MG Midget MkII

Launched in 1961, the MG Midget proved so popular with the sportscar buying public that it remained in production until 1975, going through four stages of development in the process.

The first version ran until 1964 and was effectively a badge-engineered copy of the Austin-Healey Sprite MkII, sharing that car’s modest 948cc A-Series twin carb engine which produced just 46bhp but could still nudge 90mph. The MkII version ran from 1964 to 1966 and gained a larger 1098cc engine, now with 56bhp, plus front disc brakes, improved rear suspension, and luxuries such as wind-up windows and swivelling quarter lights.

First registered in June 1965, this particular Midget MkII is a superbly original car that has covered less than 51,000 miles from new. Supplied new by Regent Motors of Cheltenham, it has had just four private owners to date, the second of whom kept it for 29 years.

About ten years ago the car was fitted with a documented speedo change at around 44,000 miles and is now showing some 6,600 miles. It comes with many invoices for routine maintenance plus most old MOTs back to 1993 at 37,000 miles. The original green log book is also present along with the original owner’s handbook.

Apart from a stainless steel exhaust and a high quality repaint in the original red, the car is believed to be totally unrestored and remains in excellent condition throughout with a beautifully preserved red interior and a matching red hood and tonneau cover. Even the wheel-changing kit is in excellent condition and looks virtually unused.

The car is said to drive beautifully and the engine certainly sounded very sweet as we manoeuvred it for these photos. Taxed until January 2014 and due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, this lovely little car is in time-warp condition and is ready for a proud fifth owner to drive away today.