1973 MG Midget

Convertible

1275cc Bored .040 over

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

INTRODUCTION: I started my Midget addiction back in the early 90's. I have owned 5 Midgets over the last 26 years and although I learned a lot, I still consider my skills hobby level at best. In 2004, I purchased this Midget with the sole purpose of restoring it. But not just restore it. I wanted this one to be the best. I wanted it to have every detail and I wanted to enter it into shows. I wanted it to turn heads and make the purist gasp in disgust. And I was quite successful because the purist hate it. Again, I am a only a hobbyist so most of the work was done on stray weekends and took many years to actually complete. I am also well aware that restoring these little gems have little return in appreciation other than the joy I got by being in my garage. I stopped accounting for all the new parts but at last recollection, I was over $14K in parts. So why sell? Well, after I finished it, put it in shows, and got some awards, I simply lost interest. It was never the most practical car to drive with a family and I think I liked restoring it better than actually driving it. I have also discovered a new hobby restoring boats which I have done now for several years. Over the last 5 years, I may have taken the Midget out for a drive only a handful of times. So it has been sitting in the garage for many years collecting dust. A couple of years ago, my weed eater fell off the shelf and made a very small dimple on the back quarter panel. Its very minor and wont even show up in a picture but to me it was like having my heart torn out. So after much deliberation, I decided it was best to let her go and have someone else drive the car like it should be! The car is very fast and responsive! THE CAR IS A STAR!! In 2012, I was at my last car show (got first place) and was approached by the producers of the reality TV show "Lizard Lick Towing". They asked if I would be willing to let them use my car in an upcoming episode. Intrigued by the thought of my car being on T.V., I agreed. I also agreed to an acting role as the "victim". At any rate, the car has been on national T.V. and the car is autographed by the stars of the show Ron, Bobby, Big Juicy and Crazy Dave. I'm sure you can search the internet for the episode which I think is Season 2, Episode 21. Please know however that the car didn't really blow an engine. This and some of the car noises are special effects. The car is also misquoted as being a 1979 which anyone who knows MG's knows that's impossible. If you email me, I can send you a link to this episode. RESTORATION DETAILS: ENGINE1275CC Professionally Rebuild and Balanced by T-Hoff Motor ShopNew Pistons (bored .040 over)New BearingsNew Swiftune SW5 CamNew Oil PumpNew Radiator and hosesNew 10" electric cooling fan (Installed but not wired to a thermostat)Rebuilt Head (slightly ported)ARP Head StudsNew Aluminum Valve coverProfessionally rebuilt SU carbs by Acme Racing in S.C. (you may see a picture or two of the car fitted with a Weber Carb. It does not have Webers. I removed that crap and fitted the original SU's)New fuel tank and sending unit (new tank was clearcoated on the exterior. Still shines)New fuel electric pump (old mechanical pump removed and blanked off)New headerNew Pacesetter exhaust (very nice sound!)New water pumpNew AlternatorNew Mallory Dual Point Distributor converted to Crane Electronic IgnitionNew sound insulation under hood (one of the best upgrades) TRANSMISSIONDatsun 5 speed with Rivergate conversion kit (best upgraded and extremely desirable)New ClutchNew Clutch CylinderNew Stainless Steel Clutch lineNew U-JointsCustom made leather shift gator (not aftermarket junk)Custom Mahogany gear shift knob made by local wood turner to match new Mahogany Steering Wheel BRAKESNew Master CylinderNew Slave CylindersNew Disk, Drums and Pads SUSPENSIONNew Rear Springs and Rebound strapsRebuilt Front Lever ShocksNew red poly bushings throughoutNew Tie RodsRebuilt Rear AxleRebuilt Front AxleNew 14" Aluminum Wheels and Tires (bolted via a custom made aluminum pattern adapter)I also have the original Roystyle wheels which have been sandblasted and painted in the original colors that come with the car! EXTERIORCeramic Pearl White Clearcoat- This is an amazing color! The pearl really looks nice in the sun. The paint was applied professionally over the original paint surface. It was applied to a bare shell so there are no tape lines around lights or door handles. The paint is as good on the outside as it is in the engine compartment. I didn't pay big dollars for this work so don't expect absolute perfection. I would give the finish an 8 out of 10. It shines nice and easy to clean. An undercoating was applied under the carChrome Windshield- You will rarely, if ever, see this on any other midget. It looks amazing.Chrome Grill- Again, you wont see this anywhere. It is beautiful!All new Lights and Gaskets. Headlights are H4 HalogensNew MirrorsNew Door LatchesNew Door SealsBumpers are original chrome but look really