MG Midget 1500
Healthy 60psi oil pressure from cold, plus minimal choke and this Midget is quickly out on the road, with a smooth clutch and an exact full synchromesh four-speed gearbox. The driving experience is impressive – there’s ample feedback through the positive steering while the suspension offers rattle-free handling with willing brakes and the temperature gauge remains steady in traffi c.
BODYWORK CHECK
This is an older restoration from 2008 and the bare metal respray in Glacier White has collected remarkably few blemishes over the past 11 years. There’s one small stone chip on the nearside front wing plus a touch-in carried out to the offside front wheel arch. Unmarked bumpers complement the lower black gloss finish and a look underneath reveals an even coating of protection with no evidence of patch repairs and a full stainless exhaust system. Refurbished Rostyle wheels with chrome embellishing rings wear recent tyres while the chrome is bright, with just the rear light surrounds showing signs of age.
Panel gaps are exact all-round and chrome MG kick plates have been fitted.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior was refurbished in 2008 with new seat covers and door cards plus carpets that are protected by rubber mats. This immaculately kept interior has seen just 4000 miles use since the resto, the seats confi rming light use and the dash featuring the correct crinkle fi nish. All the gauges and switches operate correctly. The soft-top is recent, as is the cover that protects it when folded away and the aftermarket roll hoop is of good quality and fits well. The bright red Luisi steering wheel may not be to all tastes, but its smaller diameter does usefully aid entry and exit into and out of the compact cabin.
UNDER THE BONNET
Bright clean paint extends to the engine bay, where the fi nish matches the exterior, and the engine block is clean with no signs of fl uid leaks. Several extras have been added, including alloy covers for the radiator and master cylinders, plus uprated disc brakes. A comprehensive history file lists all the mechanical work carried out, including a new clutch 4000 miles ago and £2000 spent in the past two years on items including a timing chain, oil cooler, brake servo and electronic ignition.
THE CCW VIEW
This must surely be one of the nicest Midget 1500s available, its two previous owners having clealy dug deep to maintain a show standard. Road manners are excellent and the drivetrain has clearly been wellmaintained. The cabin presents extremely well and while the exterior has the odd blemish, the panels are straight and the fi nish bright.