MG Midget Mk1 to Mk3

Manufacturer	MG BMC
Type	Sports
Body type	Roadster
Production	from 1961 to 1980

The Midget is a small sports car produced by MG between 1961 and 1980 , taking the name of a famous car from the pre-war period.

History 

Long After the Second World War , the name Midget appeared again in 1961 The ADO34 was the name of a project roadster between 1960 and 1964  and later as the michelotti concept AD070 (below) that aimed to possibly develop a front-wheel drive based on the Mini for the new MG Midget or Austin-Healey Sprite but only remained a concept.. The series Mark I - III and Midget 1500 (BMC ADO47 ) were offered until 1979.

Based on the Austin-Healey Sprite , in 1961 the BMC derived a new 2-seat spider to be marketed with the sports brand MG. Simultaneously with the launch of the Midget , Sprite abandoned the Frog Eye bodywork to adopt the MG body.

The two identical cars in the mechanics and, except for some minor details (mask, logos and other details), even in the body shop, were practically two clones. Even the evolution of the two models was identical until 1971 , the year in which Sprite was removed from the price list, while the Midget remained in production.

In 1974 , in accordance with US legislation on automotive safety and pollution , the Midget was re-styled and adapted to the legislation. The adoption of black rubber absorbing bumpers (the so-called rubber bumpers ), which, at the front, also incorporated the grille (the bonnet was more sloping and elongated) did not help the Midget in terms of aesthetics . Also the structure (due to the American law) was raised, with a consequent loss of momentum of the line.

From the technical point of view the most important novelty was the adoption of the 4 cylinder in-line of 1493 cm³ of 70 hp of the Triumph Spitfire . The Midget was released in 1979.

Production 

226.001 Midget were produced , divided as follows:

MG Midget Mark I 16,080 cm³ engine 948 and 45 hp  (June 1961- March 1964).25,681 produced.

The first version was a slightly more expensive version than the following. Inspired by Austin-Healey's "Sprite MKII", it still retains the rear suspension axle of the original "Sprite". The engine was a 948  cm ³ with two SU carburetors producing 46 hp (34  kW ) and 72 Nm. Brake drums were 7 inches (178  mm ). A hard top, heater, radio and luggage rackwere available as factory-fitted options.

In October 1962, the engine was increased to 1098 cm3, increasing the power to 56 hp and drums were replaced at the front. Spoke wheels have also become available.

The doors do not have outside handles or locks and the windows were sliding with plexiglass on the side.

The production was 16,080 units for the small capacity 948  cm The production was 9601 units for the large 1,988 cm displacement  .

PERFORMANCE: Mark I (1961-1964)

• Engine Capacity: 67.15 cu in, 1098 cu cm;
• Fuel Consumption: 33.2 m imp gal, 27.7 m US gal, 8.5 1 x 100 km;
• Max Speed: 91 mph, 146.5 km h
• max speed in 1st gear: 28 mph, 45.1 km/h
• max speed in 2nd gear: 48 mph, 77.3 km/h
• max speed in 3rd gear: 68 mph, 109.5 km/h
• max speed in 4th gear: 91 mph, 146.5 km/h
• power-weight ratio: 22.7 lb/hp, 10.3 kg hp
• useful load: 353 1b, 160 kg
• acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 20.5 sec, 0—50 mph (0—80 km/h) 11.5 sec
• speed in direct drive at 1000 rpm: 15.4 mph, 24.8 km/h.

MG Midget Mark Mk2 (April 1964- October 1968): 26.601 cm³ 1098 engine and 50 hp, 26,601 produced.

 The windshield has gained a slight curvature, now maintained in a stronger frame. The hood, although modified, continued to have a removable frame. Changes are the doors, where the plexiglass sliding windows give way to lifting windows, with outside handles and separate locks.The rear springs have been replaced by more conventional semi-elliptic types giving better handling. The hood, even if it has been modified, continues to have a removable frame for laying the canvas. If it starts to rain, then you have to mount the frame of the hood that fits in the trunk. The engine block is elongated and widened, 

MG Midget Mark Mk3 (1968-1974): 77,831 cm³ 1275 and 65 hp engine. 77,831 produced.

First version: 1966-1969 .No changes are made to the first version of the Mark III outside the engine. This is increased to 1275  cm ³ using the development seen on the "S" from Mini -Cooper. Fans were disappointed because the engine of the Cooper "S" was adjusted from 72 hp to just 65 hp (48  kW). This choice was made because the Midget would have been faster than the MGB, more expensive. On the Mini, the engine is in transverse position, with the gearbox under the engine, in a single crankcase. On the Midget, it is in longitudinal position, the gearbox in the axis of the engine, lubricated separately. The hydraulic system is modified and the hood is now permanently attached to the car, with an improved mechanism that makes it much easier to use.

