By 1974 the US Midgets were equipped with a 1493 CC engine with only a single Zenith-Stromberg carburetor and 50 HP thanks to an air pump, EGR valve and catalytic converter to meet emissions standards. This Midget looks great from here doesn’t it? It is even rust free, being a California car. One could almost imagine it lowered and with chrome bumpers. The odometer shows less than 2,500 miles. It even runs, well on starter fluid. So, why is it offered for $945 with the statement “Don’t be shy!. Send any reasonable offer!!”? This is an example of how great a car can look in an eBay posting. Thanks to Jim S for the tip on this interesting listing!

Here’s you answer, as they say, or at least part of it. What’s hiding under all that bondo do you suppose? A door and a fender can be easily replaced, but what about the door sill and the quarter panel? How bad could that be?

And then there’s the interior. A good cleaning would go a long way, but that driver’s seat is going to need serious help. The interior shows this car has at least 125,000 miles.

It really does look solid underneath. It could be the best looking part of the car. If only the rest of the car looked this good!

The engine bits are all there and it fires, on starter fluid anyway. These engines are pretty simple, so getting it running shouldn’t be too difficult.

Is this Midget worth fixing or is it just a parts car? It’s listed on eBay in Oakland, California. It’s a lien sale auction by an impound yard. The buyer will receive California Lien Sale Paperwork. There have been no takers at $995. What do you think it might be worth? There’s a video on YouTube that shows more detail and the engine firing. Could it work for a fun, cheap driver with just the driver’s seat repaired and the interior cleaned up? As a parts car, what would it be worth? For most, the urge is perhaps to walk away as quickly as possible, clutching your wallet.