The MG Midget, developed by Austin Healey Sprite MK I, was launched in May 1958, and the MG Midget MK1 was launched in June 1961. The only difference between the MG Midget and its stable assistant, the MK2 Sprite, is its MG badges, additional chrome stripes for upholstery, a chrome grill grille and a slightly improved interior.
What should I look for?
Your first consideration when you buy the MG Midget is body condition. The size of the MG Midget makes any restoration a difficult task due to its rigid dimensions. Easily accessible repair panels at reasonable prices make restorations for both professionals and amateurs, as well as for good, but at the same time carefully check any potential purchase.
Make sure that you check all areas of the car, make sure that all panels are aligned, that the gaps between the panels are even, no dents or ripples or any folds in the bodywork. Keep track of any panels or areas of the body that have different shades of paint, they may cover repairs made with filler. It should be noted soft upper part of less than average conditions, and the condition of the floor is checked for corrosion.
Front apron and front fenders
The front valence is often the first victim of even a minor accident along with damage to the stone, and it is important to check the seam where the front wing connects the apron. Check the bumper for signs of damage, and check the condition of the bumpers, especially the rubber bumpers, as they require replacement.
The front wings tend to rust along the bottom seam, where the wing meets the top of the sill panel. Corrosion is observed in the area around the headlamp, and there is also a drain hole in the front wings on the bottom of the lip, and if a blockage of dirt and sediment builds up and rot.
Doors and mail
Make sure the doors have all the gaps around and are installed correctly. A tight fitting door that sticks at the top may have the sign of a folding case or bath that has been repaired without support. Make sure that the door seals are in the correct order and ensure the operation of the window winder, it is especially important to check that the drain holes in the door bottoms are clean and look at the rust along the bottom of the door. Carefully check the “A” area for any rust here, any problem here is difficult to repair.
Window sills
Window sills are the most common area for rust, and the only repair is panel replacement. To inspect the window sill, lie down along the side of the car and shine with a torch on the back side, checking for corrosion holes, it is possible that there are drain holes, but not always. Surface rust on a windowsill can hide serious damage from below.
Hood
Repair sections are available for the hood, but some skills are needed to fit, any dents in the hood are also difficult to repair, and you will probably be better off buying a full panel.
Rear wing
The upper part of the inner and outer panels of the wheel arch may corrode; Square wheel arch models seem particularly prone to this. The lower rear wing right behind the door, where it connects to the window sill, is another rust-proof. Check these areas and rear quarter wing for corrosion or filler.
Boot / trunk
Open the boot and inspect the spare wheel area for signs of dampness or rust, check for the presence of a spare wheel and seat. Before closing, check the boot lid again for signs of corrosion.
Shelf for floor
Carefully check out this area by raising the carpets and checking the floor below, the area behind the seats is a buildup of dirt and salt.
Engine inspection
Finally, when buying a MG Midget, the last area of review is the engine compartment. Check the engine for oil leaks, especially around the filter housing and gaskets. Any trace of antifreeze or rust on the engine block may indicate a water leak. Listen to the engine running, check the purge around the manifolds and between the manifold and the pipe. Examine the clutch brake cylinder and brake cylinder and surrounding paint for traces of fluid leaks or leakage. The battery can be found in the back of the engine compartment, and it must be properly secured, as any leakage from the battery can corrode the surrounding body.
