1979 MG Midget

The 1979 MG Midget represents the closing chapter of one of Britain’s most beloved motoring stories. Nearing the end of production for the Midget, this model captures the end of an era for the affordable, fun sports car that emphasized handling and tactile feedback above all else. By this late stage in its lineage, the Midget had evolved into its "rubber bumper" iteration—a design born of necessity for the American market, but one that has since found its own devoted following. It represents a time when driving was a visceral, analog experience, unburdened by driver aids or complex electronics. It is a car built not for the interstate, but for the sun-drenched backroad, offering a "smiling face" and an eagerness to change direction that few modern vehicles can replicate.

The cocktail gets more potent when you lift the bonnet to reveal the 1,493 cc inline-four. Shared with the Triumph Spitfire, this 1500 engine offered more torque than its predecessors, making it a far more usable companion in modern traffic. Crucially, the example offered here has been liberated from the restrictive factory induction system; it is now fitted with an aftermarket Weber carburetor. This desirable upgrade wakes up the powerplant, offering improved throttle response, reliability, and a throatier induction note that encourages the driver to use the full rev range. The engine is believed to be original to the chassis and benefits from a rebuild performed just 4,000 miles ago, ensuring the mechanicals are fresh and ready for spirited use.

The example offered here is a "driver quality" survivor that invites guilt-free enjoyment. It wears an older repaint that retains a good shine and presents well from ten feet, though closer inspection reveals the honest patina of a car that has been driven as intended, including two impact dents on the hood. The interior was refreshed prior to the current ownership and features a tasteful aftermarket steering wheel that improves legroom and steering feel. While the convertible top does have a tear on the passenger side, the vehicle comes complete with a tonneau cover—the preferred setup for the true roadster experience—allowing for "top-down" motoring while keeping the cockpit protected when parked.

Provenance is a highlight for this British roadster. A long-term resident of the American Southwest, the car spent time in New Mexico before moving to the dry climate of Arizona with its current owner, a history that has undoubtedly aided its preservation. It is accompanied by a documented service history and the original spare tire. While not a concours trailer queen, this 1979 Midget is an honest, mechanically sorted classic ready to provide the specific joy that only a vintage British roadster can deliver on a sunny afternoon.