1963 MG Midget

MG Midget Mk1 and Mk2 (Convertible), 1961-1966

The MG Midget Mk1 was in production from 1961 to 1964, and then as the Mk2 to 1966. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive sports car range seating two adults.

The Midget was effectively a badge-engineered derivative of the Austin Healey Sprite, introduced alongside the MK2 version of the latter. The Sprite Mk2 beat the Midget Mk1 to production by one month, differing only in details such as the grille treatment. With a 948cc engine borrowed from the Austin A40, a rudimentary hood and side screens instead of side windows, the earlier Midgets were basic but fun. For 1962 a new larger 1098cc engine was standardised, alongside carpets and front disc brakes. The MK2 of 1964 brought a curved windscreen, quarterlights, exterior door handles, winding windows and a folding hood - creature comforts for a Midget driver, basics to anyone else. Barring the introduction of a sealed propshaft in 1965 to omit a grease point, the Midget would receive no further updates until the 1275cc Mk3 of 1966. In each case, there was an equivalent Austin-Healey Sprite, numbered one digit higher than the equivalent Midget.

Check for corrosion, both in the bonnet (where stress from flexing can promote corrosion) and in the front and rear valances. Sills and door bottoms are also favoured places for corrosion, as is the floor. The A-posts are structural, test these by checking the doors don't drop when opened. Fortunately, these cars are mechanically hardy and well-served for spares, and even trim can be easy to get in most colour combinations.

.If you can't bring yourself to drive an MG, you'll get an identical experience from the Austin-Healey Sprite. Later Midgets used Triumph engines, and while these are less pure they're also better value. Or you could have your Triumph engine in a Triumph chassis with the Midget's biggest rival, the Triumph Spitfire Mk1 and Mk2. The Midget's bigger brother the MGB is more of a grand tourer than a true sports car, but can still offer fun aplenty if you need the extra space.