1976 MG Midget (Charity Auction) |

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1976 MG Midget (Charity Auction)

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Sold Price

£4,900

Mileage~42,610 On Clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.5L
LocationDebenham

SOLD

1976 MG Midget (Charity Auction)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Richard Gormley

Automotive Writer and Photographer

An auction on behalf of the Debenham Shed charity with all proceeds, including Buyer's Premium, going to this worthy cause.

First introduced in 1961 as modified version of the Austin Healey Sprite, the MG Midget maintained the company’s tradition of building simple, affordable, and fun sports cars which were great to drive and easy to maintain. The Midget was built in progressively refined form right up to point where MG stopped production at Abingdon in 1980.

This MG has a great back story. Donated to the “Debenham Shed”, part of the charitable Men’s Shed movement that helps combat loneliness and isolation, the car has been rebuilt with the generous help of local business to raise funds for the installation of a defibrillator and other items.

The Midget comes to auction following a two year rebuild, including a bare metal respray in Flamenco Red which looks absolutely stunning. The car has had an Ivor Searle replacement engine in the past and comes with a wide range of spares and tools as well as a delightful, documented history of the rebuild including three articles from Classic Car Weekly. There are few areas to improve but with a recent service and an MOT until May 2024 this Midget is ready for no frills, wind in your hair motoring.

Here at Trade Classics, we’re delighted to auction the Midget and we will also help the charity further by passing the Buyer's Premium back to them too :).

This listing was written from information supplied by Richard after meeting Douglas, the charity representative, 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

This has been a labour of love for us - we’re so pleased with the way our Midget has turned out.

Douglas is a car guy himself and has led the restoration of the Midget since it was donated to the Shed two years ago - he tells us, “It was such a generous donation from Paul, the original owner, who had to give up due to ill health – we really felt we needed to do it justice”.

Douglas goes on to say, "We have plenty of skills among our volunteers, but we also got a lot of the work done by local professionals. The car’s had plenty of work done including a bare metal respray, a replacement gearbox, new rear springs, and new brake calipers – there’s plenty more all detailed in the rebuild history. We’re absolutely delighted with the result and so grateful to all the businesses that have supported us along the way – the car is now ready to use and enjoy”.

Douglas is happy to answer any questions about this lovely Midget car in the comments section below

Douglas

Debenham Shed Charity Representative

Douglas saved £0,720* when they
sold their MG with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Stunning “Flamenco Red” paintwork, Rostyles and chrome bumper conversion gives this MG a classic look.

Wheels and Tyres

The 13-inch period Rostyles wheels and stainless-steel rims are in sound condition with a few kerb marks here and there. The wheels have been hand painted and would benefit from a refurbishment to bring them up to the standard of the finish on the rest of the car.

The wheels are shod with 145/80/R13 tyres all round which appear to be free from cracks and have good tread remaining.

Bodywork

This Midget is a chrome bumper conversion which appears to have been done well and gives the car the more sought after, earlier period look. It stands straight, with doors, boot and bonnet closing properly and the manual hood appears to fit well with no rips, tears, or other significant damage. Shut lines are not perfect but generally typical for a British Leyland car of this era. As part of the work actioned, new floor pans have been welded in place, repairs to the chassis completed, and new rear half wings fitted.

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 at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The “Flamenco Red” paint presents beautifully and really does look like it’s been carried out to a very high standard. The finish is deep and rich with a consistent shine right across the car. We could see no sign of “orange peel” and having been carried out so recently means finding stone chips or marks is a real challenge – we certainly couldn’t didn't see any on the day of the visit.

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

Windscreen, side windows and hood screens all present well, and mirrors lights and lenses all look free from scratching and damage.

The chrome trim and badging is generally in good condition with the exception of the nearside rear split bumper, which Douglas feels would benefit from rechroming or replacement.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Simple, basic and absolutely charming – it’s easy to see why MGs have such a loyal and dedicated following.

Seats and Carpets

The black vinyl seats and headrests present well with no rips, tears, or significant wear that we could see. A new carpet set was fitted as part of the rebuild in addition to front kick panels and wheel arch trims.

Dashboard

The dashboard shows just minor wear, typical for a car of this age. We could see no splits or tears to the dash top and switches looked unbroken and in sound condition. The glass on the dials and gauges looked clear and undamaged as did the chrome bezels.

Please take the time to look at the hi resolution images and video of the interior so that you can assess the condition for yourself.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The aftermarket steering wheel is solid but is showing some wear on the leather covered rim. The MG branded gear knob is in sound condition while the gear lever is solid but has a few paint chips.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The, naturally aspirated, twin SU, Triumph 1500 engine delivers 65BHP through a four-speed manual gearbox – more than enough for this diminutive classic.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine bay is clean and orderly, and we could see no signs of damage or leaks. The 1.5L, straight four engine that the Midget shares with the Triumph Spitfire of the same period, looks in good order. The unit has a plate fitted that suggests the engine is an Ivor Searle replacement unit.

A replacement four speed gearbox provided by Andy Jennings MG spares was fitted as part of the rebuild. As can be seen from the cold start video the engine fired up well, idled steadily and emissions appeared clear.

Suspension and Brakes

The Midget is fitted with disc brakes upfront and drums on the rear; typical of sports cars of the period.

Suspension is provided by double wishbones at the front and semi elliptical longitudinal springs on the live rear axle, new springs and shock absorbers were fitted as part of the works actioned.

The Drive

Due to insurance limitations, we were unable to take the Midget on the open road for a drive but were able to capture it driving up and down the track at the Shed. The car seemed to drive well and Douglas assures us everything works as it should which is, of course, supported by the recent MOT and service.

Check out the On the Road video to share in our experience.

Electrics and Other

These are simple cars and, as a result, electrics are limited. All switchgear, dials and gauges looked in good condition and Douglas advised that everything on the car works as it should.

There is a period radio fitted.

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History and Paperwork

Everyone loves an MG and this Midget has been shown more love than most over the last two years - a charming, practical and ready to go classic.

This delightful Midget is as charming as it is simple. The paint finish looks absolutely lovely, and the car is ready to use and enjoy.

There are still a few jobs to keep the enthusiastic owner busy but nothing that would stop this classic MG being pressed into service immediately.

Included in the sale are a wide range of spares and tools, details of which can be seen in the paperwork images. The car also comes with workshop manuals, extensive receipts for the recent work and copies of articles from Classic Car Weekly who have been covering the restoration.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and 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 in order to make your own assessment on 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 first 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.