1979 MG Midget
Highlights
- Beautifully presented in readiness for its next owner
- Benefits from copious recent mechanical work, evidenced in a series of invoices
- Supremely original throughout
- New hood fitted in January 2024
The Appeal
We like to think of the MG Midget as the Mini’s rear-wheel-drive cousin. Smaller and lighter than just about anything else on the road, the Midget offers go-kart-like handling, meaning it’s well-suited to auto tests and hill climb events. You get a convertible roof as well of course for when the British sunshine occasionally makes an appearance.
This 1979 MkIV example is one of the last of the MG Midgets and so benefits from the Triumph Spitfire’s 1.5-litre engine, replacing the A Series of earlier models and coming equipped with the Morris Marina’s all-synchromesh gearbox. That makes these later cars among the fastest and best to drive - truly the Midget connoisseur’s choice.
This car is as bright as a button in its Pageant Blue paintwork and is superbly presented in readiness for sale. It’s supremely original throughout and sits on period-appropriate Minilite-style alloy wheels which keep unsprung weight to a bare minimum. Recent invoices show a great deal of time and money has been spent on the mechanicals, ensuring this is a well-sorted car that’s ready to hit the B roads.
The History and Paperwork
- Eight former registered keepers
- First registered in October 1979 - making it one of the last MG Midgets
- 38,897 miles indicated
- According to DVLA records, the previous owner has the car since 1997 - (old-style V5C present)
- Numerous parts invoices for parts sourced from MGOC
- Stanley Motors Ltd carried out some recommissioning work dated October 2023
- Further mechanical work in January 2024 by Hall’s Garage, replacing numerous consumable components and ensuring the car runs as it should
- Copy of an original Driver’s handbook
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
The Condition
- Seldom do such original examples surface
- The original ‘rubber’ bumpers appear in very good order
- New folding roof (January 2024) in smart condition and the vendor demonstrates it folding away neatly
- No signs of heavy pitting or damage to the chrome
- Handsome Minilite-style alloys shod with high-quality Uniroyal tyres
- Rostyle spare wheel is located in the boot
- Smart underside with no obvious issues
- Pleasingly patinated original vinyl upholstery
- The dashboard, instruments, switches and controls present beautifully
- Smart carpets and rubber overmats
- Fitted with a period Ford-branded stereo (knobs missing)
- No heavy wear to the controls - commensurate with the low indicated mileage
The Mechanics
- 1.5-litre Standard Triumph four-cylinder engine
- Twin SU carburettors
- Four-speed all-synchro manual gearbox
- Superbly turned out engine compartment which looks highly original
- Reportedly in very good running and driving order
Subject to a recent professional health check followed by several key jobs including:
- Ignition system overhaul
- Braking system refurbished
- New exhaust fitted
- New anti-roll bar bushes
- New rear axle fitted (to replace rotten diff housing)
- Two-wheel alignment
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make MG
- Model Midget
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 38,897 Miles
- Engine size 1500
Listing Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Uppingham Rutland
- Location NOT STATED
- Country United Kingdom
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