Having owned three Spridgets, I can vouch for the fact that if you are agile enough to successfully get in and out of one and if you are short enough to drive one with the top up — never mind, who would drive this cutie with the top up — they offer as much fun per dollar as any vintage sports car around. This one was donated to a charity and is now being sold here on eBay without a reserve. It’s located in Orange, California.
Wait a minute, you say, I thought MG Midgets had squared-off rear wheel openings. Ah, but they did–from 1962 to 1971 and from 1975 until the Midget was produced December 7, 1979. However, in between they had these pretty round wheel wells (and no, I’m not sure why they went back to the original design although I’ve heard the squared-off openings are more rigid).
When I started this article, I didn’t think this was an original color, but after doing some research an Aqua (code BLVC 60)was offered on 1972 Midgets and it looks similar to this color. It certainly suits the car and appears to be in wonderful condition, even when viewed closely.
As I alluded to earlier, a Midget is quite snug inside. I am impressed that someone took the time to fold the top correctly, although it would be even better if they had installed the tonneau cover that’s in the trunk to cover it up.
Needless to say, in a car this small there isn’t a lot of trunk room. That’s the tonneau cover on top; I wonder what the box contains? Honestly, it’s rare when I can’t find fault with a car when I’m writing it up, but if you are looking for a vintage driver-quality British sports car without paying a lot of money, this is one of the best I’ve seen! If it were on my coast I’d be bidding.
The 1275 cc A-series engine features twin SU carburetors and in this case is fitted with a nice aftermarket aluminum valve cover and chrome air filter shields. Although the seller says that the tires are only at 40% wear left, they do say it runs and drives well and honestly, I’d love nothing better than to fly out and drive it back to North Carolina — but there’s that little (ok, big) problem of being able to get in and out easily! But don’t let that stop you from doing it! Let us know what you think about this teal deal!
Wouldn’t buy this car because of the color but you don’t see many of these cars in this good condition. Nice.
One other note… installing the early model seats gives you almost 5 inches more front to back room for the taller folks. Our ’67 had the early seats and I had to run the driver’s seat up quite to reach the pedals. Guy we bought the car from was 5’11” and he fit fine.
friend of mine in high school had one of these. It felt like driving a go-kart and your arse was going to get brush-burns on every bump you went over. A really small car compared to whats on the highways today. Can’t confirm the square/round wheel openings, but I like the color and the chrome bumpers!
Checked it out. It’s got MAJOR rust underneath and leaking oil. Up close the paint does have some rust spots etc. Cool little car though.
What kind of major rust?
’72s ’73s and early ’74s had the radiused wheel openings. Went back to the original openings when the rubber bumpers showed up.
That’s a nice looking MG! I had a ’72 MGB that same color and this is the first Midget I’ve seen with it. Really like the old dealer nameplate still on the back, that dealership was in Oklahoma City and began selling MG and Jaguar in 1959. I haven’t had a Midget in 25 years and wish I could fit in one as this is one I’d want to look into. The rust and oil leak comment made by another person wouldn’t deter me.
Back in the mid 70’s, I had a early Spitfire and was looking for some parts for it. Found a mechanic that has 2 Midgets for sale as a package deal, one driver and one for parts and the price wasn’t bad. I was tempted till I went to open the drivers door and found the area around the top hinge was rusted out (car side), so only the bottom hinge was functional. Renting a place at that time so didn’t have anywhere to work on it, so had to pass. It was tempting, British Racing Green with a black interior so it looked great.
Don’t care for the color of this one but it looks good otherwise overall.
These are fun to drive. My wife at the time and I looked at one for her sister. We drove it on a sunny day, top down. I liked it, she liked it and it became ours. Not by choice. Rather, my choice. But, happy wife, happy ex. Gauges didn’t work. Water pump failed on a highway run and by the time I knew what was going on, it had given up its soul. Located a donor engine and made the switch. Had it running great with the gauges now working and you know the rest of the story. The wife, now ex, wanted it gone. Too much work. For her? Guy next door purchased it so I got to see him enjoying it. He enjoyed it more than I enjoyed the ex. Unlike the ex, these are easy to work on and replacement parts are easy to come by. Unlike women. I’m still single. Looks good, but it appears they want the buyer to pay the Ebay fees. Like divorce court, it is never really over.
A rubber bumper Midget was hard for me to stuff myself into 30 years ago. Today I find it difficult to get in / out of my similar colored 1972 MGB – it would make a nice stable-mate, but need to pass.
They got rid of the round wheel arch because in a light rear end hit the back would fold up .. I prefer the round one but I have a 61 sprite and a 76 Midget.. the simple styling of the earlier one is nicer
You’re right. The 1972-74 RWA Midget would not meet 1975 US rear impact standards. Instead of redesigning the rear end, it cost BL nothing to swap in the old SWA dies to meet the new requirements.
About 15 years ago, I had a co-worker that drove an MGB in the same color from early spring to late fall – he loved that car.
It really stood out in that color, and looked very nice.
If you are going to bid, read carefully, Even though this is a “charity” auction, seller charges an 8% buyer’s premium, and $60 fee + $20/day storage.
Nice looking RWA Midget, freight cost would eat me up or I’d be bidding.
Factor in a plane ticket within 3 days as well. Description says “CASH IN PERSON ONLY”. I wonder why?
I was looking at offerings from the British motor Corporation in 1971. An MG midget could be had for
$2,245. Canadian, a TR 6 for $3,595.
Ended up getting a ’71 Nova, 307 V8, bucket seats, positraction and a 3 speed Muncie manual floor shift.
$3,400.
Nova was a great car, had it for 12 years until my ex wife smashed it up. Always wondered what direction in life would have changed with an MG or TR 6!
What’s something like this worth?
I own a 79 love it have a hard time getting in at 72 years old but I still love it
I was stopped driving it home the female officer had never seen one
She was aploiging for stopping me I put her at ease by showing her my retired police it
And laughing. So I let her drive it and. Driving the cop car. As a retired sgt I could do,that I see her a lot