 2013. In March 2024, the Midget was reluctantly sold to a gentleman in Andover who has seemingly used it very little but has undertaken a number of fettling jobs to include a new set of carpets, replacement voltage regulator and alternator, new fan belt and coolant hoses, a carburettor rebuild and general servicing with fresh oil and filters. After just 2 years of tinkering and around 70 miles covered, the car came up for sale again and we were fortunate enough to acquire it. With us, it has benefitted from a full on-ramp health check (photographs are available) and a detail clean.
The Midget presents just as can be seen in the photographs. The original panels and older repaint are genuinely excellent with just the odd stone-chip and age-related blemish, whilst chrome and trim are again very good with light pitting commensurate with originality and age. The underside tells the same story of an unmolested cossetted example and we are struggling to find any evidence of welding. The MG benefits from a very good soft-top, hood cover and full tonneau. The cabin has been recently enhanced with fresh Black carpets throughout and whilst some wear is evident to the drivers` seat base (a small split), it is still a very tidy interior with virtually unmarked dash and full complement of working dials. Turn the key and the ever-eager 1275cc A-Series fires immediately into life with instant throttle response and a wonderful exhaust note, begging to be pushed harder and the little car moves up swiftly through the gears. Having driven many a Midget over the years, they never fail to put a smile on the face of both driver and passenger. This is no exception. Brisk performance combined with pin-sharp handling, a firm but comfortable ride and reassuringly good brakes, makes for the perfect package. On a bright and sunny May morning, I took the car out for a spin across the West Dorset Downs and genuinely wanted to drive it all day. It is just lovely in all respects.
Our car comes with a very comprehensive history file starting with the original stamped-up Passport to Service, a hand-written 10 page log documenting mileage and every maintenance job, however small, from 1975 to 2013, the original RAC Report from February 1975, the Unipart Silver Seal Warranty from 1985, a Heritage Certificate, many accompanying bills and receipts, old MoT Certificates from 1995 to 2024, original Handbook, current V5C and set of keys. Being classed as Historic, the MG is naturally both MoT and roads-tax exempt albeit it has been MoT inspected virtually every year up until very recently.
Unmolested and largely original with wonderful provenance.
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. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
