MG Midgets: MG mystery: the missing three years

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

MG mystery: the missing three years

GAN5 and all that! The Mk III Midget was in production between 1966 and 1974. The round wheel arch (RWA) version is arguably - well, I'd argue - the prettiest version of the MG Midget. This was produced from 1971 onwards. A total of 48,287 GAN5 RWA Midgets were produced, of which 10,310 were RHD destined for the home market. The very last RWA Midget, GAN5-153920 was produced on 17 Oct 1974.

The chassis number on the new midget indicates a construction date in the first half of 1972, GAN5-123644 being the very last the c.10,000 1972 specification models, built in June 1972. At a guess "JNK" was built about three quarters of the way through the run.

Curiously though, the car was not registered until May 1975... so what happened during the missing three years? More to follow when we receive the Heritage Certificate, which may yield some clues.

(Production data from Original Sprite and Midget, by Terry Horler).

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A quick history

The MG Midget sprang from the Austin-Healey Sprite, a basic, cheap to run, fun to drive two-seater which first appeared in 1959. Affectionately known as the “Frogeye” –due to the distinctive headlamp and grille arrange, the Sprite was manufactured in Abingdon. With twin SU carburettors, developing around 42 bhp, the Sprite was capable of reaching around 80mph.

The Mark II Austin-Healy Sprite appeared in 1961 and featured significant restyling. The De-Luxe version, rebadged, was launched as the Mark I MG Midget. Sprites and Midgets (“Spridgets”) continued in parallel until 1970.

In 1963 the Midget Mk I was given a 1098cc version of the A-series engine, developing 55bhp. Disc brakes became available and options included wire wheels. In 1964 the Mark II was launched. This had improved suspension, a new windscreen, and wind up windows – luxury!

The Mark III was introduced in late 1966, with the engine further enlarged to 1275cc, using the A-series unit developed for the Mini Cooper S, capable of producing 65bhp and speeds of over 90mph. In 1970, the Sprite version of the Midget (the Sprite Mk IV) was axed. Further refinements were made in 1972, including the short-lived but distinctive round wheel arches at the rear.

US emissions and safety regulations put increasing pressure on MG to make changes for the important US export market. The Mark IV was launched in 1974, which included rubber-bumpers to meet US crash test legislation and the 1493cc, four-cylinder, pushrod, OHV engine from the Triumph Spitfire. The larger engine produced 66bhp, giving a top speed of over 100mph.

With a production run of nearly 230,000 the Midget finally ceased production in 1979.