MG

Introduced in June 1961, the MG Midget was essentially a more refined, badge-engineered version of the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II, created to offer MG customers an affordable, modern sports car after the end of the T-type. The new Midget differed from the Sprite only in grille design, badging, improved interior trim, better instruments and added external polished trim to justify its higher price. Mechanically, the Midget retained the Sprite’s simple rear-wheel-drive layout with rear springs and a 948 cc engine producing 46 hp. In October 1962, a larger 1,098 cc engine was introduced, along with front disc brakes. This change greatly improved braking at speed, as the original tiny drum setup originated from the Morris Minor, and was wholly inadequate in the Midget.

Introduced in 1964, the MG Midget Mk II brought a number of improvements over its predecessor, making the car more practical and refined without losing its lightweight character. The most noticeable changes were to the doors, which now featured wind-up windows, swivelling quarter lights and external handles with proper locks, replacing the earlier side-screens. The windscreen was slightly curved and mounted in a sturdier frame. Mechanically, the rear suspension was updated with semi-elliptic leaf springs, improving ride comfort, while the strengthened 1,098 cc engine delivered 59 hp. In total, 26,601 examples of the Mk II were produced.

Introduced in 1966, the MG Midget Mk III received a larger 1,275 cc engine derived from the Mini Cooper S, although detuned to around 65 hp to maintain its position below the MGB. This provided improved performance while preserving the car’s lightweight, agile character. Over time, the Mk III saw a series of visual updates. A facelift for the 1970 model year brought a black grille, black-painted sills and squared-off rear lights, along with standard Rostyle wheels. Further changes followed in 1972 with rounded rear wheel arches.

To meet US federal regulations, in 1974 large black plastic-covered bumpers were added to the front and rear and the ride heights were increased. The increased ride height affected handling and anti-roll bars were added to help with the higher centre of gravity. The engine was replaced by the 1,493 cc engine from the Triumph Spitfire, coupled to a modified Morris Marina gearbox with synchromesh on all four gears. The last car was made in December 1979, after 73,899 of the last version had been produced.