1975 MG Midget

Midget Convertible

8 Cylinder 5.0 Liter

Manual

GAN6UF161378G

Gasoline

I SELL WORLD WIDE! Please note that I also have a 2005 Nissan Z350 Show Car and a 1997 Mercedes Benz SL500 convertible for sale! Please check my other listings! 1975 MG Midget FOR YOUR INFORMATION: I'm listing this for a friend who is a used car dealer, specializing in rare, unusual and vintage cars. He doesn't do eBay so I listed it for him..... I'm an automotive engineer with 35 years experience in the field, specializing in european and exotic automobiles. I have looked the car over carefully and here is what I found. TITLE INFORMATION: clear, lien free title in hand THE BACKGROUND: Here is littlebit of history for the folks not so familiar with the MG cars..... MG Midget MkI (1961-1964) The first version was essentially a slightly more expensive badge engineered version of the Austin-Healey Sprite MKII and retained the quarter-elliptic sprung rear axle from the original Sprite. The engine was a 948 cc A-Series with twin SU carburettors producing 46 hp (34 kW) at 5500 rpm and 53 lbf·ft (72 Nm) at 3000 rpm. Brakes were 7 in (178 mm) drums all round. A hard top, heater, radio and luggage rack were available as factory fitted extras. In October 1962 the engine was increased to 1098 cc raising the output to 56 hp (42 kW) at 5500 rpm and 62 lbf·ft (84 Nm) at 3250 rpm and disc brakes replaced the drums at the front. Wire-spoked wheels became available. The doors had no external handles or locks and the windows were sliding Perspex side-screens. A heater was an optional extra. Production was 16,080 of the small engined version and 9601 of the 1098. A car with the 948 cc engine was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1962 and had a top speed of 87.9 mph (141.5 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 18.3 seconds. A fuel consumption of 40.2 miles per imperial gallon (7.03 L/100 km; 33.5 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £689 including taxes on the UK market. MG Midget MkII (1964-1966) Externally the main changes were to the doors, which gained wind-up windows, swivelling quarter lights, external handles and separate locks. The windscreen also gained a (slight) curvature and was retained in a more substantial frame. The hood (US - top), though modified, continued to have a removable frame that had to be erected before the cover was put on. The rear springs were replaced by more conventional semi-elliptic types which gave a better ride. The engine block was strengthened and larger main bearings were fitted, allowing the power to increase to 59 hp (44 kW) at 5750 rpm and torque to 65 lbf·ft (88 Nm) at 3500 rpm. 26,601 were made. MG Midget MkIII (1966-1974) Round Wheel Arch MG Midget on Autotest The engine now grew to 1275 cc using the development seen on the Mini-Cooper 'S'. However, enthusiasts were disappointed that this was a de-tuned version of the Cooper 'S' engine, giving only 65 hp (48 kW) at 6000 rpm and 72 lbf·ft (98 Nm) at 3000 rpm. The Midget used the 12G940 cylinder head casting that was common to other BMC 1300 cars, whereas the Cooper 'S' had a special head with extra-large valves: however, these valves caused many 'S' heads to fail through cracking between the valve seats. The hydraulic system gained a separate master cylinder for the clutch. The hood was now permanently attached to the car, with an improved mechanism making it much easier to use. There were minor changes to the body in 1969, with the sills painted black and a revised recessed black grille. Rubery Owen 'Rostyle' wheels were standardised but wire spoked ones remained an option. US spec cars received several safety additions: a padded fascia (dashboard) with smaller main gauges; collapsible steering column, scissor-type hood hinges, and anti-burst door latches. The square-shaped rear wheel arches became rounded in January 1972. Also in this year, a Triumph steering rack was fitted, giving a gearing that was somewhat lower than earlier Midgets. A second exhaust silencer was also added in 1972. Alternator was fitted instead of dynamo from 1973 onwards. 22,415 were made between 1966 and the 1969 face lift, and a further 77,831 up to 1974. MG Midget 1500 (1974-1980) 1976 MG Midget 1500 In order to meet US federal regulations, large black plastic bumpers (usually called rubber bumpers, despite not actually being rubber) were added to the front and rear and the ride height was increased. The A-Series engine was dropped to be replaced by the 1493 cc unit from the Triumph Spitfire and a modified Morris Marina gearbox with synchromesh on all four gears. The round rear wheel arches were now square again to increase the body strength. The last car was made on December 7, 1979, after 73,899 of the last version had been made. There was no Austin-Healey Sprite equivalent. However, there was a limited number of cars produced in 1980 of the MG Midget. ADO34 Mini based concept. ADO34 was the name of a project active between 1960 and 1964 that aimed to develop a Mini based roadster to replace the MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite Today The car developed by Donald Healey that started as an Austin-Healey Sprite, and which spawned the late-model MG Midget, has more recently been given the generic name Spridget. It really was a Healey, not an MG, but the generic name does not reflect this. From the late 1980s on, Spridgets became popular cars for inclusion in club racing in the UK, because they were readily available and the lack of development by the original manufacturer made them easy targets for performance tuning. The UK still has a race series dedicated to the MG Midget which is run by the MG Car Club. The MG Midget Challenge is a national race series for MG Midgets and Austin Healey Sprites (built 1956-1979). The championship is run at all major UK circuits, with the occasional visit to Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. It is a serious, professional but very friendly championship and has been running since 1977. The Spridgets are also popular in the U.S. and elsewhere for vintage racing. All Sprites and earlier model Midgets are powered by the very common A-Series engine which is very tunable for higher output. Today, many MG Midgets are being restored helped by the availability of parts with many being re-manufactured. 