MG Midget Mk III

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The last of the line of MG Midgets actually started life as a re-badged Austin Healey Sprite. A development of the famous “Frogeye”, the Sprite used a unitary body with double wishbone suspension at the front and 1/4 elliptic springs at the rear.

The first cars had rudimentary sliding side screens and were quite primitive. As time went on, improvements such as winding windows, semi elliptic rear springs and engine capacity increases from 948cc, through 1098cc to the 1275cc A-Series engine from the Mini Cooper S were introduced. By the time the Mk III was launched in 1966 with a proper folding hood, the car had evolved significantly. This lasted until 1974 when major revisions were undertaken including rubber bumpers and the 1500cc engine from the Spitfire – things were never quite the same after that.

This very well presented MkIII was purchased by the vendor in 2003 from a mechanic who worked for an MG specialist in Bromsgrove. He had lovingly restored it to its former glory, a file of photos showing the extent of the work done. New rear wings and floors were fitted, the file giving a detailed list of all the components used which included new bumpers and a set of Minilite wheels.

During the restoration, a Toyota T50 five-speed gearbox was fitted using a professionally made adaptor. This has a useful .861:1 overdrive top gear which allows it to cruise at speed with much lower engine revs. The engine was fitted with an unleaded head conversion and has always proved to be exceptionally reliable. It retains its original jack, radio and ashtray and a nice period RAC badge.

The car has now covered an indicated 67,915 miles, the last 7,000 miles taking place post-restoration. A few years ago, the vendor rebuilt the front suspension, including new king-pins and bushes and reconditioned shock absorbers. It has covered only 750 miles since and has never been out in the rain during its current ownership.

The hood, replaced in 1998 and hardly used since, is in excellent condition and the car comes with a snug tonneau and a Bermuda hood cover. It is taxed until March 2015, the vendor hoping to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale. The accompanying history file includes 14 old MOTs, the handbook and some old adverts and documents relating to the model.