MG Midgets: April 2012

Monday, 30 April 2012

De-bumper or not de-bumper?

Now that is the question! I have been toying with the idea of decluttering ABW since I bought her almost a year ago. The car already came with a fast-cam Oscelli engine and Minilite look-alikes. The addition of some large driving lights and a little more "rallye stylee" finally convinced me that naked was the route. The weight penalty for the bumpers and hangers must be considerable. I have also struggled to find a decent pair of rear quarter bumpers to replace the existing crinkled chrome, misshapen efforts. And I could never get them hanging straight either.

Now the purists will no doubt shake their heads and groan at any modifications.

An obvious downside is that I will need to avoid bumping into anything. Although, I'm far from convinced that the existing heavy ironwork would do anything other than transmit the impact to the chassis and bodywork. I don't intend testing this hypothesis.

At the back I've retained the over-riders; these also serve to hold the number plate illumination. I have filled the excess holes with some low-profile allen head bolts, with rubber gasket for a waterproof seal. In time I plan to fit a rear fog warning light and perhaps an auxiliary reversing spotlight. I may switch to a horizontal rather than square number plate. Phase 2!

A naked rear!

Around at the front end, I have removed the bumper and used the forward facing bolts to mount some brackets for spotlights and to locate the front number plate. Fitting the driving lights to my satisfaction took some time - more on that later!

Safety Fast front end.

However, I am still on the hunt for some decent replacement rear quarter bumpers and I have carefully stored the front bumper and various fixings. I do not think the existing items are good enough to re-chrome, but if I can find some quality original items I will consider refurbishment. There is always a chance I will want to change my mind, so I am keeping the options open.

Anyway, what happens to all those bumpers - especially the rubber ones - that are removed?

In the mean time, naked is the way!

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.