If you’re into small sports cars, they don’t come much shorter than the MG Midget. It was a little roadster built across four generations by MG from 1961 to 1979. Once you get into one of these cars, you wear it as much as you drive it. This third-gen Midget from 1968 is a non-running project that the seller bought years ago to restore but has yet to get around to. So, the buyer gets a chance to do the heavy lifting but at a low price. Available in Lake Ozark, Missouri, this miniature project is available here on craigslist for $1,750. Thanks for the discovery, Gunter Kramer!
The Mk III Midget arrived on the scene in 1966 and hung around through 1974. While the engine size would grow to 1275 cc, it wasn’t as strong a runner in the U.S. due to some detuning that took place. Horsepower was down from 76 to 65 thanks to a reduced compression ratio. The hood was now a permanent part of the car rather than removable. They looked about the same and were an improvement over the 1974 versions that got fat black rubber bumpers for safety reasons.
As the story goes, the seller bought this MG as you see it and it’s been in the back of his/her shop ever since. No mention is made if it runs, so we will assume (at the price) it does not. The indicated mileage is 54,000 and that’s probably legit. It comes with wire wheels, and they look pretty good. Rust doesn’t seem to be a big problem with solid floors, but a hole exists behind the wheels. The seller says that Moss Motors is the place to go for parts, so get your shopping list ready!
Had a 67 back when I was young and flexible. I am 6′ 2″ and had a ball with the little car. Drive it hard for a couple years and they are quite simple to work on. Little 1275 would sing, and never complain. Mine was red, if course, brings back memories. 67 had the positive ground yet, Lucas the prince of darkness, if I remember correctly the car had two fuses in the fuse box. Was a good time.
Don’t know what happened to my initial comments but this is a great car to refurbish during the winter. The ’67s and ’68s were the best run of the bunch.
68 is a desirable year (for me). From the pictures it looks to be all there. it’s a good reasonable start for a Spridget project. Fun to do, not hard ( if you have reasonable experience) and fun to drive. They get just as many looks as car that cost ten times as much ( if that is what you are into). I prefer steel wheels but this is an early year that looks really good with those cute 13″ wire wheels ( hope the are not worn). Get a set of knock offs and get rid of the octagon hubs and it will look really sharp!! Spridgets are one of those sport model cars that you don’t have to worry about hurting the value in your restoration process. Build the car the way YOU want it and not what you think it is supposed to be according to others.