When it comes to icons of British classic motoring, few cars are as recognisable as the MG Midget. With its motorsport heritage, simple design and low running costs, it was and remains a hugely popular little sports car.

Starting out with a 948cc A-series engine in 1961, it evolved over the years until it reached what many consider its peak with this mk3 - featuring a 1275cc A-series based on the unit from the Mini Cooper-S.

It also features the desirable round rear arches (only available on 1972-74 model year cars), chrome bumpers and over-riders and front disc brakes.

The recent history of this car is an interesting one. First registered in September 1973, not much is known about the car until its previous owner purchased it in November 2006. They put it into dry storage with the intention to restore it.

In 2012, they began the restoration process. According to the current keeper, they had the car dipped and completely rebuilt and resprayed from bare metal. The restoration was completed in 2016, and put back on the road with a fresh MOT.

The V5 is present and correct, as are the current and previous MOT certificates, which confirm the cars mileage and the fact it’s been barely used since returning to the road.

Unfortunately, the previous owner did not keep receipts and records from the restoration process, but you can see from looking over the car just how extensive it was.

MG Midgets have a classy, simple interior. This one is no different, and as part of the restoration process it’s been fully retrimmed in tan vinyl. New oatmeal carpets have also been fitted, while the dashboard and instrumentation has clearly been restored to very good condition yet retain a nice patina.

A new fabric roof has also been fitted, and the hood cover is in excellent condition. All of the dials and switchgear work as they should and the cabin generally feels very solid and well put together.

The current keeper tells us that as part of the restoration process, the car was chemically dipped to strip it to a bare shell. New floors, doors and bonnet were fitted and the car was then resprayed in Monza Red. 

It’s certainly a very straight and clean car, with all the panels and paintwork in excellent condition. Even underneath the car is very clean and tidy, clearly having had many hours of work poured into its restoration.

It sits on beautifully refurbished wire wheels, shod in nearly new tyres. All of the brightwork, lights and other external trim is likewise in very good or excellent condition.

It’s obvious the car has been cared for and has really benefited from being dry-stored. We’re confident that whoever buys this car will be purchasing a real gem of a vehicle that has been extensively restored with a high level of skill and attention to detail.

MG’s use of the 1275cc A-Series makes the Midget not only a very tractable and fun vehicle, but one that’s easy to maintain with lots of parts still widely available. 

The current keeper tells us that as part of the restoration process the engine was rebuilt and the exhaust, brakes and suspension all rebuilt and reconditioned. This is certainly supported by the engine bay and underside of the vehicle, which are very clean and present as having been extensively restored recently.

Having driven in the vehicle, we can confirm it drives very well, the engine revving smoothly and cleanly and pulling well. The ride is compliant but sporty, the car stops well, and the four speed manual gearbox changes cleanly and smoothly.

Mechanically, it’s everything you would expect from a recently renovated classic roadster.

It’s no surprise that the MG Midget was a huge success, and remains popular. It’s a very well sorted little car, with a simple but engaging drivetrain and the kind of handling that fixes a grin on the grumpiest of faces.

This is a lovely little example too, the comprehensive restoration having brought the car back to an excellent condition. The biggest problem often faced by classic car owners is corrosion. 

The fact that this car’s shell has been chemically dipped and then restored and resprayed from bare metal should give plenty of confidence in the quality and integrity of the bodywork. 

As should the fact that only 130 miles have been covered since the restoration was completed, and it’s been kept dry-stored all of that time.

Some great choices have been made by the previous owner during the restoration process. They clearly didn’t cut any corners, as everywhere you look on this car parts have either been completely restored or replaced new-for-old. 

The choice of Monza Red paintwork is perfectly complemented by the tan vinyl interior and oatmeal carpets too – a classic and desirable combination.

We’re confident when we say that this little car is one of the finest MG Midgets you’ll find on the road. Even though it’s tax and MOT exempt, it’s great to know that the previous and current owner have kept the MOT current – another reason to love this little gem.

As an introduction to the world of classic motoring, or simply as a great little car to enjoy on a weekend, this is pretty much perfect. It’s a significantly restored, reliable, simple, good-looking, fun little roadster that is a delight to drive and easy to maintain. 

Frankly, it’s a delightful little car and whoever wins the auction will be walking away with a real peach.