It was only at the end of 1967 that the cars received several modifications. Security is increased by placing a padded dashboard with smaller gauges; a telescopic steering column, scissor hood hinges, a third windshield wiper, additional side marker lights, and an anti-intrusion door. The 1275 model also provides better fuel economy than the 1098 model. Between 1966 and 1969, 22,415 copies were produced.

Second version: 1969 - 1971. At the end of 1969, changes were made to the exterior, with the outlines of the taillights in black, a black grille, black sills, removal of chrome rods, placement of wheels 13 ". rays were seen more and more but that was still an option, after which the bumpers were redesigned, with the rear bumpers in two parts and the front bumpers rubberized. The 1970 model is also characterized by the black grille on the back, with the MG badge in the center.

Third version: 1971 -1974.In August 1971, the engine power fell to 54.5 hp. In January 1972, the square-shaped rear wheel wells became rounded. This year too, the Midget was equipped with a Triumph steering rack, giving a speed-consumption ratio, which was slightly lower than previous Midgets. A second exhaust silencer was also added in 1972. Alternators have been installed in place of the dynamos since 1973. Optional Accessories 8 compression ratio; oil cooler; wire wheels and knock-on hubs; anti-roll bar on front suspension; hardtop .

PERFORMANCE : MG Midget Mk III

• Engine Capacity 77.80 cu in, 1,275 cu cm
• Fuel Consumption 35.3 mlimp gal, 29.4 m/US gal, 8 1 x 100 km
• Max Speed 95 mph, 153 km/h
• acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 19.1 sec, 0—50 mph (O —80 km/h) 9.2 sec
• speed in direct drive at 1,000 rpm: 15.5 mph, 25 km/h.
• max power (SAE): 65 hp at 6,000 rpm
• max torque (SAE): 72 1b ft, 9.9 kg m at 3.000 rpm
• max engine rpm: 6,200
• specific power: 51 hp/l
• max speeds: 30 mph, 48.3 km/h in 1st gear; 50 mph, 80.5 km/h in 2nd gear; 71 mph, 114.3 km/h in 3rd gear; 95 mph, 153 km/h in 4th gear
• power-weight ratio: 23.2 Iblhp, 10.5 kg/hp

Mk4 MG Midget 1500  (1974-1980): 73.889 cm³ 1498 and 70 hp engine (Triumph) 73,899 produced.

In this version, the "Midget" was modified to pass the new American laws.Large black plastic bumpers are added at the front and rear, and the ride height is raised. To compensate for the road behavior affected by these modifications, an anti-roll bar has also been put in place.The latter model Midget is built in chassis-hull, its equipped engine, 1275  cm ³ , of 65 hp at 6,000  rpm  ; it has an independent front suspension and front disc brakes.In 1974, this new model has oversized rubber bumpers, nicknamed "Sabrinas" after the name of the British actress spoiled by nature The name stuck and is used around the world. With Chrome bumpers will be added to meet customer expectations. The Large black plastic bumpers (usually called rubber bumpers) were added to the front and rear and the ride height was increased. As the ride height is increased, an anti-roll bar has been added to adjust the high center of gravity.

COLORS: Tartan red, Riviera Blue, old English white, British Racing Green.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Heater ,hard top,Tonneau cover,whitewall tyres

The A-Series engine will then be replaced by the 1,493  cm of the Triumph Spitfire and a modified Morris Marina gearbox has been placed. The engine of 1493  cm ³ , 65 hp produces more torque. Larger ratios resulted in a faster acceleration, ( 0 to 100  km / h in 12 seconds compared to 13 seconds for version 1 275  cm ³ ) and the maximum speed of slightly over 160  km / h for a weight of about 750  kg. The last car was manufactured on December 7, 1979, after 73,899 copies of the last edition were built. The last 500 cars on the domestic market were painted black.

Technical details

Engines
MkI: 948 cc A-Series I4
MkII: 1.1L (1098 cc) A-Series I4
MkIII: 1.3L (1275 cc) A-Series I4
MkIV: 1.5L (1493 cc) Standard SC I4
Length: 3480 m m
Width: 1346 mm
Height: 1230 mm
Step: 2030 mm
Mass: 715 k g

Later 1500 specifications
BRAKES: 8 and half inch front rear 7 and half inch
ROAD WHEELS: 13 inch x 3 and half inch
BODYWORK: Two-door two seater sports Spare wheel trunk, Soft top with Frame can Complete removed,
FUEL SYSTEM: Twin SU
IGNITION SYSTEM: Coil and automatic vacume control.
COOLING SYSTEM: presurised with pump. and thermostat Radiator size 12 pints.
REAR AXLE: Hypoid. three quater floating Ratio 4:22:1 capacity 2 pints.