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MG Midget - Last of the Midgets
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When the MGA replaced the MG TF Midget in 1955, it was felt that this was a step up in the MG line. This left a gap in the small car market. At the MG factory in Abingdon, with the merger with Austin in 1952 (creating BMC), Austin-Healey's were being built alongside the MGAs. Added to this line was the Austin-Healey Sprite in 1958. The "Frogeye" Sprite was the size to fit this gap. By 1961, the Sprite was due for the new corporate styling changes. A more conventional front and headlights in the fenders were adopted. Badge engineering allowed for two new Sprites, one badged an Austin-Healey and one a MG, the MG Midget. |
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A 1963 Midget Mark I - the Midget had reliable mechanical components and was cheap to run. |
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The Midget was originally powered with a 948 cc engine developing 46.4 hp. It also featured a lockable trunk with true trunk cover. The original "Frogeye" Sprite had only a baggage loading compartment behind the seats. The Mark I version later got a larger 1098 cc engine boosting hp to 55. In 1964, the Mark II was introduced with wind up windows which replaced the side curtains which were prone to leak with age. Along with the new windows were locking doors. in 1966, the Mark III was fitted with a 1275 cc (65 hp) engine. The Mark IV received a larger engine (1491 cc) with the same hp. |
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The Midget offered excellant handling for a sports car of the time. |
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The MG Midget, like the MGB had very little styling changes throughout its production life. As outlined in the MGB Section, organizational changes had more of an impact on the Midget than the competion. Compliance with the US safety and emission standards brought about an inch rise in the suspension (half an inch lower than the MGB) and the impact plastic bumpers. Lack of development by British Leyland on the MG and continuing focus on the Triumph line brought the Company to a severe cash flow shortage. Production of the Midget ended in 1979, one year before the MGB. In total just under 225,000 Midgets were produced from 1961 thru 1979. |
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A 1978 Midget - the Mark IV was last in the line of the MG Midgets. |
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