MG Midget (1961 – 1979)
In the early days the MG Midget was the perfect roadster, with its gutsy 948cc A series twin SU carbs eking out 46 bhp was fine for the early sixties with roads being unchallenged as they were. But later that decade the MG was given more power by way of the Mini Cooper ‘S’ with a de-tuned head giving just 65 bhp and not the full 76 bhp which the Mini had.
In late 67 the Midget received safety additions giving the final drive ratio better fuel economy than the 1098cc option. The MG Midget soon received some user friendly additions, including the hood was now permanently attached to the car, with an improved mechanism making it much easier to use.
The MG Midget has proved itself again and again to be an economical roadster even in today’s market with prices starting at £2000 or less. With prices so low could you see yourself in an MG Midget?
Specification MG Midget (1961 – 1979)
| Years Produced | 1961 – 1979 |
| Performance | 0 - 60 mph 13.1 sec / Top Speed - 93 mph |
| Power & Torque | 63 bhp / 318 Ib ft |
| Engine | 1275cc in line 4 twin SU carburettors |
| Drive-train | front engine / RWD |
| Transmission | Four speed manual |
| Weight | 714 kg |
Valuations since launch for the MG Midget (1961 – 1979)
| Condition | Launch | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concourse | £689 | £8,000.00 | £8,500.00 | £9,000.00 | £10,000.00 | £15,000.00 | £18,000.00 |
| Excellent | £5,500.00 | £6,000.00 | £6,500.00 | £7,000.00 | £8,000.00 | £10,000.00 | |
| Good | £2,500.00 | £3,000.00 | £3,500.00 | £7,000.00 | £4,000.00 | £5,000.00 | |
| Fair | £900.00 | £1,000.00 | £1,250.00 | £1,500.00 | £1,750.00 | £2,000.00 |
A Buyers guide
The first areas to look at when it comes to MG Midget are rust and repairs, pay particular attention to the lower front panel and lower front wings as these areas are susceptible to corrosion. Wheel arches that are vulnerable may appear this way because of an accident. “A” post hinges are a water trap on the MG Midget and can become over stressed and start to corrode so look out for this. Also check door bottoms and lower front corners for the same.
Rear wings and inner arches will quite often rusted away, pay particular attention to the area behind the back of the rear wing where it is a double skin and comes up to meet the boot floor. Finally the boot floor itself. Areas of corrosion are common along the back of the boot floor where it meets the rear panel. Check for poor repairs here also.
The “A” series engine is a reliable lump however look for low oil pressure when the engine has warmed up, this is a little suspect, a warn engine is a heavy breather and you will be able to detect this by the smell under the bonnet of burnt oil and fumes as well as the exhaust. Beware of over tuned engines; it will need a re-build every 80,000 miles.
Check to see if the car has had oil and filter changes, recommended every 6,000 miles or 12 months (which ever comes first). The Gearbox appears to have no inherent problems but listen out for worn synchro-mesh as this in itself can become a problem. The steering and suspension unit will need regular greasing, a thick oil or a waterproof grease is best for this as it is an MOT testers favourite area for failure.
Insuring an MG Midget
Our Classic Car policies will include Fully Comprehensive cover with huge savings for limited mileage and Classic Car club members as well as providing superb features and benefits such as Salvage Retention should the worse happen and our very own in house certified Agreed Value on your MG Midget at no extra cost to yourself. With insurance premiums starting at less than £100.00 for an annual policy.
- This quotation has been based on fully comprehensive cover, insured only to drive age 60.
Annual premium – £101.97 with a £100 accidental damage excess.
- This quotation has been based on fully comprehensive cover, insured only to drive age 45.
Annual premium – £125.22 with a £100 accidental damage excess.
- This quotation has been based on fully comprehensive cover, insured only to drive age 30.
Annual premium – £154.36 with a £100 accidental damage excess.
*NB: All insurance quotes are based on the same criteria: The vehicle being garaged overnight. Accident, claim and conviction free and a limited mileage of 3000 per annum with full use of a main car daily. All quotations are based on an Agreed Value of £6,000. Prices may alter depending on individual criteria. Quote carried out July 2018.
Interesting Fact
MG made history in 1957 when they broke the World speed record in highly aerodynamic MG EX181 car to the highest attained speed of 245.64mph or 395.31 kmph, in turn decimating the previous land speed record in the category that was 203 mph. Driven by Sterling Moss and producing 300 BHP from a mere 1.5 litre engine
Mark Wilkinson (Managing Director of Heritage Classic Car Insurance) says
”the MG Midget brought back one litre motoring to MG enthusiasts for the first time since 1936. The little MG captures the sole of British motoring back in the day with superb handling and great gusto from the legendary “A” Series engine. It just goes to show bigger isn’t always better”
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