MG Midget Mk III 1275
The MG Midget was the entry point into the British sports car world, a tiny, nimble roadster that taught generations of enthusiasts about the joy of open-air motoring. Based on the Austin-Healey Sprite (the two were badge-engineered siblings), the Midget offered the essential sports car experience distilled to its purest form: a willing engine, a crisp manual gearbox, responsive steering, and nothing but sky above. The Mk III with its 1275cc A-series engine was the sweet spot of the range, offering 65 horsepower in a package weighing just 762 kg. The driving experience was intimate and engaging — the driver sat low, close to the road, with minimal insulation between themselves and the mechanical symphony below. The Midget sold in enormous numbers, particularly in the American market where it served as many young drivers' first sports car. With over 226,000 produced across all versions, the Midget was one of MG's greatest commercial successes. Its combination of low purchase price, simple mechanics, and genuine fun made it a beloved institution that endures through the enormous community of Midget enthusiasts who keep these little cars alive today.
Rust is the primary concern — check sills, floor pans, door bottoms, and A-posts thoroughly. The A-series engine is bulletproof and parts are plentiful. Chrome bumper cars (pre-1975) are more desirable than rubber bumper models. Soft tops deteriorate and replacement is straightforward. Huge aftermarket support makes these among the most affordable classics to maintain.
Over 226,000 Midgets were produced at the MG factory in Abingdon from 1961 to 1979. The car shared virtually all its mechanicals with the Austin-Healey Sprite. The MG version outsold the Sprite significantly.