Historically overlooked because of its plastic bumpers and raised ride height the final Midget iteration now looks promising if you’re in the market for a tiny sports car
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Poor running is often down to badly balanced carbs. The UK-spec 1500 runs a brace of SU HS4 units and there’s a heatshield that sits between them and the engine. Ensure that this shield is in good condition as the engine can run hot on unleaded petrol. Make sure the carb dashpot dipsticks are wet, too, otherwise you could be looking at vaporisation. It could pay to have a pro set up your carbs for the best performance. The bottom end on the Standard 1500 isn’t as strong as it could be, so listen out for rumbling and grumbling at idle.
HOW’S THE HOOD?
The hood on the Midget 1500 is a fixed unit at the back whereas earlier editions allowed you to un-popper the tail of the canvas and then fold the frame. The 1500’s hood was fixed to the body at the rear and to the frame so it all folds in one piece.
LOOK AT THE RIDE HEIGHT If you are looking at a stock MG Midget 1500, you’ll find it’s riding on higher suspension than its predecessors. This was necessitated to raise the headlight level for US regulations, but in the UK it’s a common mod to lower the car back down again. However, here it’s worth checking the quality of the work and the state it’s in. When lowered, the ride should be compliant and the handling sharp.
DOES IT CRUNCH INTO GEAR?
The Marina-sourced gearbox was factory-tweaked to make it a lot snappier. There shouldn’t be any crunches, long throws or rumbling. Reverse is a lift, to the right and forwards, essentially where you’d find fifth in a bigger ‘box. All the ratios have synchromesh and should engage smoothly with no judder and little slack. A sticky clutch pedal isn’t uncommon but easily lubricated. The same for the throttle and its linkage at the carbs.
LOOK AT THE TRIM
Door caps can wear over time, the seat tops can get worn down where the seatbelt runs over the shoulder and the crackle finish on the dash can peel away over time. Seats are known to sag too. A little interior refreshing can go a long way to improving the comfort and condition of your Midget. The chromed bezels around the instruments might need a buff up, for example. Parts availability is exceptional.
BE RIGOROUS WITH RUST
The Midget has a monocoque construction, so major rust issues can turn your sports car into a scrapper in double-quick time. Look for filler, dodgy welds, and blistering paint on not only the surface but also around the sills.
Bodies and panels are easy to get hold of, but fixing failed sills is a bigger job and can turn a cheap and cheerful Midget into an expensive and upsetting one. The boot bulkhead seal is a worthwhile check poi
