Winning bid
£4,600

1979 MG Midget 1500

Highlights

  • Low miles
  • Excellent condition both inside and out
  • Drives brilliantly
  • Low number of owners
  • Perfect car for the summer

The Background

The “Midget” name has been around for quite some time now, with its earliest roots noted back in 1929 when it was used to describe MG’s M-Type sports car. The 1930s saw somewhat of a boom for MG and the Midget’s development, with a whole range of new variants being produced and enjoyed on the roads from day 1. 
After producing the T Type Midgets between 1936 and 1954, it was then decided that the vehicle’s next form would simply be too large to use the name, and the Midget title would lay dormant until 1961.
This new wave of Midgets would be heavily based on the Mk2 Austin Healey Sprite, essentially being a re-badged version with minor cosmetic differences and the popular BMC A series engine. In 1964, the Mk2 MG Midget was introduced, and was a vast improvement on the MK1. It featured a re-designed interior, upgraded engine, new suspension, and classier styling. This was a turning point for the Midget, and would set the tone for the Mk3 and 1500.
This particular model of Midget is the last variant of the vehicle that was ever produced and underwent the most significant changes to date. This Midget boasted a much larger engine (hence the 1500 name), new styling tweaks, and was the first Midget capable of reaching 100mph. It was also required to use the energy-absorbing rubber bumpers, to meet tightening safety standards of the time. 
Nowadays, MG midgets have a fantastic following across the globe, with plenty of support and aftermarket goodies available in contrast to other classics. They’re fun, reasonably priced, and are a true piece of British motoring history.
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The History

The vehicle was initially supplied by Thornes LTD Dewsbury in 1979. After the first owner part exchanged the vehicle with an MG dealer in Wakefield, the car would then be purchased by its second owner who would own the car from 1981 all the way to 2016. Throughout the last 16 years of the previous keeper’s possession, the vehicle was moved to dry storage and was protected from the elements. 
Upon purchasing the vehicle, the current keeper had the vehicle recommissioned and treated to a full service, new brakes, all new fluids, refurbished wheels, and a new set of tyres. Since then, the vehicle has continued to be treasured and enjoyed in the sunshine. Now, the vehicle is ready for its next home and needs absolutely nothing to be enjoyed by the lucky new owner. 

The Paperwork

This Midget comes with a great assortment of paperwork and history, all of which is held in a well-organized binder. The extensive paperwork includes key items like previous MOTs, labour invoices, parts invoices, and the V5C document ready for the new owner.
This MG has been given everything it has needed over the years, including the following:
 • New brakes
 • Refurbished wheels
 • New clutch
 • New master & slave cylinder
 • New ignition coil, condenser and points
 • New carpet kit
The paperwork also includes the documentation for the Gold Seal British Leyland engine, which was fitted in April 1979. 

The Interior

The interior is in brilliant condition, with only the most minor signs of wear. Both black leather seats are not only in great condition, but they’re also surprisingly comfortable for a smaller vehicle. The base of the driver’s seat shows a small area of minor damage but certainly doesn’t detract from the driving experience in any way. 
The car’s carpets and door cards are also in great condition and have clearly been well cared for over the years. With the interior in such great condition, it should come as no surprise that all dials, controls, and gauges are in full working order.
As the driver, you’re also greeted with a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel, which is in excellent condition and helps complete the interior of this car. In comparison to modern cars, the interior is certainly rather simple, but that’s what makes this little roadster so charming. The focus is solely on providing an enjoyable driving experience, with everything you could need at arm's reach. 
Now although the Midget certainly isn’t renowned for its spacious interior or practicality, you may be pleasantly surprised by the amount of space in the boot. Granted it’s not enough space for the kitchen sink, but it’s certainly enough for an enjoyable road trip or a sunny day out. You’ll also find a matching spare wheel, equipped with a brand new matching tyre. 

The Exterior

Much like the interior, the car’s exterior is in brilliant condition. The paintwork looks spectacular, suits the Midget brilliantly, and takes on tones of orange in the sunlight. All chrome and trim pieces have also been well taken care of, and retain a great deal of their shine.
Being a roadster, it should come as no surprise that the folding roof is a key part of the Midget’s charm. The roof itself folds away perfectly and is in full working order. Other than a minor amount of discolouring on the inside, and a small tear on the driver’s side, the material is in fantastic condition. 
All 4 wheels benefit from being refurbished in the past and are wrapped in a matching set of 
Imperial tyres, with plenty of tread left for the new owner to enjoy. All glass and mirrors are also in great condition, with no noticeable marks or scratches.
The car’s underside has also been taken care of and has been fully undersealed to keep the corrosion away. Overall, this MG Midget is in brilliant condition and will no doubt fill the next owner with pride upon each glance. 

The Mechanics

Buyers will be pleased to know that this lovely MG is in full working order, and performs without fault. The car has certainly been very well maintained by the current owner and benefits from regular servicing and care. This Midget has had no expense spared, and was  recently treated to new points, condenser, and ignition coil, along with a new clutch, master cylinder, and slave cylinder. 
The peppy Gold Seal engine fires up right away and doesn’t miss a beat throughout the rev range. All brake, suspension, and electrical components also work exactly as intended, ensuring trouble-free motoring for the new owner. 
With Summer on the horizon, this MG Midget is a perfect contender for the best British roadster to enjoy the sunny roads with. 

The Appeal

The MG Midget is one of the most iconic British sports cars made to date and is highly regarded by enthusiasts worldwide. As the name implies, it’s a rather small package but is packed with character and provides a truly enjoyable experience. 
This particular MG is in fantastic condition and has clearly been very well looked after over the years. With only a few examples of these popping up at the moment, this is a brilliant opportunity to snag yourself a classic roadster that needs nothing to be enjoyed on the roads!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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Auction Details

  • Year1979
  • MakeMG
  • ModelMidget
  • ColourOrange
  • Odometer85,600 Miles
  • Engine size1491cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownHuddersfield
  • CountyYorkshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

15 Bids from 10 bidders

dom-hil••••
Bid
£4,600
06/05/22
exercit••••
Bid
£4,300
05/05/22
John W••••
Bid
£4,100
05/05/22
exercit••••
Bid
£4,000
05/05/22
John W••••
Bid
£3,850
05/05/22
exercit••••
Bid
£3,750
05/05/22
Alex01••••
Bid
£3,600
05/05/22
exercit••••
Bid
£3,500
05/05/22
matt-ti••••
Bid
£3,250
04/05/22
exercit••••
Bid
£3,000
04/05/22

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