There’s always been an inherent playfulness to the MG Midget, an irrepressible whimsicality. Press ads in period ran with the slogan ‘Your mother wouldn’t like it’ which, for many a medallion-toting young buck, was reason enough to sign on the line for a twin-carb drop-top. Fun and adventure were baked right into the formula.
The model evolved over a number of iterations across its lengthy lifespan from 1961-80; the car we have here is a Midget 1500, which can be considered to be a Mk4 as it followed the Mk3 of ’66. Launched in 1974, the 1500 mirrored the updates made to the larger MGB to meet Federal safety regs, with a raised ride height and large plastic impact bumpers; anti-roll bars were added to counteract the effects of the higher centre of gravity, and the big change came in the form of the engine: rather than using a Mini Cooper S-spec A-series 1275, this model enjoyed the 1493cc engine shared with the Triumph Spitfire, mated to an all-synchro Morris Marina 4-speed ’box.
With its snorting twin SU carbs, the late-model Midget was good for 65bhp and a 0-60mph sprint in a brisk(ish) 12 seconds – a second quicker than the Mk3.
As with any vehicles imbued with a roguish sense of derring-do, this swashbuckling little MG has a few tales to tell. Some of them it’ll readily give up, others may have to remain locked within its unique back-story.
What we do know is that the last-but-one owner was a well-known motoring journalist, and the keeper before him embarked upon a full and thorough restoration of the car around a decade or so ago (photographs of which can be found among the paperwork, showing that the works were really quite extensive).
As with many cars of this vintage, there are chapters of the past that are harder to unearth; we know that the last owner kept the car outside which was most likely the cause of its more recent aesthetic decline; although despite the shabby-chic vibe it still packs an up-and-at-’em attitude.
We can see from the MOT history that it was last tested in 2017, but that every test from then back to 2013 was passed without any advisories; however, the fact that it hasn’t been taxed in a year suggests that it’s been hiding away and perhaps a little tune-up will be necessary to get it singing happily. Nevertheless, this is a characterful little roadster with bags of potential.
The Midget’s cabin is a necessarily minimalist affair – the clue’s in the name. The old adage from the movie Snatch is essentially what you’re looking at here: ‘seats and a steering wheel’. The seats may or may not be original but they’re certainly period-correct and they’re in decent condition too, aside from a tear in the base on the driver’s side and another on the shoulder.
The carpets are complete, as are the door cards (although the window winder is missing on the driver door). The dash presents well, with a gentle patina and a few homegrown additions including a wired-in light switch and horn button. The steering wheel is a tasteful Moto-Lita item, which would benefit from a refurb to get it to its best as the rim is weathered and peeling.
Inside the boot we find a matching spare wire wheel and a jack, and it all looks to be dry and solid in there.
The major change that was carried out at the time of restoration was to lose the chunky rubber bumpers, which we can probably all agree was a good move. While it’s evident from the photographic records that the car was subject to a full resto, time and weather have crept back in so there are notable areas of surface corrosion throughout the car, most obviously on the front apron, rear valance, lower rear quarters, front bonnet edge, and front wings.
The paintwork is also flat and peeling across the car, and the fitment of the boot and bonnet are imperfect and would ideally require adjustment. However, there are a number of positives to highlight too: the car wears a tasteful set of wire wheels with spinners, and the tyres have decent tread (although they have 2009 and 2010 date codes, so you might want to keep an eye on them). All of the light lenses and window glass are good, and the chromework is all present and in good order.
The soft-top roof raises and lowers freely, and is easy to latch securely into position. It’s largely in good order – aside from a missing fastening on the lower driver’s side and a small tear that’s been stitched up at the rear on the passenger side, it’s a functional hood with nice clear window panes. The seller will also include two new door handles to fit.
The drivetrain of the Midget 1500 is a robust setup, serving up zingy and rev-happy thrills with a pleasing lack of complexity.
A photoshoot like this is always a good test of how happy a car is to cope with cold and then repeated hot starts too, and we can confirm that the Midget seemed perfectly content to be fired up, moved around, shut down, fired up again over and over, and it didn’t have any issues idling evenly and maintaining a decent temperature. It recently had an oil change, with new filter, new plugs, crank sill and washers all replaced and brake pads.
We didn’t test-drive the car, but are told that all is as it should be with the transmission, brakes, suspension and steering and the car is reportedly a pleasant thing to drive. It’s also worth noting that it’s fitted with a Maniflow exhaust system, which provides a lovely old-school rasp.
There are two approaches one might take with this car. The first is quick and enjoyable; the second is longer and more in-depth. Given that the car is complete and running, the temptation may well be to ignore the aesthetic imperfections (hey, put it all down as character), and simply give it a good service and get out there and enjoy it. As the last gasps of summer ooze into autumn, there are few pleasures more visceral than haring about the country lanes in a classic British roadster.
The other approach would be to earmark a sum to put toward remedying the blemishes and turning it into something really presentable. After all, the evidence is right there in the file that it was gleaming and glorious once, and it could be again. Either way, this is a cheerful and jolly little machine that’s sure to raise many a smile for its next owner.
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. A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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NO RESERVE - 1976 MG Midget 1500
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