This 1977 MG Midget was acquired by the seller in 2017 as a non-running project, and over $8k of subsequent work included rebuilding the 1,493cc inline-four and downdraft Weber carburetor, overhauling the brake system, repairing the odometer, and replacing the fuel tank, clutch, clutch hydraulics, cooling system components, and wiring harnesses. The car is finished in red over black vinyl upholstery, and additional equipment includes a four-speed manual transmission, a Crane Cams ignition system, a Spitfire-specification water pump, 13″ Rostyle steel wheels, front disc brakes, a black soft top and boot, and a Panasonic AM/FM stereo. This Midget is now offered with service records, spare parts, a car cover, and a clean Louisiana title in the seller’s name.
The car was previously finished in white, and the seller reports that it was repainted in Damask Red under previous ownership. Exterior details include a black convertible soft top, a top boot, dual side mirrors, and black rubber bumpers. The car reportedly sustained damage to the right front under previous ownership. LED turn signals and brake lights were installed under current ownership. There is a crack in the right side of the windshield, there is rust on the bottom inner edge of the left door, and photos of imperfections are viewable in the gallery below.
The 13″ Rostyle wheels are mounted with 155/80 Ironman iMove PT tires. Braided stainless-steel brake hoses were installed and the front brake calipers were rebuilt under current ownership, and the brake master cylinder, front brake pads, rear wheel cylinders, rear brake shoes, and rear spring hardware were also replaced. The seller reports that the front camber is out of alignment, and the right frame rail requires straightening.
The seating surfaces are trimmed in black vinyl and are complemented by color-coordinated door panels and carpets. Interior appointments include a cabin heater, lap belts, and a Panasonic AM/FM radio. The seller reports that the condition of the cassette player is unknown. The window crank assemblies do not match, the left bottom seat cushion is torn, and the ignition warning buzzer is inoperative.
Instrumentation consists of a 120-mph speedometer, a tachometer, a fuel level gauge, and a replacement combination gauge for coolant temperature and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 46k miles, approximately 7k of which were added under current ownership. The odometer was repaired and a replacement tachometer and fuel level sending unit were installed under current ownership. The total mileage is unknown.
The seller states that the #3 rod bearing in the 1,493cc inline-four had failed prior to their acquisition and subsequent work consisted of boring and surfacing the block, grinding the crankshaft and lifters, a valve job, and installing .030″ overside pistons, undersized crankshaft bearings, and a replacement oil pump, fuel pump, fuel tank, oil pressure relief valve, core plugs, spark plugs, timing components, wiring harnesses, and assorted cooling system components. Modifications include a Weber two-barrel 32/36 downdraft carburetor, Spitfire-specification water pump and fan blade, an alloy valve cover, a Crane Cams Fireball XR700 ignition system, and a fabricated thermostat cover with a fill plug. There are oil leaks on the underside of the engine and the seller reports that a crankcase ventilation system has a leak. The engine requires extended cranking to build fuel pressure following extended periods of storage.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. Bell stainless-steel rear exhaust components have been fitted, and the clutch, throwout bearing, and clutch hydraulic cylinders were replaced under current ownership. The seller reports that the transmission was inspected following their acquisition. Oil drips are shown on the bottom of the transmission case and differential.
Photos of the engine during the overhaul are presented in the gallery.