Buyer’s Guide — MG Midget
What to know before buying an MG Midget.
Overview
The MG Midget was produced from 1961 to 1979, sharing its body and mechanical components with the Austin Healey Sprite Mk II onwards. Over 226,000 were built. Engines ranged from the 948 cc A-series to the 1,493 cc Triumph unit in the final Mk IV (1500). The Midget offers the most affordable entry into classic British sports car ownership.
Model Variants
| Mk I (1961–64) | 948 cc then 1,098 cc A-series |
| Mk II (1964–66) | 1,098 cc, 59 bhp, wind-up windows |
| Mk III (1966–74) | 1,275 cc A-series, 65 bhp, chrome bumpers |
| 1500 (1974–79) | 1,493 cc Triumph engine, rubber bumpers, raised ride height |
What to Look For — Body & Chassis
| Monocoque | Unibody construction — structural rust is the main concern. Check inner/outer sills, floor pans, and spring mounts. |
| Sills | Structural — soft or perforated sills mean the car’s structure is compromised. |
| Rear Wheel Arches | Very common rust area on all Midgets. |
| Floor Pans | Check from both sides. Battery tray area is particularly prone. |
| A-Posts | Check the base of the A-posts for corrosion — affects door alignment. |
What to Look For — Mechanical
| A-Series Engine (Mk I–III) | Bulletproof if maintained. Cheap and easy to rebuild. Check oil pressure and listen for bottom-end noise. The 1,275 cc is the best all-rounder. |
| Triumph 1500 Engine | More torque but less revvy than the A-series. Check for overheating — weak point is the head gasket. Ensure the engine has been properly maintained. |
| Gearbox | Four-speed, synchro on all four on later cars. Check for worn synchros on 2nd gear and ensure it doesn’t jump out of gear. |
| Rear Axle | Generally reliable. The 1500 has a live rear axle with leaf springs — check for worn bushes causing axle tramp. |
| Brakes | Front discs, rear drums from Mk II onwards. Adequate when properly maintained. |
Parts Availability
Excellent — shares parts with the Austin Healey Sprite, effectively doubling the parts supply. Moss Motors, Rimmer Bros, and numerous specialists carry comprehensive stocks. A-series engine parts are among the cheapest and most available of any classic car.
What a Good One Should Feel Like
Light, nimble, and fun — a go-kart for the road. The Midget should feel responsive to every input. The A-series engine loves to rev and should pull cleanly. Steering should be direct and communicative. The 1500 feels torquier but slightly less revvy. All Midgets should feel like pure driving enjoyment in a small package.
Price Guide (Approximate, 2026)
| 1500 Rubber Bumper — Project | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| 1500 Rubber Bumper — Good | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Chrome Bumper (1275) — Project | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Chrome Bumper (1275) — Good | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Chrome Bumper — Excellent | $28,000 – $38,000 |
Chrome bumper 1,275 cc cars are the most desirable. The Midget offers the most affordable entry into classic British sports car ownership.