Lot 675: 1979 MG Midget 1500 Roadster

By 1969 when the MkIII Midget was introduced, MG had become part of British Leyland; the latter’s corporate strategy and the requirements of the US market determining that the next Midget would be powered by the 1,491cc Triumph Spitfire engine. Of similar power but heavier than the preceding 1,275cc BMC A-Series unit, the Triumph engine was nevertheless torquier so performance remained virtually unchanged, though if anything there was a slight improvement. Introduced in 1974, the new Midget 1500 was readily distinguishable from its predecessor by the impact-resistant ‘5mph’ bumpers required for the USA, while beneath the skin there was a Morris Marina all-synchromesh gearbox. The adoption of head restraints, inertia-reel seatbelts and dual-circuit braking were among improvements made before production ceased at the end of 1979.
Presented in good condition, this MG 1500 is described as original throughout apart from a re-spray carried out earlier this year. The car is offered with sundry invoices, nine expired MoT certificates, Swansea V5 registration document and MoT to 26th April 2008.