MG Midget MkIII

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The first Midget joined the MG line-up in 1929. The small, beautifully proportioned M-Type Midget soon morphed into the highly successful C-, D-, J-, P- and immortal T-Types, all referred to as Midgets, a ‘handle’ which survived until the arrival of the all new MGA in 1955.

These new offerings sold very well, but MG’s owners, BMC, felt there was potential for a smaller model to be sold alongside. In 1961 they launched the MG Midget MkI which was simply a rebadged version of the Austin-Healey Sprite MkII, a car already sold within the BMC group. Remaining in production until 1975, it outlasted its Austin-Healey sibling, offering as it did a slightly better specification for just a few pounds more.

The first version ran until 1964, sharing the Sprite’s modest 948cc A-Series twin carb engine which produced just 46bhp. The MkII version lasted from 1964 to 1966 and gained the larger 1098cc unit, now with 56bhp, front disc brakes, improved rear suspension and luxuries such as wind-up windows and swiveling quarter lights. When the MkIII arrived it had fully grown up, using the 1,275cc engine from the Mini Cooper, albeit with a lower compression ratio to improve reliability. Its 65bhp was a welcome addition and they could nearly top the magic ton.

The accompanying Heritage Certificate states that this Midget MkIII left Abingdon on 27 October 1967. The vendor advises us that its current engine, although not the original, is of the correct type and numerically close to the original unit. First registered JBX 75F, its Carmarthen registration number remains transferrable. The history file includes a handbook, 10 old MOTS, its original logbook showing its first owner and a DVLA printout showing all its subsequent keepers from then on.

After acquiring the car in 1995, he quickly had a professionally rebuilt gearbox fitted, new shock absorbers, rear springs and the rear spring hangers and floor pan attended to. Four brand new painted wire wheels from Moss were also acquired along with four new splined hubs, the bills from this period totaling more than £1,500. It carries a wire wheel as a spare.

He has used it sparingly over the years and has kept it ‘on the button’, taking part in several 120-150 mile road runs organised by the Swansea chapter of the MG Car Club. It has always run faultlessly and is reported to go very well.

It is MOTd until July 2015 and when presented for its last test needed two new tyres. It was also treated to a replacement master cylinder, general brake check and reconditioned dynamo which was fitted at the same time. We are advised that it has been converted to negative earth which seems to have upset the rev counter (which now over-reads) and there are a few areas of bubbling paintwork, the worst being the front edge of the bonnet. The whole car is described as in perfectly serviceable condition, including the seats and hood which has a smart cover when folded.

Midget prices have been on the up lately and we can’t help thinking that this mechanically sound and usable example looks great value at its modest guide price.