1972 MG Midget 1275

Lot details
Registration No: YET619L
Chassis No: GAN5116525G
Mot Expiry: June 2011

The iconic model name of 'Midget' reappeared, on an MG in 1961, and was effectively an updated, restyled, version of the Austin-Healey Sprite, a small A-Series engined sports car which had been in production at Abingdon since 1958. Except for its badging and trim, the new and compact, two-seater, Midget was the same as the latest (Mk II) Sprite. The re-introduced Midget was built around a solidly-engineered steel monocoque body-chassis unit, a strict two-seater in a very compact cabin. A soft-top was standard, but a removable hardtop (not fitted to this car) was optionally available, as were centre-lock wire-spoke wheels. In any or all of its guises, this taut-handling sportscar was always a best-seller in the MG range until the last cars were built in 1979. The first Midgets had 46bhp / 948cc, but from 1966 this had grown to 65bhp / 1275cc, and guaranteed a top speed of nearly 95mph. In eight years, no fewer than 114,000 1275cc Midgets (and nearly 22,000 closely related Sprites) were produced. Following this and to meet the latest North American safety and exhaust emission legislation, the 1975 model was equipped with big black polyurethane bumpers at front and rear, along with a 66bhp Triumph-based 1493cc engine. Thus known as the Midget 1500, this was the first, and only, Midget to offer a top speed of more than 100mph. In five years, 1974 to 1979, a total of 73,899 Midget 1500s were manufactured. Then, and in later years, parts and service back-up was excellent, which explains the number of classic Midgets still in existence.

This particular example, registered in August 1972, is one of the relatively rare late-model 1275cc engined types. Reportedly treated to a new heritage bodyshell a decade or so ago, the MG is understood to have entered the current ownership in 2003. Since then the two-seater has apparently undergone some engine and gearbox reconditioning work and had attention paid to its suspension, interior and brakes. The vendor describes 'YET 619L' as being in "good running order" but notes that it could ideally do with "new paint and some chrome". An appealing prospect, this inexpensive soft-top is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until June 2011.