To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Petersen Automotive Museum Auction event, 8 December 2018.
Estimate:
$12,000 - $16,000
- An original LHD export model, delivered to California
- Comprehensive concours-quality restoration
- The quintessential British sports car
There is something almost indescribably fun about driving a small
car . . . and we do not mean simply small, but downright TINY!
Consider the Mini, T-series MG, Bugeye Sprite, and, maybe most
importantly and famously, the MG Midget. The nimble handling and
sprightly four-cylinder motor, coupled with a manual gearbox, make
this something truly memorable for the proper driving enthusiast.
It is a car in which you feel every corner, every shift, every
sensation; you feel as though you are Jim Clark driving 150 mph,
though you are just taking your kid for ice cream at 35 mph!
Even among Midgets, however, one example must reign supreme and
stand taller than the others . . . and that is where this car comes
in. Production ended for all Midgets in November 1979, and this car
is among the final series, outfitted with the 1,500-cc engine from
the Triumph Spitfire which delivered greater torque and was mated
to a Morris gearbox will taller gear ratios.
Treated to a comprehensive restoration, it presents like a
brand-new car. We understand it was a rust-free California example,
before being stripped down to bare metal and refinished to the
highest possible standard with a new Robbins convertible top as
well and an interior that is absolutely showroom fresh, courtesy of
rebuilt seats, new upholstery door panels, and accessories. The
engine was completely rebuilt, and the entire drivetrain was gone
over from front to back - new piston assemblies, camshaft, filters,
timing chain, valves, guides, water, fuel pumps, and so on. The
carburetor and gearbox were all professionally rebuilt, and the
suspension and brake systems were all addressed with the very same
professionalism.
The car is nothing short of spectacular and a stunning presentation
the likes of which we doubt any other Midget in the world shares.
If ever there was a concours-quality restoration of an MG, this is
it!To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ca18.
