MG Midget Mk. I
Car-ID: XT0203
Vehicle Description
– tartan red 1963 MG Midget Mk. I
– according to BMIHT certificate, produced 13-14 February 1963, despatched 19 February 1963
– specifications for “home market”, RHD car, imported to Germany in 1994
– factory fitted equipment includes heater, toughened glass windscreen, red tonneau cover
– original 1,098 cc engine was at one point replaced with 948 cc engine ex Austin A 40 MK2
– full ownership history since 1987
– restored 2007 / 2008, photo documentation available
– 13″ painted wire wheels and wood-rim steering wheel
– stainless steel exhaust system
– vehicle comes with FIVA identity card and British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate
– successful participation in numerous classic car rallyes, amongst others Paul-Pietsch-Klassik, Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik etc.
– valid technical approval until 05/2018 and historic plates
“Midget” was a popular name for MG’s small sports cars; it had been employed since 1929 and had also been used for the long-running T series production of which ended in 1955. The “new Midget” of 1961, however, was not strictly speaking an MG at all, instead it was a badge-engineered version of the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk. II – a fact which MG enthusiasts didn’t like much at first. However, the lightweight open two seater became a great success and ended up out-selling its Austin-Healey counterpart. During its 18-year production run, the Midget was facelifted several times: The Mk II (1964) brought wind-up windows and swivelling quarter lights. The Mk III (1966) featured a permanently attached hood which was much easier to use. In 1974, the Midget 1500 came with large plastic bumpers and an increased ride height to meet US regulations. Of course, engine size and power output also increased over time: from 948 cc / 34 kW (46 hp) originally to 1,493 cc / 48 kW (66 hp). An interesting detail is that the shape of the rear-wheel arches went from a somewhat square shape to round, and back again. Across all versions, just short of 225,000 MG Midgets were built.
