One of the most iconic British roadsters ever, MG's Midget was originally conceived as the sister car to Austin's Sprite, which was built alongside it at MG's historic Abingdon factory. This diminutive sports car satisfied the demand for affordable wind-in-your-hair motoring all through the 1960s and '70s. Today, a well-sorted classic Midget will still put a smile on any enthusiast driver's face.

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Between 1962 and 1980, almost a quarter of a Million Midgets were manufactured. Alas, to find a superbly preserved example--almost 30 years after production of the original was halted--can be an exercise in futility. Especially the very desirable, pre-rubber-bumper, round wheel arch Midgets of 1972/'73 are hard to find today.

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You can imagine our delight when we discovered this amazingly well-kept 1972 MG Midget, VIN *GAN5UC11081G*, right here in Southern California, in the high desert town of Tehachapi, to be specific. The car fulfills all the parameters to be a true "keeper": no rust ever, no accidents, low original miles. It's unrestored but superbly preserved, inside and out.

Irrefutably establishing its provenance, the car still wears its irreplaceable, original-issue, 1972 six-digit, blue-and-gold California license plates, front and back. Furthermore, this little roadster is a true low-mileage California MG, having covered a mere 53,319 miles during 37 years--that's less than 1,500 miles annually, on average!
Let's have a closer look now.

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Opening the bonnet, we are awestruck by the Midget's toothbrush-clean engine compartment. Its sheer, sparkling cleanliness speaks volumes about the loving attention this automobile has always received. There's no oil residue, dirt, or corrosion anywhere in sight.
But, it gets better, much better!

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Less than 2,000 miles ago, the original 1275cc engine was rebuilt, employing several conservative--but not inexpensive--internal modifications to raise its power output by about 30%, compared to the original 65 horses. Expenditures in the neighborhood of $4,000.00 plus many, many hours of labor netted results that are quite evident the first time you turn the ignition key.
According to the owner, the block was bored .60 over to reach 1,330cc, the compression was raised to 9.6:1, using hypereutectic pistons, and the head was modified to accept unleaded premium fuel. Bigger "rim flow" valves were installed, as well as a KENT 266 cam with matching lifters. APT-sourced parts were used throughout the re-assembly process.
Fantastic!

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All this newfound power breathed new life into the otherwise stock and original Midget. Its arrow-straight coachwork features perfect shut lines; there are no dings, dents, bubbles, or scratches. Because of its amazing condition, we have to assume that the car has at least partially been repainted in its factory Harvest Gold color, yet the finish shows no clear evidence of a repaint and only few signs of age and use, namely a couple of touched-up rock chips here and there and a small spot on the right quarter panel that has been polished thin. In a nutshell, this Roadster displays just the right patina for a car that yearns to be enjoyed, exactly the way it is, free of worries, for many years to come.

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Another Midget hallmark: the 64-spoke center-lock wire wheels. (Note GIRLING disc brakes!) Sporting the correct painted finish with chromed octagonal knock-offs, these wheels are wrapped in REMINGTON radial rubber of the size 155R13.

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Top down motoring beckons--let's inspect the Midget's not-so-small cabin first, though, shall we?
Befitting a low-mileage survivor, Midget's cockpit presents itself in outstanding original condition. Interestingly, seats and door panels on this car are still "as delivered" in a deep blue color, instead of the more common black.

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Close up of driver's door panel. Note minimalist inside door handles. Midgets gained roll-up side windows in 1964.

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Typical Sprite/Midget dash with its three-spoked sports steering wheel, SMITHS gauges--they all work perfectly--and various control knobs and switches. This Midget's vaunted LUCAS electricals work flawlessly; this car must the exception to the rule. Note original radio speaker; the AM/FM stereo itself has been slightly updated, now featuring a cassette player; it works great.

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Details, from left to right:

• Classic British gauges
• 1970s radio, factory speaker cover, working map light
• Owner's manual resides inside quite spacious, lockable glovebox

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Factory bucket seats with small head rests are in excellent condition; note the original, heat-embossed pattern.

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Carpeting, factory lap belts, tonneau cover--the pictures speak for themselves. There are no hidden surprises; everything is exactly as you'd expect from a low-mileage MG.

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Although the British claim that a roadster should always be driven with the top down, it's comforting to know that the black vinyl soft top is in like-new condition.

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Thanks to the Mk III convertible top frame's improved design, raising it is a matter of two minutes or less; even a petite blonde Lady with manicured hands could easily perform this task, all by herself.

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Ready for a test drive?
Sure you are, but before we leave, let's have a peek at two very important areas: trunk and undercarriage.

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Luggage compartment looks to be in prime condition. Original spare and jacking equipment--inside factory pouch--are all accounted for.

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Even a close look at all nooks and crannies reveals no trace of corrosion; in fact, the trunk paint is all original.

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Contemplating a purchase, the state of a classic car's undercarriage will be of vast importance to any serious aficionado, as dealing with accident or corrosion-related damage can be a real nightmare. Back in the day, rust proofing was not a big item on any manufacturer's agenda, and MGs are no exceptions. Luckily, this example has spent its entire life in the benevolent climate of Southern California; always religiously garaged, it has never seen rain, sleet, snow, or salted roads, as evidenced by the pristine state of its frame and front suspension components, as well as cleanliness of engine and gearbox.

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Floors present themselves untouched and fully original, as delivered, 37 years ago. This undercarriage is 100% unmolested and rust free, that's guaranteed!
Well, it looks like we're finally ready to go.

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Monday, February 9, when we took these pictures, turned out to be a sunny and dry mid-winter day here in Ventura. We lowered the Midget's top and headed for the hills, delighting in the open-air experience.

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Driving this Midget is so much fun! Aided by the competition cam, dual carbs, and MONZA sport exhaust, its throaty, lusty sound provides heavenly background music to any outing. Midget starts, runs, drives, shifts (with a light howl in 1st), steers, handles, and stops excellently. Find a twisty backcountry road and soon you'll be flinging the car into corners with ever-growing enthusiasm, the 90hp engine providing the finest aural excitement imaginable.

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Comparing a British roadster to an Asian copy is like comparing apples to quinces. The MG is direct, pure, and intimately corresponds with you, the pilot. A driving machine for those who enjoy being one with their vehicle, close to nature. Can't live without air conditioning, cruise control, and cup holders? By all means, go and buy a Miata; it's wonderful vehicle but you'll miss out on the visceral joys of vintage MG Midget ownership!

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Returning home, we have become Midget enthusiasts all over again. While small on the outside, the Midget is surprisingly spacious inside; even Bernard, being 6'6" tall, fits comfortably behind the wheel.

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Rarely do we find a nicely preserved, original British roadster with its dignity intact. Here's one that arguably offers more grins per Dollar than any other open car. You can have your cake and eat it, too: the Midget hardly takes up space in the garage, returns close to 30mpg, is smog exempt, and qualifies for inexpensive classic car insurance. Very reasonably priced spares are available from various vendors, should the need arise.

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This 37 year-old round wheel arch Midget is a true, heirloom-quality survivor. It has never been abused, never needed restoration work. Its fantastically strong heart ensures it'll always be way ahead of its small-bore competition. Perennially pampered and garaged, it's poised to deliver the goods for another 37 years.
Another opportunity to purchase a pure-bred British Roadster like it might not arise for many moons, if ever!

We sold this truly exceptional Midget in April 2009 to a collector back East.

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