1977 MG Midget

Roadster Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

GAN6UH198484G

Gasoline

Low Mileage Gem: 1977 MG Midget Roadster Originally conceived as the up-market sister car to Austin's Sprite, which was built alongside it at MG's historic Abingdon-on-Thames factory, the diminutive MG Midget satisfied the demand for affordable wind-in-your-hair motoring all through the 1960s and '70s. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Time--and the dreaded rust demon--have taken their toll: more than 30 years after Midget production ended, it can be an exercise in futility to find one in outstanding condition. Selection becomes even more difficult if you're looking for one that can rightfully claim to be bone stock. Add immaculate provenance and documented, super low mileage to the equation, and you're looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. Well, here it is! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1977 MG Midget presented here, VIN *GAN6UH198484G*, is one of the best, most original survivors on the planet. Sold new on January 23, 1978 by British Motor Car Distributors in Anaheim, Calif. to a Gentleman from nearby Tustin, the car has covered a mere 43,843 miles in 34 years--that's less than 1,300 miles annually, on average. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A plethora of paraphernalia accompanies the car. Included are the original dealer invoice, finance agreement, receipt for deposit, odometer statement, DMV fee estimate from 1978, early registrations, warranty booklet, 8-page color brochure, and, most importantly, 27 receipts for parts and servicing totalling exactly $5,344.99! Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Purchase order reveals that the Midget cost the princely sum of $4,995.25, back in '78. No wonder MG advertised the car with the slogan "Fun is flying the lowest-priced authentic sports car in America! " Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) MG's Passport to Service has been faithfully stamped. Additionally, the receipts reveal the car's history. After having been driven for just a few years, the Midget languished in the owner's Tustin garage for nearly three decades and was finally re-commissioned in 2009, to the tune of $3,700.00. The fully documented work includes a new clutch, renewed fuel, ignition, and brake systems, and the replacement of all parts that tend to deteriorate during prolonged storage. A California resident since new, this Midget has never left the Golden State and still proudly wears its original-issue, blue-and-gold, six-digit California license plates like badges of honor. Note the extremely rare and desirable license plate frame from the original selling dealer in Anaheim! Let's now inspect this MG in more detail, starting up front. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Below the bonnet, inside the toothbrush-clean engine compartment, resides the Midget's matching numbers 1493cc power plant, # FP50343UCE, outsourced from Triumph's Spitfire Roadster and factory-rated at 65 lively horses. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The engine and its ancillaries appear 100% bone stock; even the coveted water decals are still intact and the original battery cables are still present! We'll rightfully call this a reference-quality engine bay. The car's second owner continued the strict maintenance regimen, with British Motors in San Luis Obispo expertly taking care of things. Just recently, a new alternator and brake master cylinder were fitted. The car also just passed the stringent California smog check. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Befitting a low-mileage California Midget that was always properly stored, the MG is free of any rust or accident damage. Doors and hoods open and close like new, with perfect fit. All trim, glass and weatherstripping is in excellent condition throughout. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The black folding convertible top looks new. Either because it's new, or, more likely, because it has not been in the raised position very often during the car's long life, since this Midget was enjoyed purely as a toy, top down, on sunny Sunday afternoons. Note that the top can be raised and folded easily within seconds by one person, even with manicured fingernails. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Yep, this Midget still features its factory-applied, Flamenco Red paint, a true delight for the connoisseur of fine British machinery. The finish still displays the rich luster and smoothness only factory-applied paint possesses; apart from a few touched-up blems, there are no dents, scratches, bubbles or other imperfections that would cause sleepless nights. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) ROSTYLE wheels with optional trim rings have been powder-coated and feature a set of immaculate FIRESTONE FR380 radials--with the correct narrow white walls--of the dimension 155/80R13 all around. Note the clean, orange wheel well! Top-down motoring beckons--let's inspect the Midget's not-so-small cabin first, though, shall we? Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Typical Sprite/Midget dash with its three-spoked sports steering wheel,The car's black interior presents itself as flawlessly preserved as its exterior; there are no rips or tears to be found anywhere. To duplicate a factory original interior like this one would be nigh impossible! (Note original radio speaker; the AM/FM stereo itself has been slightly updated, now featuring a cassette player that works great!) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) SMITHS gauges--they all work perfectly--and various control knobs and switches. This Midget's vaunted LUCAS electricals work flawlessly; this car must the exception to the rule. Notice odometer. Yes, those are actual miles! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Once you get inside, there's a surprising amount of legroom for driver and passenger. The bucket seats are very comfortable. Check out the fitted top boot protecting the lowered convertible top. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Condition of factory original seat upholstery--note heat-embossed seams--is flawless. A set of Hessian-backed Carrelli carpets was imported from England and expertly installed. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for the much-anticipated test drive? Sure, but there are two very important areas to inspect first: trunk and undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Trunk floor is so clean, you could eat off of it. Matching factory spare is flawless as well. Trunk light works, too! Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Factory tire changing tools, including the jack, are stowed in original bags. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view All manner of sundry items are included, among them a full tonneau, a car cover, an extra set of sun visors, wiper blades and other spares, the original radio, and various interesting parts related to the Midget's provenance. Undercarriage is of reference quality! Devoid of any spray can artistry, it gives testimony as to why California cars are the ones to collect. Yes, this Midget was always religiously garaged; it has never seen rain, sleet, or snow. Its undercarriage is 100% unmolested and rust free, that's guaranteed! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) September 22nd, the first day of autumn, served up warm sunshine here in San Buenaventura, just the right weather for a top-down test drive, which took us North on the 33 to New Age enclave Ojai. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Pull out the choke knob an inch, turn the key, and the Roadster starts immediately. The engine sounds heavenly, and responds willingly to the slightest input of the loud pedal. Second surprise: the 1500 engine turns the Midget into a veritable MGB eater, at least from 0-50mph. This little car is fast! Acceleration, handling, braking (front discs!): there are no complaints at all; this one's a winner! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) There are no fluid leaks, no smoke, no overheating, no ill manners to report at all. One can truly picture how it must have been, back in the day, to drive away from the MG dealership in a brand new Midget. It's an exhilarating feeling! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we have become Midget enthusiasts. Here's a small sports car that sounds great and, with its Go Kart-like handling, is fun to operate, while being universally admired as the true classic it is. The Midget hardly takes up space in the garage, returns 34mpg on the highway, and qualifies for inexpensive classic car insurance. Very reasonably priced spares are available from various vendors, should the need arise. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) During the many years immersed in Southern California's classic car scene, we have never encountered a finer unrestored, low mileage MG Midget of this vintage, not even at a car show. This 34 year-old sports car is a true, heirloom-quality survivor, ready to deliver the goods for another 34 years. An opportunity to purchase a pure-bred British Roadster in this condition certainly doesn't arise very often. Please, bid accordingly! You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title and, should it remain in the Golden State, a fresh smog certificate. It is sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! 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