MG Midget MKIII - 1971

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11/10/2024

Model history and curiosity

The Midget is a car produced by MG between 1961 and 1979, taking the name of a famous pre-war car.

Based on the Austin-Healey Sprite, in 1961 BMC developed a new 2-seater spider to be marketed under the MG sports brand. At the same time as the launch of the Midget, the Sprite abandoned the Frog Eye bodywork to adopt that of the MG.

The ultimate Midget
The two cars were identical in terms of mechanics and, except for a few minor details (mask, logos and other details), also in the bodywork, and were two clones. Even the evolution of the two models was identical until 1971, the year in which the Sprite was removed from the price list and the Midget remained in production. In 1974, in compliance with US legislation on automotive safety and pollution, the Midget was restyled and brought into line with the legislation. The adoption of black rubber absorption bumpers (the so-called rubber bumpers), which, at the front, also incorporated the grille (the bonnet was more sloping and elongated) made the Midget ugly. The trim (due to American law) was also raised, with the line losing momentum.

The most important innovation was the adoption of the 1493cm³ 70hp inline 4-cylinder from the Triumph Spitfire. The Midget went off the market in 1979.

The production
226,001 Midgets were produced, divided as follows:

Mk1 (1961-1966): 16,080 cm³ engine 948 and 45 hp
Mk2 (1966-1968): 26,601 cm³ engine 1098 and 50 hp
Mk3 (1968-1974): 77,831 cm³ engine 1275 and 65 hp
Mk4 (1974-1979): 73,889 cm³ engine 1498 and 70 hp (Triumph)