Things have changed over the years, in the last few, probably more dramatically than at any other time. Nowadays, it would be tough to consider the name “Midget” as appropriate for an automobile but if you think logically about it, the name makes perfect sense for an ever-smaller version of the diminutive MG “A”. And today, we are happy to present for your review, a 1962 MG Midget, located in Petaluma, California and available here on BF Classifieds for $6,675.
The MG Midget had a long production cycle spanning the years 1961 through 1979. Classified into four different series, this 1962 example is a Series I, in its sophomore year. Production volume at the Abingdon, England assembly plant for the first two years, 1961 and 1962, was about 16K copies.
This particular Midget is showing the signs of wear that one would typically expect on a 58-year-old car. The seller indicates that there is some rust present on the driver’s side door and some small dents on the front fender line. All in all, this Midget presents well, the gray-blue finish is a bit dull but very passable. All of the stainless steel trim is in place where it belongs, not dented, and still in possession of a shine. From every angle, the body panels appear well-aligned. The seller advises that the top and rear window are in good nick.
Under the bonnet is a 46 HP, 948 CC, in-line, four-cylinder engine that allows this Midget to, “Run, drive, and stop well“. Hardly a powerhouse, but remember, this is a Midget with a curb weight of only 1,600 lbs. The odometer reads 39K miles but it would be best to make an inquiry regarding the accuracy. Gear changes are accomplished via a four-speed manual transmission.
The interior is one of the nicest features of this MG. It appears to be a bit dusty but there is nothing wrong that a good cleaning couldn’t fix. The upholstery is unmarred, with no rips or tears, and there is a jump seat, or a jump cushion of sorts, behind both seats. British sports cars always possess such purposeful looking instruments and this Midget is no exception. The gauges are quite clear considering that his car’s age and the fact that it is an open body style. Good to see are seatbelts which frequently are unfounded in cars of this age.
Having gunboats for feet, I question my ability to fit into this quintessentially British sports car. While I have ridden in and driven, many MGB’s a Midget has not come my way, yet. I review many MGs, Triumphs, and Austins here at Barn Finds and this is one of the nicest, non-pretentious examples that I have come across – it’s originality is a tribute to a design and size that really no longer exists on roadways anywhere. If you are in the market for some fun, top-down, close to the road motoring, this MG Midget is a car to consider, don’t you think?
These are nice little cars. Bought a grey ’62 new and a red ’67 a few years ago. The one step up in trim from the plain Jane Sprite did wonders toward making it look like a real car. Some underside shots would be nice to see how bad that rust is. Not a problem to repair but takes time and money.
i appreciate your and all feedback and comments!
I”LL GET A FEW UNDERBODY SHOTS IN A DAY OR TWO.
(from a fellow far younger and agile than i!)
ROBERT
I had a 67 likewise The similarity between the 62 and 67 seem uncanny. I don’t think I knew the engine and body style was so similar. Shame on me for that. A nice looking car, you would be surprised how well they actually drove in the snow. Heaters were pretty good too considering.
If the rust isn’t bad, this is a nice honest midget. I had a 65 and a 67 fun cars.
Think of it as a “bugeye” at a way cheaper price, because the are.
I had one way back in my day, bought new at a MG-Volvo dealer in Sebring, Fl. The fuel gauge stopped working within 6 months and to change the transmission oil required a special tool – the design was deplorably user UNfriendly. The carburator floats regularly developed pinholes, requiring replacement- The top was a nightmare to erect, ergo it was in the trunk, unused and everything was in Whitworth measurements – the Brits are insane in some ways. Like british motorcycles, everything shook lose and it required the tightening of , especially the bolts holding the windshield in place.The car was a gas to drive, the low horsepower was NOT a detriment. Doing 70 on a twisty road sitting low enough to actually feel the road, this little machine felt like you were doing 120.
Best color combo of the early Midgets, inside and out. And it’s got those cool Ace Mercury wheelcovers which ups the ante quite a bit! This may be the best Spridget find on Barn Finds since I’ve been a subscriber. The close up of the passenger A pillar shows typical rust….beware what lurks underneath when you start prodding the surface. I’ve got a pair of replacement steel A pillars if anyone on here is the eventual buyer.
Once again, SMOG Exempt!!!
My brother had one of these back in the day. It got stuck in reverse one day, and he had to drive backwards across town to get home. This was in Washington D.C
I never thought about that one, but yes a car called a “Midget” is now potentially offensive to some as is the term “suicide doors” mentioned in the post below for the Lincoln. Sigh. What have we become?
And still, to this day nobody has a problem calling a car a “Probe”.. or an “Aspire”(what would I like to be when I grow up?)
Bought a 66 and a 68 AH Sprite brand new back in the day…..basically the same as the Midget. Fun cars and reasonably reliable. When I see these cars today and stand next to them I can’t believe I drove something that tiny living in Queens, NY during the mid-60’s !!!!
My first car was a red 62 midget. Drove it for my senior year of hs. Traded it in for a new 70 vw bug when I went off to college. To this day, I wish I had kept the mg. This one looks nice, especially the interior and dash. So many of these are missing switches, or have them located incorrectly.
In ’78 at 13yo, I went to buy a split window Beetle from a mechanic and ended up bringing home a ’62 Sprite with a factory hardtop that was way too far gone. Over my teenage years I learned to how to rebuild cars. Ended up with a ’62 Midget as well. Dropped in a 1098 & a new transmission. Lots of fun & many memories! Fun with Lucas Electrics (Prince of Darkness / Get home before dark, etc.) often wonder about the split window though…
———– and can you believe ¨The Prince of Darkness¨ was bailed out and bought (??) by Bosch? I wonder who held a gun at the head of Bosch, because noone can tell me they were that stupid. Quasi the same story with Mercedes and Chrysler. They lost more money on that deal than the national debt and I know they are far from stupid, in fact they are tough as nails as it relates to corporate negotiations. My o my, if we would know the goings-on behind the take-over facade.