Lot details Registration No: HLG709N Chassis No: BMH901174 Mot Expiry: June 2013
By the '60s, the MG Car Company had long since been absorbed into the giant British Motor Corporation (BMC). In an effort to fully capitalise on the many respected names in its care, the company embarked upon a programme of 'badge engineering', and the new MG Midget was essentially a MKII Austin Healey Sprite in a slightly different suit of clothes, and initially powered by a 948cc A-Series engine. By the time of the 1966 MKIII, the motor's capacity had increased via 1098cc to 1275cc, semi-elliptic rear springs had replaced the quarter-elliptics and the front brakes were now discs. There were also wind-up windows and a superior hood. In 1972 a lower-geared Triumph steering rack was fitted, a second silencer added and the dynamo ousted in favour of an alternator. The final iteration, the MKIV, brought deformable federal bumpers allied to an increased ride height and a new engine and gearbox - the 1493cc and four-speed manual units from the Triumph Spitfire. With 66bhp now on tap, the venerable little two-seater was capable of a genuine 100mph flat out. A total of 226,001 Midgets were built between 1961 and 1979.
The very smart home market Midget 1500 being sold vacated the factory production line in 1975 and features Orange/Red bodywork and Black interior trim. It was reportedly the subject of an intensive 'nut and bolt' restoration during 1999 and 2000 and has covered just 2,600 miles since - an average of 200 per annum. Evidently every item on the car was either replaced, overhauled or restored and the vendor is confident it is now "one of the finest examples in existence". The basis of the project was a British Motor Heritage replacement shell and, with few exceptions, the Midget has been restored to original specification - the desirable upgrades include: a stainless steel exhaust system; lead-free cylinder head; Kenlowe fan; CD/radio; boot rack and a hood piped in the car's body colour.
Unsurprisingly, the vendor currently regards his Midget to be in "A1" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. He further informs us that the two-seater has been "kept garaged when not in use" and "never driven on a wet road during the last twelve years". Indeed, it is only for sale due to ill health. The car was Waxoyled on completion and has been so again since - it has also had a recent service. The MG is now being offered complete with: tonneau cover; litre of the paint used in the respray; complete portfolio and photographic evidence of the work carried out (with receipts for all parts replaced); copy of the original log book; numerous old MOT certificates and one valid into June 2013. A clearly very special example of a much loved British classic.
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