MG Midget

ENGINE 1275cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 65bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 72lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 95mph 0-60MPH 14sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-32mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed man MoT September 2018 ODOMETER 12,690 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The engine pops instantly into life from cold and offers frisky performance on the road, lugging well at low revs and surging willingly beyond 4000rpm. The temperature gauge is sticking and the rev counter needle is initially erratic (it settles eventually), but everything else functions correctly and the oil pressure settles in the middle of the gauge, at around 50psi. Gear selection is easy, the brakes feel well balanced and there are no wobbles at speed, though we did feel just a hint of lift-off instability, suggesting that there might be room for improvement within the steering geometry.

BODYWORK CHECK

The Blaze paint is quite recent and is free from knocks, with the exception of two small (and easily touched-up) scratches behind the driver’s door. It’s not a perfect finish, but a very decent DIY effort. The brightwork has gentle surface pitting, mainly at the back, and while the hood is smart, the rear Perspex is showing slight discolouration. Such imperfections form part of the car’s patina, though, rather than being flaws, as the exterior overall is solid and tidy. The spotless 13in wheels are fitted with new-looking Mohawk 155/80 tyres.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The cabin is tidy and complete. The chunky leather steering wheel is misaligned, but in great condition, and the brown vinyl seats are marred only by a small abrasion on the passenger seat base. The recent carpets are also smart, as is the trim on top of the transmission tunnel, though some of it is a little loose. The trim on both doors is also in good order. There’s slight pitting around the instrument bezels and instrument binnacle, but nothing intrusive. The good Dunlop spare wheel lives in the boot, whose floor and inner rear wings look reassuringly solid. A battery kill switch has been installed beneath the steering column.

UNDER THE BONNET

The new paint doesn’t extend to the engine bay, where a few original ancillaries and surface corrosion (especially in the lower areas) give a period feel. There are no leaks, and the Accuspark ignition components and throttle linkage are all recent, as are most of the rubber hoses and stainless clips. A single Weber carb is fitted. The radiator and stainless exhaust date from 2016 and the vendor fitted a new fuel pump in 2017. The front brake discs also look new. The car’s history shows no advisories in any of its three MoTs since 2015. THE CCW VIEW Its minor cosmetic flaws don’t prevent this from feeling like a very solid and enjoyable Midget. Buyers who like to get their hands dirty will find cosmetic areas that could be improved without considerable effort. Theo Ford-Sagers