Lot Ended
Description
1973 MG Midget
Sound little MG restored some
time ago; lots spent over the years; round-arch model; the perfect starter
classic
The last
in the line of MG Midgets started life as a re-badged Austin Healey Sprite. A
development of the famous “Frogeye”, the Sprite used a unitary body with double
wishbone suspension at the front and 1/4 elliptic springs at the
rear.
The first
cars had rudimentary sliding side screens and were quite primitive. As time went
on, improvements such as winding windows, semi elliptic rear springs, engine
capacity increases from 948cc, through 1,098cc to the 1,275cc A-Series engine
from the Mini Cooper S were introduced. By the time the Mk III was launched in
1966 with a proper folding hood, the car had evolved
significantly.
This
lasted until 1974 when major revisions were undertaken including rubber bumpers
and the 1,500cc engine from the Spitfire – things were never quite the same
after that.
This 1973
Midget is from that ‘sweet spot’ in the car’s development, offering relative
creature comforts, the 1,275cc engine and the cheeky looks of the original. This
one is also from the era of the round rear wheel arch, the prettiest of the
bunch.
It comes with a file of invoices dating
back to the 1990s, and has clearly had plenty spent on it over the years, notes
on file totalling £3,205 spent during this period. A further £2,648 was spent
between 2006-2013, with a further £564 added during
2018-2019.
It has been upgraded with a sturdy
roll bar and more comfy seats from Chase MG, all supported by the detailed notes
on file.
Among the items fitted in 2010 was a
new clutch. Since then, the car has done very little and we note that the clutch
could do with bleeding as it takes a few pumps to get it to disengage. In fact,
it appears to have covered just 500 miles or so since 2005 so it would do with a
general check over before use once more.
The
car has had 14 owners over the last 48 years and looks solid underneath with
respectable paintwork, although it isn’t going to win any trophies, but it is
offered at a very sensible guide price.
This
cute little Midget needs proper use and enjoyment. Prices have hardened of late
on chrome bumper Midgets, so much so that they are knocking on the door of MGB
values. This car offers use and improve classic motoring for those on a tight
budget.
For more information – contact
matthew.parkin@brightwells.com