The Midget was for several decades a nickname for MG's small, light, sporty cars. The MG Midget followed up the legacy in a more modern version.
Model history
From 1929, MG produced small, light, sporty cars that were colloquially called "Midgets". In 1955, the small cars with the pre-war bodywork were replaced by the MGA, a completely new model that became a great success. But many think it was too big. They missed a small, light, sporty car like the old Midget cars. When BMC revamped its Austin Healey Sprite 'Frog eye' in 1961, the MG Midget was launched as a 're-badge' of the Austin Healey Sprite. The two models looked almost exactly the same, except for the grill where the Midget got vertical ribs and a centrally placed MG logo. The MG Midget was produced in several series.
The Mk1 was produced from 1961 to 1964 with BMC's A-series engine. The first year with the 1000 engine from the Mini, then the Midget got the 1100 engine.
Mk2 (1964-1966) got a new windscreen with triangular windows on the sides and windows that could be cranked up. Earlier cars had split side windows that could be slid. The Mk2 also got external door handles. Previously, the doors could only be opened via internal handles.
The Mk3 was fitted with BMC's 1275 engine and retractable roof.
In 1971, production of the Midget's sister model Sprite ceased, but MG continued to produce the Midget until 1980 with several modifications. One of the most visible changes was the new rubber front, called "Rubber bumper" which was a result of the USA's "bumper law". Another change came as a result of BMC's A-series engines no longer meeting US emissions requirements. Thus, the Midget 1500 engines were also used in, among other things, the Triumph Dolomite. These engines provided more downforce, but unfortunately turned out not to be as good quality as the A-series engines.
About the pictures
The main photo of the French car was taken during a car meet in Perpignan, France in 2024. The red car with Norwegian plates was photographed during Hobby Vehicle Day in Hof, 2023. The car with extra lights and speed stripes participated in the Norwegian Sports Car Club's spring parade in 2025. The orange race-rigged car was on display at the Oslo Motor Show 2024.
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