Launched in , this represented the first generation of the MG Midget. It was powered by the same A-Series engine fitted to the Sprite and both cars were devoid of outer door handles and, like the Frogeye, had removable Perspex side screens in place of wind up windows. Other improvements included fitting front discs instead of twin shoe drums and optional knock-off wire wheels became available for the first time. MkII Midgets received a new, curved windscreen, opening quarter lights and wind up windows.
Further styling changes were made when the MkIII came on the scene in , the year the almost indentical Austin-Healey Sprite ceased production. In the Midget underwent its most major revamp to date when rounded rear wheel arches replaced the previous squared off items. Marketed as the , this was the fastest Midget ever, as its 65bhp Triumph-sourced power plant made this game little MG a genuine mph sports car. The car we have here is a example, which means it sports the chrome detailing of the pre models but regardless of the era, all Midgets offer a very similar driving experience.
In cc form, a Midget always feels that much more enthusiastic than the later engined car which although ultimately more powerful are less happy to rev and feel somehow more pedestrian. The original Frogeye gives the sensation of high speed at a mere 30mph and the later Midgets like this offer a similar experience, even if the motor does give them a decent turn of speed. It all feels like a proper sports car too, with the gearlever set high on the centre tunnel and clicking through the gate with a nicely short travel and precision, while the rack-and-pinion steering borrowed from the Minor gives it a lovely precise feel.
As for the practical side of ownership, well the A-Series engine is a familiar prospect, part supply for the cars is second to none and the Midget even offers boot space on a par with the original MX How though does it compare to the much more complex car which represented MG for a new generation?
A colleague who spent some time with our own MGF project car recently Tweeted a comment to the effect that it was a great sports car… for Except of course that last feature would already have been old hat even when the Midget was still rolling out of Abingdon. Like the Midget, the MGF was born from a need to fill a gap in the MG line-up: with the traditional MGB and Midget had long since gone, the octagon badge had been successfully applied to a new generation of front-driven cars but with the Metro, Maestro and Montego out of production the MG marque had temporarily disappeared.
Various directions were explored, including a front-engined V8, a Maestro-based front-driver and what eventually made production: a mid-engined car using essentially two Metro subframes, one with an engine but no steering and one with steering but no engine. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Share Leave comment.
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See more newsletters. Comments steven broadbent says:. December 6, at am. Colin Frowen says:. December 18, at pm. Gary Johnson says:. February 3, at pm. James Mills says:. Paula says:. September 12, at pm. Brett says:. The Midget is far more nimble and responsive, even with just a cc best engine to get in a Midget. I love the styling of the MGB and the size, but wish it was as peppy as the Midget.
Both are great cars however. Gjettum, oslo, Norway. The B is a more comfortable cruising high speed car with OD. The midget is a great fun about town car and rural twisting roads. Never been a big fan of the rubber bump triumph engined midgets. There again I look at these cars as a hobby and not as a serious modern transport. A tiny Island off the coast of Washington State, N. Bunch of midget dreamers. Race car on the street?
A Midget is slower , lower top speed by 15 mph. It is responsive and corners like a slot car,but an MGB of like year will smoke it on any road or track. They are a fun tiny sports car. The MGB is a fun small sports car. So what have you got against cheap suits? B Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others? Jenkinsnb Noah Jenkins.
I'm going to have to agree. It ALL depends on the driver, but two drivers of like skill level in cars they're familiar with on the same road, a midget doesn't stand a chance in Hades. A half decent B will accelerate quicker, pass straightaways faster and corner as quick or quicker than a midget. The midget seems to suit smaller folks, but I wouldn't recommend it if your 6 feet tall. Like everyone has said though, compare a Sprite and a midget, not a B and a midget. In reply to by ohlord Bunch of midget dreamers.
Stockton on Tees, Cleveland, UK.
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