Classic British sports cars aren’t typically jets in a straight line. However, slipping behind the wheel invariably puts a smile on the driver’s face. They are such good fun that it is easy to see why some people wouldn’t park anything but a car like this 1972 MG Midget in their garage. It presents beautifully and is a turnkey proposition for its next owner. The seller’s price makes it unquestionably affordable, and interested parties may need to act fast if they wish to take it home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this wonderful little Brit.
MG released the Midget in 1961 as a more upmarket version of the Austin-Healey Sprite Mark II. It remained in production until 1979, with the company performing ongoing updates throughout its model life. Our feature car is a Mark III version that rolled off the Abingdon line in 1972. It presents beautifully in Flame Red, a shade available from 1970 until 1972. Saying the seller is sparing with their information is an understatement because their description amounts to five words. The car’s appearance suggests it is either a remarkably preserved survivor or, more likely, a restored classic. Finding anything to criticize is impossible because the paint shines beautifully, and the panels are dead straight. There is no evidence of rust, and the trunk pan shot reveals no nasty surprises. The chrome and glass are spotless, and it seems only fitting that this classic rolls on a set of iconic 13″ Rostyle wheels.
New for the Midget Mark III was the upgraded 1,275cc A-Series four-cylinder engine. While essentially the same as the motor that powered the Mini Cooper S, the company’s decision to utilize a different cylinder head meant the Midget developed less power and torque than the Cooper. Drivers had 54hp and 67 ft/lbs at their disposal, with both figures lower than buyers received the previous year. That means the Midget won’t provide neck-snapping acceleration. However, if you point this car at a twisting ribbon of road or a narrow country lane, it will come to life in a way larger and more powerful classics can’t. Once again, the seller provides little information about its mechanical health beyond saying it runs well. The visual indications are positive, suggesting the Midget is a turnkey proposition.
This Midget’s interior carries the hallmarks of a traditional British sports car. That means we find two bucket seats, a nice wheel, a dash holding chrome-ringed gauges to monitor the vehicle’s health, and a stubby shifter to swap cogs. MG may have conceived the Midget as a more upmarket version of the Sprite, but that doesn’t mean it is lavishly equipped. Potential buyers shouldn’t expect air conditioning, power windows, or other luxuries. There is no radio, but the heater should improve comfort with the top raised on cold days. The presentation is impressive, with no sign of significant problems with the Black vinyl trim and carpet. The dash is excellent, and there are no pad cracks.
The seller listed this 1972 MG Midget here on Craigslist in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Their price of $6,000 makes it affordable, and anybody considering dipping their toe into the water of classic ownership for the first time may find it too attractive to resist. The simple engineering and ready parts availability mean it shouldn’t cost a fortune to keep on the road for many decades. If you have previously owned a British sports car, did you enjoy it enough to consider a repeat performance?
Funny you should feature this, again, affordable is relative, and this is a very, VERY nice one. Someone on FB had one, 2 towns over, I forget the year, ’67 maybe? It was way more of a project, the $1800 had the usual price drop line through it, and $1500, I bet a grand would take it easy. Deemed too much work, this is in an entirely different league, it’s ready to go. Since O/D generally wasn’t for a Midget, it had a different role. It was for slow rides, and can hold its own on a 2 lane, 55-60 no problem, anything more, is a bit of a challenge. That, and if you can handle the size, being in traffic that is much bigger. It can be intimidating.
Note to future buyer:
It looks sweet, not much overlooked, should be carefree, mile after smiling mile,,not so,,,you have to accept when buying something like this, it’s a hobby. I don’t think a drill press or lathe is required, but simple tools,,or a valid AAA membership. I don’t want to hear any Lucas stories, in my vast automotive experience, I can say without reservation, Lucas is no better or worse than any other. Problems that seem to arise of nowhere with these, are cooling, brakes, fuel systems, that door/window handle and used to be ignition, but electronic solved that. Modern gaskets and sealants can make it leak-proof, and none of that should deter anyone from buying this. Got summer fun all over it.
In stock form the 57 hp gets you around pretty well, but with just a few modest engine update pieces you can almost double the horse power and still have it streetable. Still a bunch of fun either way.
I still remember my 1974 Midget. Fun car, mine was off-yellow, almsot beige. If you’ve ever seen that shade you’ll know what I mean. I was always fixing the thing but it was also one of my favorite cars.
