MG Midget Mk III 1970 review
Convertible Petrol
Photo: Lothar Spurzem (CC BY-SA 2.0 de), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The MG Midget is Britain's everyman sports car - tiny, cheerful and cheap to run. The Mk III, built from 1966 to 1974, is the sweet spot: the 1,275 cc A-series engine, wind-up windows and a much-improved hood, all wrapped in the pretty chrome-bumper body that everyone pictures when they think of a Midget.
You do not buy a Midget for speed. You buy it because every roundabout becomes an event, every B-road a rally stage, and the whole thing costs less to run than a modern supermini. It remains the cheapest credible route into classic open-top motoring.
UK price from: £7,250
Specifications
| Engine | 1.3-litre inline-4 (1,275 cc) |
| Power | 65 bhp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 72 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| 0-60 mph | 13.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 91 mph |
| Fuel economy | ~35 mpg |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Production years | 1966-1974 (Mk III) |
| Kerb weight | 735 kg |
Features
- 1,275 cc BMC A-series engine with twin SU carburettors
- 65 bhp in a car weighing barely 735 kg
- Wind-up windows and an improved folding hood
- Chrome-bumper body - the prettiest Midget of all
- Four-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive
- Enormous parts availability and club support
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pad set | £30 | Standard road pads |
| Clutch kit | £110 | Cover, plate and release bearing |
| SU carburettor rebuild kit | £60 | Per carb, gaskets and needles |
| Exhaust system | £250 | Mild steel full system |
| Water pump | £45 | Cooling system service item |
| Front kingpin kit | £70 | Bushes, pins and shims per side |
Pros
- Among the cheapest classics to buy, run and insure
- Delightful, darty handling that flatters novice drivers
- Every mechanical part is available off the shelf
- Simple enough for home maintenance
Cons
- Tiny cabin - tall drivers need not apply
- Rust loves sills, A-posts, spring hangers and floors
- Modest performance struggles on modern motorways
- Later rubber-bumper cars are less pretty and less valuable
Frequently asked questions
How much is an MG Midget worth?
Good chrome-bumper Mk IIIs sell for £5,000-£9,000. The very best reach £12,000-plus, while usable projects start under £3,000.
Should I buy a 1275 or a 1500 Midget?
The 1275 Mk III is the enthusiast's choice - revvier, prettier and more collectible. The later 1500 has more torque but rubber bumpers and less charm.
Where does the Midget rust?
Sills, A-posts, rear spring hangers, floors and the boot. The monocoque needs to be sound - check inner sills and jacking points carefully.
Is a Midget OK on the motorway?
It will cruise at 70 mph but feels busy and vulnerable among lorries. The Midget is happiest on A and B roads, which is where the fun is anyway.
Is classic insurance cheap for a Midget?
Yes - limited-mileage classic policies for Midgets are among the cheapest available, often well under £200 a year.
