It looks like you could just jump in this brilliantly red 1962 MG Midget and drive off, but apparently, you can’t. The car here on eBay in Lutz, Florida with no reserve was “found sitting for a long time as part of a large collection of vintage cars.” Bidding is at only $510 but is sure to go at least a little higher.
The owner says the motor “spun over when I moved the car in gear, but it has not been started in many years. So it is being listed as a non-running project. It does roll and steer easily when pushed.”
The front bumper is just lightly bolted on, and so are the air filters. But, hey, even I could tighten the bumper and air filters down without calling in the professionals. And these little four-banger engines aren’t all that complicated. It isn’t necessary to import a mechanic from England.
There isn’t much more on the car, but there are 171 photos that tell a pretty good story. The paint is shiny but with scratches, nicks, gouges, etc. There isn’t much chrome on these cars (virtually identical to the Mark II Austin-Healey Sprite of the period) but what’s there looks pretty good. The seats are discolored but not torn. That shag carpeting on the floor and the parcel shelf is not original. The front grille has crushed bars.
The MG has a luggage rack but no top is evident. A fair-weather flyer then? It looks like someone did a quick-and-dirty job on this car to get it back on the road, without much regard for originality. And then, for whatever reason, let it sit. You could certainly drive it as-is, but don’t go near any Concours D’Elegance.
OK, what is a MG Midget? The MGB’s little brother. It was produced from 1961 to 1979, powered by the 46-horsepower 948-cc A-Series motor with twin SUs originally, but then with 1,098-cc and 1,275-cc and 1.5-liter versions. This one’s early production, so it has one of the smaller motors. Disc brakes came in late in 1962, so it’s unclear if this example has them.
This fireball could hit 87.9 mph and took 18.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. Speed wasn’t the thing—wind in the hair was. The first series (Mark I) Midgets until 1963 lacked wind-up windows, external door handles, and separate locks—they were as secure as, well, a bank with no alarm. There were 26,601 Mark I Midgets built, and most were left hookers sent to America. This is one of ‘em. The Midget kept going right to the end of MG production in 1980, but by that time (like the B) they’d become uglified by rubber bumpers and other ills. The early ones are the prettiest, and the most basic.
Classic.com says these aren’t especially valuable cars. The average for a Mark I Midget is $9,633, but the outlook is for them to go higher. Looks like a relatively easy project for someone.
Look like it’s pretty solid. The bent up grill is going to be a project in itself as as the aftermarket ones are no longer available and used ones are really rare. The top bows are in the trunk and come apart and pull out of receptacles just behind each door opening. Should be a good car with a little work.
Plus, “.. these little four-banger engines aren’t all that complicated. It isn’t necessary to import a mechanic from England.” They’re so simple that my dad, brother and I overhauled one of these on the homemade workbench in the garage-after my mom had a fit when she thought we were talking about doing it on the dining room table..😳😝
These are a whole lotta fun like bobhess has always said.
It’s kind of like being on your skateboard going down the biggest hill in town as a kid!
My parents came home once to find my 67 VW Type 3 fastback calipers simmering in the big stew pot on the kitchen stove.
I was determined to rebuild them and the pistons were stuck. The official pulling tool merely tore the little grab rim off each piston.
Soooo….
I put my grease gun on the bleeders to slowly push the pistons out in little increments, controlling them with C-clamps.
Then, to clear the grease from the passages without any solvent residue I simmered them, changing the water twice.
They worked perfectly. The pot was fine.
The VW parts staff insisted the car was a 68 stating discs were not used on the 67! The reg said 67. It had front disc’s, rear drums, a two carbs. It was a great ride a fun to drive.
My first car was a ’62 Midget. I was 16 and had saved up a few bucks from after school work and selling off my old bikes and go kart. My folks said I could get a car as long as I could pay the gas and insurance. Had my eye on a yellow MG TD for 400.00, but my Dad who I thought knew nothing said it was not a car for a teenager and he found a 2 year old Midget for 1200.00 and co-signed for the loan balance. Fun car- did a lot of autocrosses and what we called “tours” which were just impromptu races on back country roads. Eventually met up with a guy who had an oil leaking XK 120FHC who gave me the Jag and enough cash to pay off my loan balance and he drove away in the Midget and I drove away in the Jag.
My first new car was a ’62 Midget. Loved it.
Unfortunately, as I discovered once very much to my discomfort, not for 6 footers, especially 6 footers with a 36″ inseam.
Had a 63 with a hardtop in the early 1980’s in perfect condition until a neighbor had to have his car towed, tow truck backed into the midget and did a surprisingly large amount of damage….but the cars are a blast to drive, this looks like a great project for someone.
The way the doors appear to fit, I’d be concerned about the state of the pillars that they hinge on, a known trouble spot. The hood seems to be a bit bent, as if it had been closed on a tool or something. The engine is easy, it’s the gearbox I’d be worrying about. All that said, the bid is up over $2k, but if it didn’t go much farther AND if I had a covered spot to store/work I’d be in the mix for this one. I wonder if the dual op/temp gauge still works… I’ve owned several Mk2 Sprites in my day, this is the same car.
That ’70s inspired plush carpet on the rear shelf and door pockets sold me…
That shag carpet is what has me worried. In a humid state like Florida, something that moisture absorbent could do a lot of damage over the years.
But I’ve been there and done that with a Midget (albeit a poor 79 that was loaded down with every performance robbing enhancement Joan Claybrook and company could dream up). Fun little cars to drive though, and they will go many places that seem unlikely at first. Like through park gates and even over footbridges if you’re careful.
Wow! A rare Midget without door handles! I have seen and had more Sprites of this post Bugeye vintage. It looks straight and is an easy redo ( for me). I would put a 1275 motor in and drive it!! The seats are OK but the shag carpeting has to go!! A simple, simple. little vehicle….. and fun!!
ha ha – yes, the carpet is pretty gross but can easily be replaced.
just to be a pedant, the write-up mentions the A-series engine in 948, 1,098, 1,275 and finally 1.5L versions… which isn’t quite correct. The final engine used in the Midget from 1976 on was not an A-series, but the Triumph 1,493cc engine as used in the Spitfire, much to MG enthusiasts’ horror.. (Imagine that, having your cherished MG powered by your main rival’s engine). The A-series, great little engine though it was – could not be made to meet the US emissions standards and still produce adequate power.. and as MG and Triumph were all part of the amalgamated British Leyland company by that time – they just used the Triumph engine they had available and certified for US market.
It’s a British car for young people.
Of course it has Shag carpetting.