Highlights
- Substantial history file
- Less than 3000 miles since 2011
- Carefully maintained
The Appeal
Introduced in 1961, the original (Mk.I) MG Midget was an affordable sports car, based largely on the Austin-Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite. The Mk.II came along in 1964, with only minor cosmetic changes and the Mk.III version, produced from 1966-74, introduced the 1275cc A-series engine.
After 1974, the car’s last iteration was known as the MG Midget 1500. To meet US federal regulations, large black plastic-covered bumpers were added to the front and rear, and the ride heights were increased. The increased ride height affected the car’s handling and anti-roll bars were added to help with the higher centre of gravity. The A-Series engine was replaced by the 1493cc Standard SC engine from the Triumph Spitfire, coupled to a modified Morris Marina gearbox with synchromesh on all four gears; the new engine was better able to cope with increasing emission regulations. First registered in June 1979, this example is one of the last Midgets made; production ended in December the same year, by which time 73,899 of the 1500s had been produced.
A classic British roadster, it's the Midget’s small size and light weight that makes it such fun to drive. This one has been carefully looked after and presents with only a few minor cosmetic issues to address.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5
- MoT- and tax-exempt
- Lots of previous MoT certificates
- Thick folder of invoices
The vendor has owned the car for the last nine years and has enjoyed driving it. However, she and her husband own another Midget and a modern car, and as they now spend a considerable part of the year in a foreign property they own, they feel they don’t use this car enough and have decided to sell. Looking back through the past MoT certificates, it’s clear that the car has covered less than 3000 miles since 2011.
The car comes with a sizeable folder of paperwork, including those past MoT certificates and many invoices going back through the car’s history.
The Interior
- Smart beige carpets, new in 2018
- Seats with a few small flaws and repairs
- MG steering wheel with leather trim
- Inertia reel seat belts
- Smiths instruments
- Dash-top trim coming adrift
- Philips radio/cassette player
- Spare wheel
- Tools
The Midget’s small size made for a compact and spartan interior, and this one is no exception. With few concessions to luxury, it’s nonetheless a comfortable driving environment, and is generally in good order. The carpets were replaced in 2018 and, with the car having done very few miles since then, they remain in excellent condition.
The driver’s seat has some minor damage and has been repaired along one side.
The vinyl trim on the passenger side is coming adrift, while the paint finish around the temperature and fuel gauges is a bit rough and ready.
In the boot there’s a sound spare wheel, along with a jack and wheelbrace, plus a hood cover and a full tonneau, both of which have seen better days.
The Exterior
- British Racing Green paintwork in good order
- Rostyle wheels
- Rubber bumpers
- Superb hood
- Hood cover
- Full tonneau cover
- Mesh headlamp covers
- Rear lights in excellent condition
- Badges and brightwork in good condition
The vendor’s husband is a welder with extensive automotive experience, and has taken good care of the car; this is evident from the outside where the British Racing Green paintwork is generally very good. There’s a bit of rust bubbling through on the front edge of the bonnet, with some more visible under the bonnet adjacent to the chassis plate.
The badges and brightwork all have the inevitable signs of age, with some patina on the chrome door handles and the ‘Midget’ badges on the flanks.
The Rostyle wheels are generally very good, with a few minor scuffs, and the tyres (including the spare) have plenty of tread.
The hood is clearly a recent item, being in excellent condition, and with no scratches or misting in the rear windows.
The Mechanics
- 1491cc petrol engine
- Electronic ignition fitted
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Complete Maniflow exhaust system fitted in 2018
- Hoses replaced in 2018
- New rear brake cylinders in 2018
- New front brake discs and pads fitted in 2018
- New fuel pump in July 2023
- New alternator March 2023
- Waxoyl applied regularly
- Starts and runs beautifully
On the day of our visit the car had a flat battery, but it jump-started readily and even before we left the vendor’s husband was busy changing the battery. The engine runs well and idles smoothly, and the vendor says that it drives and handles well.
Under the bonnet, there are the inevitable signs of the car’s age but everything appears to have been carefully maintained.
With his experience of welding, the vendor’s husband is well aware of the potential for rust and has been diligent in applying Waxoyl regularly; consequently the car’s underside is largely rust-free and in good order.
Summary
The Midget is an established British classic car, with outstanding parts availability and specialist support, which make it a usable and practical proposition. But it’s also great fun to drive, and there are plenty of options to upgrade and enhance its performance, for those who are so minded.
This example has clearly been well looked after by successive owners, and is ready to be driven and enjoyed by its new 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.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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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