1978 MG MIDGET 1500

This 1978 MG Midget 1500 is a charming example of a classic roadster, presented in good mechanical order and finished in an eye-catching colour scheme. Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre inline-four engine, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on all gears. The odometer currently indicates 77,420 miles from new.

First registered in August 1978, there are now 10 previous registered keepers on the log book – which is not many at all for a 42-year-old car. This Midget has been with its current keeper for six months, which is a classic hire collection that is said to keep its fleet in exemplary working order, with this car looked after by an MG specialist in Surrey to a high standard. The reason for the sale is an understandable absence of hire bookings due to COVID-19.

The bodywork of this MG Midget is reported to be in good condition, and it has no known previous accident damage. Its two-tone paint finish of yellow and white is generally smart, though does have some age-related marks and imperfections, including small chips around the front end. There is also a paint blemish below the rear fuel filler cap, which would benefit from refurbishment. Its race-inspired livery incorporates the number 78 to reflect the year of production. The exterior has been given a rally-style appearance, with deletion of the bumpers, a modified front grille and mounted spot lamps, and with Minilite eight-spoke wheels.

Moving inside, this Midget now sports a bespoke hardwood dashboard, which has been fitted to a good standard to accommodate the dials, switchgear and Goodmans stereo. The instruments and switches present with some light discolouration and clouding to some of the glass panes, though the traditional Mountney steering wheel and gear knob remain in excellent order. The seats have been re-coloured in Lincoln Green to match the carpet hue, giving this MG a unique appearance. The vendor has reported an intermittent fault with the fuel gauge, but there are no other known electrical issues.

The last service was undertaken in February 2020, which included a full service, as well as some uprated parts for the cooling and brakes. It was also serviced in October 2019, when a drive belt was renewed. During the most recent ownership, it has received a new starter motor and a carburettor rebuild.

Other recent work has included new brake lines and fuel pipes, and new polyurethane bushes on the front and rear. An aluminium cooling radiator has been installed, with an aluminium expansion tank fitted above the radiator level on the inner wing to do away with the plastic item. It is also now running a stainless steel exhaust system.

The most recent MOT test was on 27 April 2020 at 77,102 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The vehicle rides on Arrowspeed CP661 tyres at the front and Avon ZT5 tyres at the rear, in correct fitment 165/65/R13 all round. All four tyres appear in good condition, with the vendor noting they were fitted around six months ago.

Accompanying the vehicle is a file of service history paperwork, along with the original tool kit, an original hard top roof, and a tonneau cover.

This 1978 MG Midget is a no-frills classic sports car, which has been refinished in a vibrant colour scheme, and which has evidently had a good level of recent mechanical attention – the engine bay looking particularly clean and tidy. With its sporting rally-style aesthetic, this is not a car for squirreling away in a collection, but rather one to be taken to the open road and enjoyed as intended.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.