goodNew convertible top- There is a scratch on the rear vinyl window from being folded wrong. I keep this car garaged and have never had the top up. It may be difficult to snap if you attempt to use it until it gets stretched out. Convertible Boot- No tears but has one button that likes to fall off. Easily fixed. INTERIORNew Dash- This is not one of those cheap plastic cover ups. It is a all new reproduction dash!Custom Made Gauge Covers- I didn't like the black gauges so I made my own high quality vinyl covers that are more of a "magnolia" color. These are so well made that I used to sell them on Ebay.New Interior PanelsNew Carpet- This wasn't a "kit". All hand cut and bound. It doesn't look as new as it use to but it still looks really nice. New "MG" floor matsNew VisorsMazda Miata Seats- I got these from a salvage yard they are the most comfortable upgrade for a Midget. I put new speakers in the headrest and then had the seats professionally recovered with real leather. Both seats are also heated on the back and bums!!Custom Built Center Console- This is a very modern luxury with an LCD screen which splashes the MG LOGO when the engine starts. It has a functioning back up camera when you put the car in reverse. It also has GPS! USB and AUX PORT are custom mounted on the console. The stereo is powered by a pioneer CD player with Kenwood 6x9 speakers. Great sounding speakers! The stereo also controls the speakers in the headrest which is great for top down driving. Thor Alarm- The car has an alarm system with key fob. It also has a functioning remote start when the car is left in neutral (hand brake up).Roll Bar- Its in the car but I haven't bolted it downFloors are solid AWARDSBest in Class- British Motor Club of Cape FearBest in Class- North Carolina MG Car ClubSecond Place- British Car Day SouthSecond Place- Shelton's Vineyard Car Show sponsored by the Triumph Club of the Carolinas. DISCLOSURE Please note that what I call "new" was likely installed 6 years ago but because the car hasn't really been driven, I think it is still applicable. When I purchased the car, I think it had 60K miles but I cant prove that because the original speedometer was damaged during the restoration and discarded. The speedometer that is on it now, I purchased off Ebay and displays 6,020. The Rivergate Datsun transmission upgrade requires an adapter to connect the speedometer. This just wasn't important to me. I think its a $50 part. I will attempt to disclose what I know but please keep in mind that if you purchase this car sight unseen, you will be obligated to follow through with the sale. I am happy to show you this car in person, and I strongly recommend doing so! For those interested in the heritage, the VIN # is GAN5UD132516G * There is a very small dimple in the rear quarter panel. So minor, it wont show up in a picture. I was going to try to tap it back out but didn't want to risk chipping the paint for something so minor. * There is a tick size chip in the paint just below the windshield. Easily repaired if you have a touch up gun (I have the paint code!). * There are also several very small (pen tip size) chips here and there (maybe 3) but this is to be expected as the car is used! * There is some paint bubbling on the rear quarter panel where rocks have flung off the tires. The panel is solid and can also be easily be sanded down and blended with a touch gun. * The choke cable is new but for some reason it is difficult to pull. It works just fine but its just not as easy to pull as it should be. I think the springs on the carb are too tight. * The carbs are freshly rebuilt (just two years ago) but they need tuned because it idles a tad too high @ 1200 rpm. Doesn't bother me and the car drives very spirited! * I don't recommend this car for anyone that doesn't have some mechanical abilities. MG's are known for frequent maintenance and tuning. But they are a blast to drive! * I have not had the car dyno tested so I couldn't possibly tell you what the HP is with all the upgrades. I have owned 5 and I can tell you this is the fastest Midget I have ever owned. * Occasionally the splash screen on the LCD wont power up when the engine is started. I think this is because the screen was designed with a rechargeable battery. So if not used for a while, it takes a minute to power on. It has never not worked, it just has this small hiccup when not used. * Just like all MG's, it drips oil from the scroll seal at the oil pan. I corrected this by installing a PCV to vent the sump but on very rare occasions it may drip one or two drops. If you know these cars, you know how normal this is! WARRANTY There is no warranty with this car implied or otherwise. Despite all the new parts and its fresh appearance, its still a 42 year old car! Your purchase is final and you must pick up the car even if you come here to pick it up and don't like it for any reason. I just wont play those games. Don't bid unless you know everything you need to know to take possession. The title is clear and ready to transfer. Feel free to email me with questions and good luck!