1981 MG Midget 1500 |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1981 MG Midget 1500

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Mileage~92,233
TransmissionManual
Engine1.5L
LocationWhitehaven

AUCTION CLOSED

1981 MG Midget 1500

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

The easiest way into classic British motoring; carb fuelled, 4 cylinder, open top 2 seater.

The MG Midget was released in 1961, based on the ‘Frogeye Sprite’ the car was designed to offer sporting motoring at an affordable price. Originally fitted with a 948cc -Series engine it was only a year later when the Midget received the larger 1,098cc with further improvements being made by 1963 with the addition of front disc brakes, an improved interior and a refined engine which used larger main bearings. The model had many changes over the years, most notably to keep in line with US safety and emission rules the rubber energy absorbing bumper era were fitted along with the 1,498cc engine from the Triumph Spitfire. The gearbox was used from a Morris Marina and the new Midget was capable of reaching ~100MPH which at the time was the most powerful MG.

This well-presented "Tahiti Blue" example will set the heads turning just in time for the summer. It comes from ~23 years ownership with Joe, covering only ~6,000 miles in that time. Lot's of work has of course been actioned over that ownership, some useful upgrades like electronic ignition as well as any necessary exterior renovation.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Joe the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

When I last sold my MG Midget, I instantly regretted it, hopefully not the same this time around!

Joe is the owner of this MG for ~23 years, and previously owned both an MGB GT and another MG Midget, which was sold because of lack of use. However, it wasn’t long (a full 2 days) after the sale that he realised he’d made a mistake and purchased this car to fill the void within the same week.

Some 23 years on, it appears the same pattern has followed, with less than ~6,000 miles driven over the ownership. Joe will be the first to admit he hasn’t used it a lot, but when he has, it's great fun. The lack of use has been caused by working away for a few months or even years at a time, and now Joe is finding it difficult to get into following a past knee injury. Please feel free to ask Joe any questions about the car in the comments below.

Joe

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Loved for many years, the MG Midget has become a well-known British icon.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with silver-painted Minilite wheels, these are all in very good condition with no signs of corrosion to the faces.

There are a matching set of Yokohama S760 tyres connecting you to the tarmac, which have plenty of tread remaining. Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

Over the years Joe has had various work carried out to the car with new door skins, a partial floor pan and sills fitted. The panels align quite well with an equal gap. There is some minor blistering by the bumper on the driver's side wing but this hasn’t broken through the paint.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in "Tahiti Blue", the paintwork overall presents well. There is an odd minor chip and scratch in a couple of places, but they could easily be touched up.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen looks in good order with minimal scratches, and there are the usual scratches on the side windows, which have gathered over the years. Being a later model, rubber bumpers are fitted. These do have a couple of minor marks and the front has distorted slightly along the top edge, which is quite common to see. There is a handy stainless steel luggage rack fitted, which is in excellent condition.

The vinyl roof is said to be the original and is in good condition. Unfortunately, the small windows have a couple of splits in them, but with that said replacement roofs are readily available at a reasonable price. Also included is a hard top; this is in quite good condition, but Joe says he would have refurbished it if he had used it.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Inside the MG is a nice place to be, thanks to new seats and dashboard fascia.

Seats and Carpets

The vinyl seats were replaced a few years ago, but in that time have only covered very little mileage and, therefore, are in excellent condition.

The carpets throughout the cabin have been replaced and are in good order. Inside the boot, there is no carpet, but there is the spare wheel and jack. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

Giving the dashboard a new look, Joe replaced the dashboard fascia and some of the gauges, which are all reported to work correctly. However, the odometer is original and shows a reading of ~92,233 miles at the time of our visit.

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Upgraded from the original steering wheel is a Mountney three-spoke leather wheel, which is in good condition. The MG badged gear knob has little signs of wear. The original steering wheel is also included.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The 1.5-litre engine is ideally matched to the Midget for enjoying an open-top countryside drive.

Engine and Gearbox

Fitted with a 1,491cc engine, the Midget fires up without hesitation thanks to the upgraded electronic ignition and runs smoothly with no issues reported. Joe has also upgraded the air filters for K&N pancake filters, but the original air filter housing is included.

The four-speed gearbox has a precise change with no untoward noises coming from the transmission or running gear.

Suspension and Brakes

Out in the car, the ride is smooth and it holds the road well going in and out of the twisty sections with no knocks or bangs coming from either corner of the car.

The brakes bring the MG to a stop in a straight line and with no juddering through the pedal.

The Drive

Driving an MG Midget is a great experience for both the passenger and driver, with the wind in your hair, seated low to the ground and decent performance, you don’t have to be breaking speed limits to fully understand why people love the MG Midget.

Electrics and Other

The switchgear in the MG is all said to be working correctly, and there has been a Pioneer head unit fitted which is connected to two speakers behind the seats.

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History and Paperwork

With ~23 years of ownership and relatively little use, Joe has kept the MG well-maintained, giving it anything it needed.

The history file includes several receipts collected over the years for various work carried out and parts purchased. The Midget was previously registered abroad at some point according to the V5, being UK registered in October 1981.

There are also a number of previous MOT certificates which help to show the car has covered very few miles in the time Joe has owned it. There is a handy Haynes manual included to help you with any maintenance when it’s required and also an MG Midget driver's handbook.

This MG Midget ticks a lot of boxes for the new custodian. It’s covered just under ~6,000 miles in ~24 years, and the car has always been dry stored in that time whilst being well maintained. What's not to get excited about for this British icon?

We've done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above. However, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail. This has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything on this listing to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
24.05.2023	MOT	92,204
27.05.2022	MOT	92,164
17.05.2021	MOT	92,133
25.05.2013	MOT	91,686
21.05.2012	MOT	91,528
08.05.2012	Radiator
15.09.2010	MOT	91,591
15.08.2009	MOT	91,335
21.08.2007	MOT	91,167
12.10.2006	Slave Cylinder
21.08.2006	Clutch Master Cylinder
16.08.2006	MOT	90,997
16.08.2005	MOT	90,779
21.06.2004	MOT	89,616
20.06.2003	MOT	89,362
11.10.2001	MOT	89,090
01.02.2001	Service	86,452
16.10.2000	MOT	86,346

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Key Details

ModelMidget 1500
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date21.10.1981
CC1,491
Mileage~92,233
ColourTahiti Blue
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #GAN6218506G
Engine #GAN6218506E
MOT26.05.24
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers10
Tyre BrandYokohama
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~23 Years
Key FeatureNice honest example, runs well
Auction ID1896

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Vehicle Location

Whitehaven

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Seller : JoeMc

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2 Comments

Johntom

1 month ago

Hi the previous Mot’s advise on rear suspension corrosion, how bad is this and is work required to rectify? Also the Mot has expired, are mot’s now not required due to the vehicles age ? Thanks John

JoeMc

Seller

Johntom

1 month ago

Hi John, car does not require an MOT now but I have ways got one for piece of mind, due now, no issues, hardly moved. Rear suspension checked, they said surface stuff only, and surprised it was mentioned

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Vehicle Location

Whitehaven

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