Midget 50

A jamboree for MG Midget enthusiasts took place at Burghley House, near Stamford, on 12 June to celebrate 50 years of these amazing little cars. The programme included guest speakers, car gymkhana, the obligatory concours d'elegance contest, but the real stars were the hundreds of Midgets and Sprites that turned up, despite the driving rain!

ABW proudly took her place amongst a gaggle of the little cars. Paying on the gate she received a souvenir plate with No.898; with better weather I'm sure over a thousand Spridgets would have turned out.

An enormous range of cars were at the event, but a few in particular caught my eye.  Here is a very early example of the original MG Midget from around 1930:

Plenty of sporting versions of the Midget were on display.  Here is an original works Midget:

And a couple of examples of cars more highly developed in recent years:

There was a good selection of "special body" Spridgets, including many Austin Healey Sebring Sprite replicas.  The Sebring Sprite was an alloy-bodied streamlined works car raced at the Sebring Race Circuit in Florida, USA, in the early 1960s.  Here is an example that is very faithful to the original:

So, an interesting day for enthusiasts, despite the terrible weather. It was a good chance to talk to fellow owners, have a look at various "improvements" and period-style accessories.  I was able to give ABW a good shake down soon after purchase. clocking up another 150 miles. A few items were purchased, including a new grille. And yours truly left with a smile on his face.