1971 MG Midget

Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

GAN5UB103269G

Gasoline

Driving this car is like walking a puppy in the park; it brings a smile to everyone’s face. You’ll smile too if you are the winning bidder for this MG Midget. Pried from the hands of its loving first owner of 38 years last spring after injury and eventual disability prevented him from ever driving it again. This car provided dependable transportation its first few years then became an occasional Sunday car until falling into complete disuse. In 1993 a partial restoration to a high standard commenced and was complete by summer 1994. The original owner was injured shortly thereafter, the car has seen very little use since completion. It looks as if it just rolled out of the paint shop. After disassembly, metal and paintwork were done to a high standard by a well regarded restorer. Engine was cleaned, painted and re-installed as it ran well, didn’t use oil and had never given any trouble. Suspension was refreshed with new shock absorbers, bushings and other pieces as needed. Interior is the original excepting the carpet which was replaced with new reproduction. Approximately $12,000 was spent, I have the documentation. Failure of the clutch hydraulics finally prompted the man who brought it home when new to finally part with it. I was in the right place at the right time. The Midget now has a complete new clutch, master and slave cylinders. Rubber brake hoses and the brake master cylinder are also just done. A new valve cover gasket was installed to correct a leak there, a new choke cable installed, all fluids refreshed and a few misc. bits replaced. The engine runs well, it is quiet and doesn’t smoke, starts right up and pulls smoothly without hesitation once warmed. Driving off with a cold engine requires a bit of fiddling with the choke. The SU carbs intimidate me so I haven’t attempted any adjustment, maybe it’s not needed and I’m just spoiled by modern cars. It’s just fine when warm. Transmission shifts nicely but drips some. A friend insists I’m overfilling it by filling until it runs out the fill plug, perhaps he is right, be advised it drips. This car drives nicely hands off, stops as it should and corners like a go kart. Tires are Michelin with good tread, brakes are not new but not needing replacement any time soon. The folding top bears a date code from 1990 is generally good with clear “glass” but has two small tears from age and folding which are shown in the photos. This car hasn’t seen a raindrop in decades so the top has been a moot point. This brings me to the wipers which are inoperative. I don’t know why, haven’t investigated and frankly don’t care for the reason just mentioned. The exhaust system is all stainless steel with a polished muffler. All lights, horn and signals work as does the heater blower and all instruments. It has a period aftermarket push button stereo radio that also works, two speakers are installed behind the seats in the top well. EDIT: There have been several questions regarding the front fenders, specifically the placement of the turn signals. In the parts receipts is a left fender from Long motor corp. for a # 9-9808-T fender , frt, LH. Checking the current catalog this part is for cars built from 61-69, ordered in error and apparently not noticed until it was too late. It's common practice for body parts to be painted off the car and assembled later. All this was done before my time. I have a Rostyle spare rim and tire not shown in the pictures and a box of misc. “stuff”, some new, some old that will come with the car along with the file documenting restoration and recent work done. Bid only if you have the intent and ability to pay. The reserve amount isn't disclosed for a reason, don't ask, you'll know if and when it gets there.