This 1978 MG Midget is powered by a 1,493cc inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission and is finished in blue over tan vinyl. Features include a black convertible soft top and top boot, a luggage rack, 13″ Rostyle wheels, front disc brakes, and an AM/FM radio. The car was acquired by the selling dealer on BaT in November 2022 and subsequent work has included rebuilding the single Zenith-Stromberg carburetor and cylinder head as well as replacing the main bearings, rod bearings, valve cover gasket, and fuel tank, pump, and sending unit. This Midget is offered by the selling dealer at no reserve with an uninstalled Kenwood CD stereo, Retro Sound speakers, service records, a black tonneau cover, and a clean Arkansas title.
The car was reportedly refinished in its factory shade of Pageant Blue under previous ownership. Equipment includes a replacement black convertible soft top, a matching top boot, a luggage rack, dual side mirrors, black rubber bumpers, and triple windshield wipers. The headlights were replaced along with the door and trunk locks in 2023. Scratches are noted on the hood.
The 13″ Rostyle wheels were fitted with replacement trim rings in preparation for the sale and are mounted with 155/80 Kumho Solus TA11 tires that were manufactured in 2021. Braking is handled by front discs and rear drums. The brake fluid was flushed and the suspension bushings were replaced in 2023.
The bucket seats are trimmed in tan vinyl and joined by color-coordinated door panels and carpets. The seat webbing and dash pad were replaced and a manual choke was installed under current ownership. Interior appointments include a cabin heater, an AM/FM radio, and manual-crank windows.
A four-spoke steering wheel fronts a 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The five-digit odometer was replaced under current ownership and shows 15k miles, approximately 2,500 of which were driven by the selling dealer. An odometer reading of 86k miles was shown in the previous auction and the total mileage is unknown.
The 1,493cc inline-four was factory rated at 50 horsepower and 67 lb-ft of torque. Service since 2022 has involved rebuilding the single Zenith-Stromberg carburetor and cylinder head as well as replacing the main bearings, rod bearings, and fuel tank, pump, and sending unit along with the valve cover gasket, thermostat, starter, ignition coil, motor mounts, and coolant hoses. The air pump and catalytic converter have been removed.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The clutch was reportedly changed in 2019 and the fluid was flushed in 2023. A replacement exhaust system was installed under previous ownership.