Description

1970 MG Midget MkIII

Impeccably maintained Midget; only 22k miles on rebuilt engine; major mechanical overhaul in 2013/14 including reconditioned gearbox; new hood; alloys; very smart indeed

First registered in March 1970, this lovely MG Midget comes with a large history file extending back to 1979 at which time the car was showing 2,639 miles, the clock currently showing just over 43,000 miles with 13 old MOTs charting the gradual accumulation of mileage over the years.
In 1983 at 21,000 miles it was treated to a full engine rebuild with new pistons, bearings etc, a new clutch being fitted at the same time. In 1985 at 25,300 miles it was given a bare metal repaint in Colorado Red and in 1987 a Falcon stainless steel exhaust was fitted with a lifetime guarantee. The cylinder head was overhauled in 1989 at around 35,000 miles, while the carbs were rebuilt in 1997 at 37,909 miles along with new shock absorbers all round and two new rear springs.
In 2012 it had a new fuel tank and pump at 42,895 miles while a new set of 13" alloy wheels were fitted the following year. In 2014 it received a major bout of expenditure which included a reconditioned gearbox and many new parts including a 13-row oil cooler; engine mountings; aluminium rocker cover; clutch master and slave cylinders; brake servo; rear luggage rack plus much else besides, all parts being supplied by Moss. More recently a new hood has also been fitted.
As you would expect the car remains in very good order throughout, starting promptly and running very nicely as we moved it around for these photos.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com
MODEL HISTORY
The MG Midget was the result of more clever badge-engineering from BMC. The original concept was sired from the Austin-Healey Sprite MkII, and other than a few minor trim differences, the Healey and the MG were to all intents and purposes identical between 1961 and 1969.
Initially powered by the BMC A-series 948cc engine, the Midget featured twin-carburettors, a four-speed gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension. It was good to drive, despite modest power, and won lots of friends, the low price being as attractive as the fun factor it offered.
Continuously upgraded throughout its life, the Midget soon gained a larger 1,098cc A-Series engine and then disc brakes in 1962. For the MkII in 1964, wind-up windows were added, while the MkIII ushered in the up-gunned 1,275cc A-Series unit. Considered by many to be the best of the bunch, the MkIII had a proper hood, stronger bodyshell, improved axle ratio for improved high-speed cruising, and an engine which could easily be tweaked to produce a car that was quicker than its more expensive stablemate, the MGB.
In 1972 the squared off rear wheel arches became round and in 1974 the final rubber bumper 1500 model came out, production soldiering on until the Midget was finally discontinued in 1980.