1973 MG MIDGET MKIII
ENGINE 1275cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 65bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 72lbft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 95mph 0-60MPH 13sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months ODOMETER See text WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Acceleration is enthusiastic and smooth, free from any nasty noises or hesitation. The gearchange is precise and steering sharp, though the tyre sidewalls add some unwanted spongy movement. Brakes operate without any fade or pulling. The handbrake operates easy and fully secures the car. There’s no whining from the rear axle or transmission.
BODYWORK CHECK
This Midget had a full restoration by MG specialist Naylor Brothers in 1995 using a British Motor Heritage shell, and it shows – the doors close with a quality ‘clunk’ and there’s no rot on this concours quality car. There are a couple of minor chips – one on the offside door, where a seatbelt buckle appears to have been trapped, and another – this one barely visible – on the front nearside wing. The chrome and other brightwork are free from knocks and dents and everything fits as it should. The Rostyle wheels are in excellent condition, except for some minute chrome tarnishing and light surface rust in some of the recesses.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The refurbished door cards complement the original black vinyl seats. The dashboard has been repainted with the correct finish, and fitted with new Smiths instruments. The odometer reads 239 miles covered, but the car had actually covered 50,000 miles prior to the speedometer change. The carpets and black vinyl hood are new and the hood frame has either been refurbished or is brand new. A cover to protect the hood when it is stowed is included. The original steering wheel is gently patinated and the seat belts – of the correct fixed three-point type as per original specification – are in good condition.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay isn’t far short of concours standard – it’s that good. All fluids are to the correct levels and the hoses and belts are in good condition. The engine idles cleanly at around 700rpm, shows good oil pressure and shows no sign of overheating. An unleaded cylinder head has been fitted and all suspension components are powder-coated. The history file includes every MoT and tax disc since 1979, plus all the bills for the rebuild and details of mileage between MoTs. A heritage certificate will accompany the car which shows the car has always been Blaze Orange and fitted with Rostyle wheels. Even the key numbers are original to the car. Nearly new Michelin Classic XZX 145/80 13 tyres are fitted, although the Rostyle spare in the boot wears an older Michelin.
THE CCW VIEW
If you’re looking for a desirable round rear arch Midget which is pretty much as it came from the factory, then this is worth a look. Just try and rebuild one to this standard for the money.