MG Midget MkIII

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The MG Midget, spiritual successor to a whole generation of small sports cars from the famous Abingdon marque, came about because of the absorption of the Austin-Healey Motor Company into the BMC Empire.

MG needed a stop gap to bolster sales before the MGB could be bought into production and so the recently launched Austin-Healey Sprite MkII was re-badged as an MG. Sold alongside the Austin-Healey Sprite, the new Midget was a better equipped deluxe version of the little Healey, priced some £40 more.

A great success from the outset, the Midget was gradually improved over the years, the MkIII version of 1966 gaining a larger 1,275cc engine in place of the old 1,098cc unit which produced 65bhp and was based on a detuned Cooper S engine, the rumour being that a full power 1,275 engine would have made it outperform the MGB!

This stunning 1974 Midget MkIII was purchased in 2000 by the vendor as a renovation project. On close inspection, he decided the best course of action was to rebuild the car onto a brand new Heritage shell. This was duly acquired in 2002 and work began in earnest, a job which was finally completed in 2005.

The engine was rebored and fitted with new main and big-end bearings and a replacement timing chain. Everything else was stripped and checked and replaced as necessary. He then tackled the gearbox which was stripped and rebuilt with a new layshaft.

The suspension was next, with new kingpins, lower wishbones and new discs, pads and calipers for the brakes. Copper brake pipes were fitted along with new rear cylinders and shoes.

The exhaust was replaced along with new seat covers and foam pads, lights, bumpers and windscreen including the surround, the original Rostyle wheels (which are included in the sale) being upgraded to Minilite style rims with new tyres. The hood was also replaced although the car retains the old tonneau and hood cover.

Once completed, the vendor found that he struggled to get in and out of the vehicle so has barely used it, recently coming to the conclusion that it would be better off in the hands of a more agile owner who can enjoy it to its full potential.

This lovely tax exempt MG has been thoroughly restored around a brand new bodyshell and is guided in the catalogue at the same price as a bare Heritage shell at today’s prices. Its a no-brainer!