The MG Midget was a small two-seater sports car produced by the MG division of the British Motor Corporation from 1961-79. The Mark I first generation (1961-64) was essentially a slightly more expensive badge-engineered version of the Austin-Healey Sprite MKII and the engine was a 948 cc A-Series with twin SU carburettors producing 46 hp. The car had a hard top, heater, radio and luggage rack available as factory-fitted extras. In late 1962 the engine was increased to 1098 cc, raising the output to 56 hp and disc brakes replaced the drums at the front. Wire spoked wheels also became available. The first generation doors had no external handles or locks and the windows were sliding Perspex side-screens. An original generation car with the 948 cc engine was tested by the British magazine ‘The Motor’ in 1962 and reportedly amazingly had a top speed of over 87mph. The Mark II (1964-66) gained wind-up windows, swivelling quarter lights, external handles and separate locks. The windscreen also gained a slight curvature and was retained in a more substantial frame. The Mark III (1966-74) engine now grew to an even more sporty and very fast 1275 cc using the development seen on the legendary Mini-Cooper ‘S’ and the marque began a legendary reputation for racing. The last generation, the 1500 MG Midget (1974-80), with the new 1493 cc engine produced more torque and the increased output, combined with taller gear ratios, resulted in faster acceleration (12 seconds 0–60 compared to 13 for the 1275 cc version) and a top speed of just over 100 mph! Sadly the last car was built on 7 December 1979.


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Location: Santa Monica, California, United States