Cheap Fun: 1979 MG Midget
England has produced some of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history. Lotus, Morgan, McLaren, Jaguar, Austin-Healey, Triumph, Aston Martin, and–depending on how broad of a brush you want to paint with–the original Mini, when in John Cooper tune. No less of a company is MG, with a wide portfolio of small two-seat rear-drive roadsters. The MG Midget was introduced as an up-market badge-engineered version of the Austin-Healey Sprite and was produced for nearly 20 years. You can find this final year 1979 example here on craigslist for just $2,000.
For the final generation, produced from 1974-1979, the Midget received an upgraded 1,493cc Standard SC engine donated from the Triumph Spitfire and a four-speed manual from the Morris Marina with synchromesh on all four speeds. U.S. market examples, like this one, produced just 50 horsepower and 67 pound-feet of torque, thanks to emissions regulations. Luckily the seller says this runs and drives, so those 50 horsepower and 67 pound-feet will actually get to the ground. If you want some more oomph, though, more than a few people have done electric swaps. Imagine a Tesla motor in this 1,600-pound roadster.
The interior looks relatively clean. There might be a layer of dirt on the upholstery, though they don’t include many images of the dashboard or trim pieces. Regardless, from what you can see, it looks like it just needs a good detail. The top looks relatively clean with no visible rips and clear windows, but a forty-year-old convertible is bound to be less than perfect. In that vein of perfection, though, notice the doorsills. In an area that most cars accumulate rust, this MG is clean. Especially important in a convertible, with no roof to strengthen the body.
They include no images of the frame, so it would be worth it to ask for more images from the seller. I hear rust is an issue to take into consideration, though if this is a California car, it might be relatively nice under there. In any case, buying a classic English project car will mean you’re going to have to meet a bunch of like-minded people who have already done all of the things you’re getting yourself into. A classic car is as much an exercise in making and maintaining friendships as it is tinkering with something.
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Comments
No frame on this car but there are enough repair panels available to almost build another chassis. Only problem with the later cars is the raised suspension, ugly bumpers, and smog strangled engine. Handling on these cars is as bad as it gets. Have seen a lot of folks turn these into really nice cars by addressing the three things I mentioned above.
Plan on fabrication of your own wiring system and gauges….these were around the block wonders even when new, plus it’s driving a car the size of my shoe, tall or fat people need not apply
Raymond, I’m 6’2” and 280 Lbs. Does that make me tall or fat? It doesn’t matter as I have kids who eat up my money. Now, re: the car-I love it. A buddy had one in 1971-a beauty and we drove around with the top down and truly enjoyed it. Love this color-just not the same as the last one ever built that I saw on display in London several years ago at a museum.
I’m 6′ 2″ and drove one of these every day for 2 years.
But you’re right the wiring is absolutely insane, brought to you by George Lucas “The Prince of Darkness”
Long ago when I was in the US Navy, a Diver and friend had a new 1975 model, it was orange. The only time I ‘got to’ ride in it was at night and in the rain. And, I was the third person so no seat for me! 5’11” and 165 was a tight and uncomfortable fit wrapped around the drivers seat w/head vying for space w/the shifter, lol. Love to own one!
Complete wiring harness kits are available. Seller doesn’t indicate any wiring problems and sounds like he replaced most of the electrical boxes etc..More pictures, including underside shots, would help prospective buyers.
I have owned many British cars of the 1960’s and worked on many more. I always disliked Midgets, mostly because I am 6’3″. I liked Spitfires better.
My wife always wanted a Midge and one came up for sale. I bought but an acquaintance also wanted it. My wife attempted to drive it home from work, and the clutch went out. She knows enough about cars to be accurate in the diagnosis. I said I would pick her up. I then called the would be buyer and sold it to him after disclosing the bad clutch.
When I picked up my wife she asked who was going to tow the Midget, I replied that I didn’t know or care as it was sold. I removed the plates. My wife picked something else from the fleet.
Back in the day I was looking for some parts for a Spitfire and stumbled onto a Midget at an autoshop they were selling for non-payment. Mechanically the car was in pretty good shape but the body was another thing. Turns out the drivers door jam was rusted out, the lower hinge and the door lock were the only things holding the door on. I passed on it.
Located in Klamath River, CA
I had a 1971 midget and height was not an issue. I think it depended on your legs and waist. Midget had more leg length than the MGB
I am 6-2 and I could jump in no problem. My best friend drove it all the time and he was 6-6. Granted, we were both pretty thin. My friend could drag his fingers along the ground if he wanted to do so.
These cars have great transmissions, short shifts and could just blow off the line. Granted, you would be passes by the time you hit 30 mph, but you could win the first 30 yards. Most fun I have ever had in a vehicle to own, but wiring wasn’t the best. Had to replace fuel pumps, constantly monitor the dual carbs, things like that. You couldn’t just jump in and drive it. And as vehicles got bigger, it was a tin can waiting to get squashed.
But my oh my. It was fun.
I’m seriously considering getting this one, price is right condition is acceptable the downside is getting home. You put a Toyota drivetrain in these and they become a fun dependable car
I would have no idea how to put a Toyota drivetrain into this car, but it sounds like the results would be very cool.
From late April till the snow threatens my 1975 Midget is my daily driver unless I have more than one passenger. I have heard that the pre 75’s are the preferred car the 1500 is still a ton of fun to drive. My 6’3″ son drives it and I am no longer slim like I was when I graduated from battle school. I have no problem fitting in. The secret is the fact that your feet go into foot wells that extend into the engine bay.
$2000.00 is a steal in my books. We pay double that for a decent Midget in Canada and of course rust is an issue in a country with cold weather.
The biggest improvement to a Midget in my opinion is getting a 5 speed overdrive. The engine is fine, but at 60 mph you are at 3500 rpm and you can’t hear the Who singing about how the kids are alright.
I wish I bought mine 30 years ago.
For just fun it is the best car I have ever had.
Kelly, you are correct about the footwell. I find the MG’s have more foot room than the TR-6’s, for example.