24th Jul, 2024 13:00

Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire

 
Lot 84
 

1978 MG Midget 1500
No Reserve

Sold for £3,262

(including buyers premium)


Lot details

Registration No: VVU 175S
Chassis No: GAN6202499G
MOT: T.B.A

  • Residing in current ownership for 36 years (since 1988)
  • Modest mileage of just 74,500 miles from new
  • Benefitting from significant mechanical improvement during the vendor's ownership
  • Offered with a good history file

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.

Manufactured in 1977, the Midget offered was despatched on the 2nd of December that year to main agents Lookers Limited of Manchester, being registered new in early 1978. Finished from the factory in Tahiti Blue paintwork, the MG was specified from new with Rosytle wheels and features a Black interior trim, Black hood, and Black tonneau cover. Passing through five keepers during the first ten years of its life before being purchased by the vendor in 1988 with some 43,000 miles on the odometer. Retained by the vendor thereafter, the Midget is now only coming to sale due to ill health, and is offered with just some 74,500 miles from new.

Improved throughout the vendor's custodianship, ‘VVU 175S’ has received an engine overhaul that has included an unleaded cylinder head, piston rings and big end bearings, timing chain, alloy rocker cover, Kenlowe fan, fuel pump and water pump, as well as brake and clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder. Further enhanced with new stub axle assemblies, wishbone pans, drop links, and rear leaf springs, the MG has also received a braking overhaul with new brake pads and shoes, rear brake cylinders, and front calipers. Garaged throughout the vendor's ownership and reputedly used on dry days only, the MG features a stainless steel boot rack, roll bar, 1977 push button radio, stainless steel exhaust, spotlights, sun visors, double duck hood, and is accompanied by a spares package.

Offered with a good history file that comprises a BMIHT Heritage Certificate, a large collection of MOTs back to 1986, numerous previous invoices, owner’s handbook, tax discs, and a current V5C document. Temptingly offered without reserve, the MG is offered from long-term ownership and with modest mileage.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452

 

Auction: Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire, 24th Jul, 2024

An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held in the beautiful surrounds of the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Derbyshire.Venue Details

Browse the digital catalogue here: View the Full Catalogue

To take part in the live online bidding please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page  Register to Bid alternatively, you can now bid live via The-Saleroom.com Visit The-Saleroom.com

Viewing

Tues 23rd July from 12pm
Wed 24th July from 9am

View all lots in this sale

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Do you have an item to sell?

If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035

Contact Us Today!

 

Images

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


Strong sales at Millbrook round off a successful 2025 for H&H Classics
H&H Classics finishes 2025 in style with final auction of the year
Homegrown entries set high benchmark at upcoming Millbrook auction
Historic motorsport entries make tracks to Millbrook auction
H&H continues 2025’s impressively high sales rate at its final motorcycle auction of the year
Barry Sheene’s race bike among amazing entries for H&H’s motorbike and scooter auction
Fantastic results and strong performance for H&H’s largest ever Buxton auction
Trio of Harley-Davidsons and iconic ‘Captain America’ chopper to star at H&H Classics auction
‘Reassuringly desirable’ scooters going under the hammer with H&H Classics
H&H reveals full lot list for its largest ever Buxton auction
First entries for H&H’s October motorcycle auction highlight impressive standard
British, German and American classics from one collection heading to auction
One-owner icons and low mileage survivors among early entries for H&H’s Buxton auction
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster achieves over £750k
Exquisite line up for H&H’s first ever Kelham Hall auction
Low-mileage Jaguar with royal connection heads to auction
Hammer time for iconic piece of 1960s movie history
Motor City icons bring American thunder to Kelham Hall auction
Competition eligible 1937 Aston Martin ‘Team Car’ Evocation takes to auction’s starting grid
Special opportunity to own highly desirable late-production 300SL Roadster
Continental classics shine at H&H’s Buxton auction
Motoring milestones set for H&H’s July Buxton auction
Charity auction for century-old pioneering hybrid car
Immaculate concours Jaguars among prized lots at H&H Classics’ Buxton auction
High demand from classic motorcycle and vintage scooter enthusiasts at H&H auction •	More than 210 l
Historic, rare and celebrity motorbikes line up for H&H auction
British icons lead the way at H&H’s first ever Millbrook
Early entries set high bar for The Classic Motorcycle Auction
High society… rare, low mileage 1960 Mercedes-Benz with aristocratic pedigree up for auction
H&H’s inaugural Classics & Coffee is one to savour
Best of British classics from significant collection being auctioned at Millbrook
Jaguar MkII leads stand out results at Buxton auction
Historic motoring venue to host established classic car auction house
H&H’s Buxton auction boasts coveted classics to ‘peak’ the interest
Ten standout classics from one collection to be auctioned
Sir Elton John’s former Aston Martin among notable lots hammered away at Duxford auction
H&H’s first motorcycle auction of 2025 achieves impressive sales rate
Brough Superior’s among star lots heading to H&H Classics motorcycle and scooter auction
‘Unique’ Ferrari ‘Wide Body’ prances to Cambridgeshire auction
Rocket Man’s ride rocks up for auction
Rare opportunity to own popular TV presenter’s scooter
H&H Classics ‘Season Opener’ enjoys noteworthy results
Last bike ridden by Hairy Biker Dave Myers to be auctioned
Over 90 eye-catching lots head to auction in H&H’s ‘Season Opener’
New venue among H&H Classics’ 2025 auction dates
Over 1,100 classics worth more than £14 million sold by H&H Classics in 2024
H&H Classics rounds off 2024 with strong performance
Relive blockbuster TV show Rivals by owning a ‘racy’ classic