Description
MG Midget 1972. Total Restoration, RWA, 5speed all synchro
Probably one of the best examples of this much loved vehicle on the roads today. This MG Midget received a top quality refurbishment and was entered for the Restorer of the Year. It now sports a new hood and hood cover, JB wheels, new S/ S dual chamber exhaust system and the standard upgrade to a Ford Type-9, 5-speed gear box. It has the preferred round wheel arches, chrome bumpers and is finished in the sophisticated MG colour Black Tulip.
Although this car had been refurbished to an excellent standard when I purchased it, I then invested considerably into achieving the highest standard in reliability, comfort and presentation.
Reliability. For increased reliability the fuel pump was replaced by an electronic version avoiding the use of points.
The clutch assembly was renewed.
Presentation. A new properly fitted hood was added along with a new hood cover. Provision of a new dual chamber exhaust system, as per original production design gives a more comfortable new-car sound. This is in stainless steel and couples into a stainless steel 3-branch manifold. The 5-speed gear box provides a much smoother ride at cruising speeds and gives synchro in all gears.
Bodywork. During its restoration all old paint was removed down to bare metal by-hand with scrapers, thus avoiding the use of chemicals which can get into tight corners and attack new paintwork. 4 coats of primer and sanding were followed by 5 coats of two-pack top coats. Chrome work has been renewed as needed and is all in top condition. The car is free from rust and the underside is fully rust proofed.
A new hood has been carefully fitted. The roll-bar has a blue zipped vinyl cover and encloses a mesh screen to reduce back drafts when moving at speed.
Safety. Two LED strips are installed in the grill for daytime driving.
Cabin. Dials all have magnolia faces. Dash controls function correctly including heater, choke and map light. The floor is fully carpeted in blue. The seat controls are all properly functional.
Engine. The engine has been refurbished and the clutch assembly has been renewed. The SU carbs have been fully checked and tuned with new floats fitted. Engine performance was already good, but a thorough servicing of the ignition and SU carburetors provided impressive performance from slow traffic maneuvering to motorway speeds.
A little extra luxury is provided with the addition of a small table attachable to the dash, for mugs of tea and a biscuit. This is easily fitted and stowed in an instant. (patent pending?)
Reason for selling? - Not as agile as I was.
Having waved goodbye to our sedate Austin 7 Chummy, we looked round for a slightly more speedy vehicle that would fit into our nineteen sixties garage.
This MG Midget fitted the bill exactly. It gave us an exciting drive with the fresh air of the open top and also a sophisticated appearance that gets a lot of approval from passers by.
It had a complete refurbishment in 2019 by someone who obviously had a keen eye for detail and quality of workmanship.
I believe I have worked further on that standrd to achieve a top quality overall finish.
