This Mk IV Midget was made the same year that the UK government nationalized British Leyland, turning it into a ward of the state. Five years later, after spending the equivalent of $22 billion in taxpayer funds to support the company, BL’s slate of offerings in the US was reduced to only one make: Jaguar. The Austins, Spitfires, MGBs, TR7s and 8s, Midgets and others – all were gone, victims of mismanagement that began years before. This Midget provides an exposé of the approach taken by BL as problems emerged in its business. It sits higher on its suspension than its older siblings as a response to US safety regulations, hampering handling; rather than a re-design, it received heavy rubber bumpers to cope with 5 mph crash requirements; its powerplant was borrowed from the Spitfire and choked down to one Zenith carburetor as an attempt to balance fuel use and emissions limits. Granted, most car makers were adjusting in similar ways to the rapidly changing landscape – but BL fumbled worse than its brethren. Corporate ineptitude aside, this Midget is inexpensive, in decent condition, and presents a reasonable opportunity to enter the world of vintage cars.
Emissions and fuel usage regulations – on top of gasoline formulation changes – did present formidable challenges to car makers. Most companies simply didn’t have time to adjust designs and engineering to the new requirements. British Leyland’s solution meant finding increased displacement in the form of the Spitfire’s 1500 cc four-cylinder (versus the 1275 cc A-series in the Mk III Midget): the bigger displacement helped offset the myriad emissions devices now required to sell a car in the US. The red valve cover marks this as a US-delivery car, with its single Zenith carb and asthmatic 55 bhp. An all-synchro, four-speed gearbox from the Marina brings power to the wheels; a change in gear ratios actually gave the Mk IV better acceleration than the Mk III. This car does run and drive, but I’m suspicious of the electronic ignition and amateur wiring in here. The hose from the heater forward is missing, as is the air cleaner.
As the seller mentions, this Midget needs seats. The center badge in the steering wheel is missing, the door cards and other upholstery could use attention. But the carpets are nicely installed – looks like someone used heavy felt padding underneath. The door striker still wears primer overspray, and the wiring needs tidying. The stainless trim strip lying across the passenger compartment belongs above the driver’s side rocker. But the required finish work wouldn’t be enough to dissuade a buyer – if the price is right….
By 1975, the Midget’s bodywork had returned to the “square arch” configuration around the rear wheels; the short experiment with round arches did create an obsession within the Midget fan kingdom as to which shape is “better”. This top fits fine, and its windows will likely clean up (try Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze) at least partially. This 1975 Midget is listed here on facebook Marketplace for $4500; the new owner will pick up the car from Delavan, Wisconsin. Granted, the Mark IV isn’t the most collectible of Midgets, but if you want a fun car that’s easy to work on, this example deserves a look.
Oh oh, Wisconsin car, whoop, whoop, whoop, ( sirens blaring), Delavan, Wis., home to the delicious Andes Candies, this little pipka has seen some use, and it should, they were fun cars. 24K the 1st summer, maybe. The 1500 was a completely different motor, and I read, while no O/D was available for the Midget, they did change the rear axle ratio from 4:22 to 3:90, which made a stark improvement. While I don’t think this car was driven in the winter slop, most were fair weather cars, but believe it or not, Wis. does have nice weather for a couple months. Smiths gauges were the worst, and with digits askew here, it was toast a long time ago. Never recall seeing a radiator type cap on the valve cover, but tis’ true. And a gearbox from a,,,,”Marina”,,now there’s fodder for conversation. Nice car here, won’t find many better, and get your tools ready, you’ll need them.
Must have used a drone to take the pictures or the owner is 8 feet tall. No interest in parts pictures and the lack of underside shots. Agree the Brits made a mess of their cars in this era.
As they did their motorcycle industry beforehand..
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana
Depending on the underside, one could go against the “it’s only original once” grain; this would be a car that one could buy and not feel bad about changing it to be a weekend canyon cruiser. Open up the breathing/ intake/exhaust, lower it but no slamming-if you “low rider” a Midget who would realize it besides we 60+ year olds trying to get in and out? If an overdrive or 5-6 spd gearbox is possible go for it.
Not sure that $4500 is realistic though..
1970s Celica 5-spd works on Minors, so would probably be a goer here too.
Big bumper Stromberg car, my least favorite, and doubtless I’m not alone. I’m a side curtain guy all the way!
This is exactly the same as mine – even the colour.
They are fun to drive, and need to be checked regularly for fluid levels etc. but mine has been very reliable and is used as a daily driver from April till November.
They are surprisingly roomy and the claim that the extra ride height and bumpers “ruined” the car is overstated IMHO.
Maybe if you are racing it, but for a fun drive you are still plenty close to the ground and feel like you are going a lot faster than you actually are.
LOL, I believe the underside clearance was about 4 and a half inches. If that isn’t close enough…
I had a mk 3 back in the day a new one (I was in England those days) great fun cars , the electrical in this car look.s like it needs a lot of tidying up. I would lose the rubber bumpers and convert to chrome, the asking price is to HIGH
Personally, I like the black bumpers. But I watched one of these here in Ohio that wad in near mint condition go for $8000 just about a month ago, and I’d never pay 4 grand for one that needs this much work.
I am helping a friend sell one exactly like this for a lot less. It does sport a luggage rack on the trunk lid. Original owner, original title. Stored under cover until recently. Located in southern middle Tennessee. Interior, paint and dash present better than this one and it won’t set your back $4k. Weather is a little kinder to cars here than in Wisconsin. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10234540152903724&set=pcb.10169860678365294