'British Motor Heritage', which owns many of the original press tools, makes body panels and complete body shells. In the UK, among other suppliers, 'Moss Europe' and 'MG World UK' supply many other parts both new and used. UK 50th anniversary celebration On 24 May 2008, the Official UK Golden Anniversary of the introduction of the Austin Healey Sprite, "Spridget 50 - The Big Party" was held at the British Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire. Up to 1000 Sprites, Midgets and derivatives were in attendance - a record number. The event was jointly organised and promoted by the UK's Midget and Sprite Club, Healey Drivers Club, MG Owners Club, Austin Healey Club and MG Car Club - the first time an event of this size has been supported by all of the marque-representing clubs. More information and many photographs at http://spridget50.org/index.php. Future Midget A brand new Midget was announced in January 2003, to be based on the Tata Aria concept car (Rover used another Tata as the basis of their Rover CityRover). The concept never made it into production and Tata Motors made it clear that they did not wish to share platforms if the MG Rover Group was bought up by another company. A small business in Cheshire also had similar ideas on the MG Midget in 2007 but were withdrawn from bidding for the rights after lack of financial aid. Apparently the Smart Roadster was to be used as the basis for a new MG under Project Kimber however this has not come to fruition. The Smart went out of production in 2005. THE CONDITION: This car runs and drives nicely and looks real pretty. Recently, it has gotten a new top, seat reupholstery, a new shifter boot. The interior is very nice with newer original carpeting. Gauges are working, so are the lights, horn and wipers. There is a little crack on top of the dash and one sunvisor is missing. These parts are readily available and are, as all parts for these cars, very inexpensive! In fact, there are more parts available today than back when these cars were new. The car was repainted some time ago and looks very presentable. There is a little rust starting to form under the paint in a few spots but it's realy nothing wild! However, it should be mentioned to be honest. The floors look solid as does the trunk (see pics) We have the spare tire, the jack and the toneau cover. Motor runs nice with great oil pressure and no funny noices or oil burning. She does run a little on the rich side so you might have to tweek the carburator a little. I'll look at it if I have time but I can't promise it! She shifts nice and smooth thru all 4 gears and reverse and the clutch feels strong with no slippage. There are 2 speakers in the back and the car has an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette Stereo. It's a cute little roadster that can be driven as is and always gets a lot attention from the crowd. Tires are ok but don't match. I'd put a set of new ones on, they are small and very cheap! The winning bidder has acoice of the chrome hubcaps show or the chrome beauty rings, also shown. If you have any questions please feel free to ask! Since the saying goes, 'a picture tells more than a thousand words', I've included lots of them! Please pay attention, there's much detail to be seen! Please e-mail any and all questions you might have! I'll post the answers to the auction for everyone to see (so don't put your e-mail address or phone number in the message!) YOU ARE WELCOME TO INSPECT THE CAR RIGHT HER IN WEST NANTICOKE, PA (Luzerne County) Just let me know a day or 2 in advance! THE VERDICT: As I said earlier, parts are plentiful and cheap and these cars are very easy to work on. So, even if she needs a little TLC, she's still a heck of a buy for the money! Not to menton, these MG's have a cult like following! Hey, why not have some fun? We only live once, right?! THIS IS A LOW RESERVE AUCTION! Please ask questions early so I can answer them in time before the auction ends....I urge you to check my feedback and read my 'about me' page (just click on the 'me' link on top). VERY IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ THIS! THE LEGAL MUMBO-JUMBO: PARAGRAPH I Warranty Information AS IS - NO WARRANTY This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed,written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. PARAGRAPH II By placing a bid in this auction you're entering a legal binding contract, agree to our terms & conditions and decleor that you are at least 18 years of age. PARAGRAPH III Sold as is/where is. Cost of title, tax, registration & transportation is full responsibility of the winning bidder. Read more transportation details & options below! Bidders with 0 or less then 97% positive feedback must contact us BEFORE placing a bid. A $500.00 deposit is due within 24 hours, the remaining balance no later then 7 days of auction end. THE TRANSPORT: This sale is a 'Where is' deal, the seller does not provide transportation! However, you can have the vehicle delivered thru an independent shipper which I will be more than happy to work with. I have shipped cars all over the US, Europe, Australia and Asia with no problems ever! Please e-mail for more info and a quote. THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST AND GOOD LUCK!