Nice looking car. Always liked the split rear bumper and the round wheel arches of that year. Had a 62 in high school, red too. Fun car. Never forgot the time I was in front of a semi going thru the harbor tunnel at 65 mph. Semi was on my bumper….
bobhess is on to something here. Get a proper S head and some compression, an S distributor, and a half decent cam, and this little round wheelarch will zip as well as handle. It is literally a weekend’s work to do (once the headwork is done of course), and it makes these cars come alive.
best,
bt
There is a bit more to it! A proper S head is an eleven (11) stud head while the Spridget is nine (9). But the idea is sound. the 1275 engines are the SBC of the British cars of this era, and are very modifiable with 80 – 85HP attainable (more if you give away a little driveability), this being a very well travelled road. The aftermarket has everything you need, and all that’s left is a little machine work and a sense of humor.
RWA Spridgets are the best looking of the square body cars IMHO,
The single biggest improvement that you can make to a Midget is getting a 5th gear for it.
My Midget isn’t worth the upgrade, the kit is worth mine than the car. However, this car looks like a really nice one worth the upgrade. The round arch 72-74’s are arguably the most sought after version of the car.
Look carefully at the sills aundersidend the ; my mostly stock ’72 had the lower portion painted black and a “Midget’ badge on either side. There has probably been some work done there. Also had a simpler straight-back exhaust instead of the weird ’73 cross-muffler behind the fuel tank.
A little engine work goes a long way, like minor port work and higher compression pistons. 175/70 tires will clear in the front and barely rub in hard cornering in the back.
I was going to mention a few items that Graham brought up. Looks like there is paint on the back boot hinge release has paint on it…sure looks like it was repainted red. Which also makes sense as my 72 was indeed painted black and had the Midget emblem on it. I know those areas routinely rust so not surprised someone might repair and paint entirely red. And it sure appears the engine bay wasn’t repainted. But if done well, who cares? I would like a better shot of the interior and I suspect the top has some problems because there is no shots of the top up. As for the driving, after 50 years of driving, still my most favorite car I ever owned. Granted I lived in the hills of SW Virginia so top end speed was not essential. These cars can tool around the Blue Ridge Parkway as easily as you can walk to your mailbox. Good thing this is not closer, I could see me making a visit and then getting into an begging position with my wife.
Round-arch Midgets have a 3.90 back end and cruise OK without the trouble of unearthing the Datsun 1200 five-speed.
There is a bit more to it! A proper S head is an eleven (11) stud head while the Spridget is nine (9). But the idea is sound. the 1275 engines are the SBC of the British cars of this era, and are very modifiable with 80 – 85HP attainable (more if you give away a little driveability), this being a very well travelled road. The aftermarket has everything you need, and all that’s left is a little machine work and a sense of humor.
RWA Spridgets are the best looking of the square body cars IMHO,
I like…..
I bought an Austin Healy Sprite (essentially the same car as the MG Midget) from a farmer in southern Illinois back in 1976 and enjoyed driving it all over central Illinois for a couple years.
Then I moved to San Francisco. I feared for my life driving that tiny car on the California highways and promptly sold it.
Ya’ll knew I was going to chime in. My 1972 MG Midget was Autum Gold with a black top and interior. Yeah, the option list is not very long but at least mine had an am/fm radio.
These are great weekend cars or a second car but definitely NOT an only or primary car. After 6 months I hated mine. After 18 months I sold it and bought a 1971 Imperial coupe.
I had an early model Midget and 72 Pinto wagon parked in my driveway. I was working afternoon turn and had heard a noise sometime in the morning. I didn’t pay any attention, but when I went out to go to work I found the Midget was pushed into the rear of the Pinto.
I was fortunate that it was winter and I could see tire tracks that led out my drive and across to the house on the other side of the street. The funny thing was, the driveways didn’t line up. The drives were offset by about 20 feet.
When I approached the neighbor at first she didn’t want to fess up. But finally she said she left her young son in the car because she had to run back in the house. Not much damage to my cars. To this day I can’t figure out how the kid managed to back out of his drive, turn left, then turn right into my driveway. Glad it snowed or I would have never figured this out.
For the asking price what would you expect to give you more smiles/mile? I’ve ridden in two of these funmobiles, both BRG but never owned one. In London I once toured an MG museum where I saw the last Midget produced.
I have a 1973 Midget that I have had 50 years. I drove into my garage 7 years ago and haven’t driven it since. .I would love to sell it to someone who would take care of it. It needs a fuel pump which I already have and a little loving. I live in Savannah Georgia.
@Charlie – send it in and we will auction it for you! Here’s more info: https://barnfinds.com/auctions/about/