*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT C insurance loss in 09/2007 ***

Highlights

Pretty Mk2 with huge specification
1,275cc Simon Hadley Engineering motor
Engine rebuilt & overhauled in 2021
Huge list of recent work and parts
Professional respray in red in 2022

The Appeal

This Midget is a gem. Seriously. It is one of the best we’ve seen in a while.

It is a very pretty car with the original shell that was refinished in bright red in late 2022 accented by neat chrome and wire wheels. Inside there is a fully retrimmed black cabin with red piping.

But it is the mechanical specification of this car that really makes it stand out. An earlier restoration in 2010 saw a 1,275cc Simon Hadley Engineering engine replace the original 1098cc motor. That gives this little car performance akin to a contemporary Mini Cooper S. After the vendor bought the car, he undertook a lengthy and wide-ranging mechanical overhaul that included rebuilding the engine. You can read the full and extensive list below.

A recent professional tune up means that this light, nimble little sports car drives brilliantly. A classic convertible that looks as good as it goes? That’ll be this great Midget.

History and Paperwork

First registered 1st July 1965
Eight registered keepers from new
Current keeper acquired the car in November 2020
Reported to have been owned by mechanics since 2008 and home serviced
Previously owned by a garage owner/mechanic
He rebuilt most of the mechanics in 2008-2010
He fitted a 1,275cc Simon Hadley Engineering engine
Finished in 2010 and then achieved 12 months MOT and no advisories
Mileage at the time of the new engine was 18,904 and 20,822 when further work began
Photograph of old speedo showing mileage at removal
Speedo replaced as previous unit worn
Mileage recorded on all MOTs and vendor advises car does around 250 miles per year
MOT'd in 2010 with no advisories
Subsequently MOT'd every year to 2021 with no advisories
All available MOT certificates included with car
Subject to a full respray, retrim and mechanical overhaul by seller from September 2021
Only driven from Pickering to the current owner's garage before strip down
Photographic record of strip down and rebuild
AG Classic Car Tuning checked and tuned the engine and timing at cost of £500
New Cooper S distributor, jets, and needles fitted by AG and report included
Historic Vehicle with no road tax, MOT or ULEZ required
Good history file documenting the long list of work by the seller and previously
Summary of work by seller detailed below
Old speedometer included in photographs
Discrepancies in MOT mileage records due to speedo changes
DVLA records that the car is fitted with a 1,098cc engine which buyer may wish to update
Photographs available of body refurbishment
Some parts made using 3D printer to ensure accuracy and quality

The car is registered as CAT C. However, the vendor tells us:

"Regarding CAT C this occurred because of the economic value of the repairs versus the value of the car at that time. This car wasn't in an accident. It was caught in a flood which damaged the engine. The car wasn't worth a new engine in 2007. The car was bought in 2008 by previous owner and this is when the Simon Hadley engine was fitted."

The Condition

Resprayed in November 2022 in bright red to good standard
Some minor stone chips but well kept overall
Underneath solid with photographic record of recent strip down
Good panel fit which the vendor reports is better than factory
Good panel gaps particularly to wings and doors
Well presented brightwork
Engine bay in very good order
Chrome wire wheels with bright finish and Nexen tyres fitted
Retrimmed interior in black with red piping to carpets and seats
Vinyl roof looks virtually ‘as new’ with clear rear and side screens
Interior removed and refitted during recent work
This included windscreen, dashboard, doors, seats,and carpets
Replaced any removed nuts, bolts, screws, and fittings with new from Moss Brothers
Horn works, but the switch in the steering wheel is not working; all wires are present

New parts include:

Hood
Dash refurbished
Indicator and fittings
All interior fabrication
Seats recovered
New carpets
Dash switches
Reverse lights
Front side and indicator units with new wire loom
New headlight wire looms
New radiator cowling
All new door and boot chrome handles
Rear bumper brackets
Rear bumper rechromed
Door & 1/4 light rubbers
Bonnet chrome strip
Many more little bits and pieces
Cylinder head removed and skimmed
Valves checked and re-seated
New head gasket
Pistons and cylinders checked for damage and cleaned

The Mechanics

1,275cc Simon Hadley Engineering engine with recent overhaul
Extensive list of mechanical work detailed below
4spd manual gearbox
Vendor says that brakes, steering, gearbox, clutch, exhaust, bearings and wiring all great
Engine reported to be quick and sounds fabulous
Vendor tells us that the car is easy to drive in traffic with lots of torque at low revs
Worn and tired parts recently replaced on and around the engine
No rattle, squeak, or creak from the suspension according to seller
Recent tuning and timing checks by AG Classic Car Tuning costing £500

New mechanical parts include:

Mini Cooper S distributor with electronic ignition
Starter motor
Thermostat and housing
High tension leads
Plugs
All new water hoses and clips
Solenoid
Clutch slave cylinder
Coil
Battery
Carburettors refurbished
Rocker cover refurbished and new chrome nuts
Heater box resprayed

The vendor tells us:

“The engine makes this car so responsive. It sounds great with loads of torque. Imagine driving a Mark 2 Midget with Mini Cooper S performance.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]