1970 MG Midget MKIII 1.3 Roadster

1970 MG Midget MKIII 1.3 Roadster

VIN: GAN5UA81111G

Body: GUN014636P

Engine: 12C/DA/H26191

Gearbox: 510703

Color: White

Interior: Black

Here we have a very recognizable classic British motorcar, the ever so spirited 1970 MG Midget Roadster. In the era of small English sports cars, the Midget combined a short wheelbase design with the bulletproof inline 4 cylinder engine derived from the Mini Cooper S rally cars of the 60s. The same engine that powered many cars of this era. Designed by BMC, the Midget was a tasteful recipe of a lightweight open two seater roadster chassis and classic British Motoring.

This particular car has recently been removed from long term storage in the basement of a residence. It was last on the road more than 20 years ago. More recently, many of the operating systems have been gone through to bring life back into the car. The fuel, ignition, braking, and clutch systems have all received attention. Currently the car is a very healthy driver condition car, that is a pleasure to enjoy.

The body is overall very solid...in terms of a typical British car of this era. Underneath, much of the car is solid. The drivers floor board has a few weak spots but is very much in tact. Inner rear quarters have minor issues as well. Trunk pan and doors/sills are extremely solid. Externally, the car was painted many many years ago. The paint that is on the car shines up but is showing wear and tear as well as some rust below the paint surface. However, there are no signs of major damage to the metal below. This being an early MG, it still retains the desirable steel bumpers. The chrome on the bumpers, as well as the other trim pieces, shine up and are in solid condition. There is no trunk latch and the keys for the doors are gone as well. The glass is all free of cracks/major chips. Windows work fine and all of the door/hood latches etc do as well. Lights and side markers all work. The lenses are all free from cracks except for the taillights which have some cracking on the lower portions. The convertible top is in pretty decent shape. The frame is great and free or rust or bends. The top itself, is shrunk a bit on the corners, but i think some time in the sun would do it well. There are a couple of inside flaps that have stitching torn away. But overall, little tears on the top and it still unfolds and latches fine. Along with the top is a snap on cover in excellent condition. Also, there is a tonneau cover that fits great and has zero tears. All of the zippers and snaps work great. It is a very presentable body that has lots of potential or could be enjoyed as it sits now.

Mechanically, the car was looked over and given a freshening. It drives great, handles, shifts, and brakes as it should. The timing was set and now the engine idles and revs very smoothly. Along with this, the fuel tank was replaced, lines flushed and the filters changed. The clutch master cylinder was replaced and the slave cylinder was rebuilt. After this, the clutch was bled so now the clutch operates great and holds tight while accelerating. Shifting up and down through the gears is surprisingly smooth. Syncros appears to be in very good condition, the car can be downshifted at almost any RPM with ease. There are new rotors and pads on the front brakes and the rear brakes were adjusted. The entire system had the fluid flushed and then it was bled. There are brand new tires on the car, just installed and balanced. Also the car comes with a spare, jack, and knock-off wrench. It is a great handling little car! Very tight and responsive steering that make it a pleasure to drive. For a car that has sat as long as it has, it is mechanically sorted and ready to go.

The interior is wonderful shape. All of the interior is present and very clean. Seats are free of tears and rips. Passenger's side headrest has a small tear at the stitching but could be repaired easily enough. The carpet looks great and doesn't have any major holes. Drivers side floor mat piece was replaced with a similar piece of carpet. The dash has a crack in the center but the rest of it is very nice. All of the knobs, switches, and levers are there and good shape. Most of the electronics work. The radio turns on but there is no sound coming through the speakers. Also, the heater fan doesn't seem to run. Other than that, it is a nice and simple interior that is very comfortable!

Overall, this is a very well sorted driver quality MG Midget. It has a nice patina to it and could be enjoyed as is or taken to the next level. Most of these Midgets suffer from severe rust underneath that require lots of metal replacement. This car will offer someone a good start to a project if they want to take it that direction. I would personally just enjoy the car as is right now and drive it! Lot of photos on this car in the link below. I can get more if you have any requests!