The MG Midget is a name that evokes nostalgia and excitement among car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Produced by MG (Morris Garages) from 1961 to 1980, the Midget is a quintessential British roadster that encapsulates the charm of open-top motoring during the mid-20th century. With its compact size, lightweight build, and simple engineering, the Midget became a symbol of affordable driving fun, earning a place in automotive history as one of the most beloved sports cars of its era.
A Brief History
The MG Midget traces its roots back to the 1920s, when MG first started producing small, affordable sports cars. However, the Midget as we know it today was reintroduced in 1961 as a more affordable alternative to larger, more powerful sports cars like the MGA. Essentially a rebadged version of the Austin-Healey Sprite, the Midget offered a similar driving experience but with the iconic MG badge and a few distinctive features of its own.
Over its nearly two-decade production run, the MG Midget went through several updates and changes, with four main versions being produced: Midget Mk I, Mk II, Mk III, and the final 1500 model. Despite its evolution over the years, the Midget always stayed true to its core values—offering a pure and unfiltered driving experience at a relatively low price.
Design and Features
1. Compact and Lightweight: One of the defining features of the MG Midget is its small and lightweight design. The Midget was compact even by the standards of the time, with a total length of just over 11 feet. Its petite size made it incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver, particularly on the winding, narrow roads typical of the British countryside. Weighing around 700 kg (1,500 lbs), the Midget’s low weight contributed significantly to its lively handling and performance.
The simple, open-top design of the Midget made it an instant classic. With its sleek body lines, exposed wheels, and compact dimensions, the car had an unmistakable roadster appearance. The low-slung body, paired with a small front grille, round headlamps, and wire-spoke wheels (in some versions), gave the Midget a charming yet sporty look that has aged gracefully over the years.
2. Spartan Interior: Inside, the Midget was minimalist. The cabin was small, with seating for two and just enough space to hold the essentials. Early models featured simple instrumentation, including a speedometer, tachometer, and a few basic switches, keeping the focus firmly on the driving experience rather than comfort or luxury.
The seats were basic, with little in the way of support, and creature comforts like air conditioning or power windows were absent, but this simplicity was part of the Midget’s charm. With the top down and the wind in your hair, the Midget provided an authentic and raw driving experience that many modern sports cars struggle to replicate.
Engine and Performance
The MG Midget wasn’t about outright power or speed—it was about delivering a fun and engaging driving experience. Over its production years, the car received several different engine options, each offering modest performance but a lot of character.
- MG Midget Mk I (1961–1964): The first Midget was powered by a 948cc engine from the Austin-Healey Sprite, producing 46 horsepower. It wasn’t fast, but it felt lively thanks to the car’s light weight and low ride height. The Mk I was known for its side-screens (rather than roll-up windows) and its simple, no-frills design.
- MG Midget Mk II (1964–1966): The Mk II saw the engine size increase to 1,098cc, boosting power to 56 horsepower. This gave the car slightly better acceleration and higher top speed, making it more capable on both city streets and country roads. The Mk II also introduced some improvements to the interior and suspension for a more comfortable ride.
- MG Midget Mk III (1966–1974): The Mk III Midget was the most significant update, featuring a 1,275cc engine that produced 65 horsepower. This model offered the best performance of any Midget, with a top speed of around 95 mph and much-improved handling. The Mk III also saw the introduction of roll-up windows and a more refined interior, making it a bit more civilized without losing its sporty edge.
- MG Midget 1500 (1974–1980): The final iteration of the Midget came with a larger 1,491cc engine, borrowed from the Triumph Spitfire, producing 50 horsepower (due to emissions regulations that reduced output). While the 1500 offered slightly more torque and easier drivability, the addition of rubber bumpers (to meet US safety regulations) and a raised ride height impacted the car’s aesthetics and performance compared to earlier models.
Driving Experience
The real magic of the MG Midget lies in the driving experience. Despite its modest power output, the car’s lightweight design and responsive handling made it a joy to drive, particularly on twisty backroads where its small size and agility could be fully appreciated.
The Midget’s steering was direct, and its manual transmission, a four-speed gearbox, was engaging to use, giving drivers full control over the car’s modest power. Acceleration was quick enough to be fun, and the car felt nimble and alive at lower speeds, making it perfect for spirited weekend drives.
One of the main attractions of the MG Midget was its affordability. While it was slower than some of its contemporaries, it delivered more smiles per mile than many more expensive cars, giving drivers a pure connection to the road. It was easy to maintain and repair, with a simple mechanical layout that allowed enthusiasts to work on it themselves.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the MG Midget is a sought-after classic car, prized for its combination of vintage charm, simplicity, and driving fun. Its relative affordability, compared to other classic British sports cars like the Jaguar E-Type or Austin-Healey 3000, makes it an accessible option for collectors and enthusiasts looking to experience classic motoring.
The Midget’s enduring popularity is also helped by the availability of spare parts and an active community of MG enthusiasts who keep these cars on the road. Many owners choose to restore or modify their Midgets, taking advantage of the car’s simple design to enhance performance or personalize the vehicle.
Conclusion
The MG Midget stands as a testament to the joy of driving a simple, lightweight, and affordable sports car. Its combination of charming looks, agile handling, and no-frills design made it a hit in the 1960s and 70s, and it remains a favorite among classic car enthusiasts today.
While it may not have the power or refinement of modern sports cars, the MG Midget offers something that many new cars cannot: a raw and authentic connection between driver and machine. For those seeking the thrills of open-top motoring and the charm of a classic British roadster, the MG Midget is a car that delivers pure driving pleasure, decades after it first hit the roads.
