23rd Oct, 2012 18:00
Imperial War Museum Duxford
1979 MG Midget 1500
Estimated at £3,000 - £4,000
Lot details
Registration No: PVY732T
Chassis No: GAN6-213956G
Mot Expiry: None
The need to comply with forthcoming US safety legislation saw MG revise the design of its Midget sportscar for the final time in 1974. Entering showrooms that October, the resultant MKIV version (as it was unofficially known) was immediately recognisable courtesy of its impact absorbing 'rubber bumpers'. Far better integrated than the similar contrivances found on other American market cars (think Mercedes-Benz W107 SL), the weight penalty they incurred was more than offset by the adoption of a new 1500cc engine. Sourced from the Triumph Spitfire together with an all-synchromesh gearbox, it gave the Midget a notable boost in performance. Capable of over 100mph and known for its tidy handling, the MKIV was well received by the press and public alike.
Finished in Blue with Beige upholstery, this particular example is accompanied by numerous invoices dating back to the late 1980s. Treated to a new door skin, inner sills, outer sill covers, front wing panels, rear wings panels and footwell repairs as part of a bodywork refurbishment carried out by Autocraft Services of St Albans, Herts in July 1993, the MG was entrusted to marque specialist P&J Auto Spares of East London the following year where it was fitted with a replacement gearbox, steering rack, fuse box, propshaft UJs and carburettors. Sparingly used since entering the current ownership, the past sixteen years have nevertheless seen the Midget 1500 benefit from an engine overhaul during 1996 (timing chain / tensioner, re-cut valve seats / ground-in valves, re-honed bores, replacement pistons x3, piston rings, gaskets etc) and new hood two years later. Starting readily upon inspection, 'PVY 732T' has undergone a degree of recent recommissioning work including the installation of a fresh battery and new kingpins / bushes plus repairs to its exhaust and a rear spring hangar etc. Riding on correct-type Rostyle wheels, this appealing two-seater is offered for sale with V5 Registration Document, history file and MOT certificate valid until October 2013.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have an MOT.
Registration No: PVY732T
Chassis No: GAN6-213956G
Mot Expiry: None
The need to comply with forthcoming US safety legislation saw MG revise the design of its Midget sportscar for the final time in 1974. Entering showrooms that October, the resultant MKIV version (as it was unofficially known) was immediately recognisable courtesy of its impact absorbing 'rubber bumpers'. Far better integrated than the similar contrivances found on other American market cars (think Mercedes-Benz W107 SL), the weight penalty they incurred was more than offset by the adoption of a new 1500cc engine. Sourced from the Triumph Spitfire together with an all-synchromesh gearbox, it gave the Midget a notable boost in performance. Capable of over 100mph and known for its tidy handling, the MKIV was well received by the press and public alike.
Finished in Blue with Beige upholstery, this particular example is accompanied by numerous invoices dating back to the late 1980s. Treated to a new door skin, inner sills, outer sill covers, front wing panels, rear wings panels and footwell repairs as part of a bodywork refurbishment carried out by Autocraft Services of St Albans, Herts in July 1993, the MG was entrusted to marque specialist P&J Auto Spares of East London the following year where it was fitted with a replacement gearbox, steering rack, fuse box, propshaft UJs and carburettors. Sparingly used since entering the current ownership, the past sixteen years have nevertheless seen the Midget 1500 benefit from an engine overhaul during 1996 (timing chain / tensioner, re-cut valve seats / ground-in valves, re-honed bores, replacement pistons x3, piston rings, gaskets etc) and new hood two years later. Starting readily upon inspection, 'PVY 732T' has undergone a degree of recent recommissioning work including the installation of a fresh battery and new kingpins / bushes plus repairs to its exhaust and a rear spring hangar etc. Riding on correct-type Rostyle wheels, this appealing two-seater is offered for sale with V5 Registration Document, history file and MOT certificate valid until October 2013.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have an MOT.
Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 23rd Oct, 2012
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