Great Owner History
This 1965 MG Midget comes with the original 1098cc engine and four speed transmission. Equipped with the more desirable “rib cased” transmission. Exterior refinished in two stage black paint in 2015 and shows remarkably well. The interior is red vinyl. A tonneau cover with rib is present. Later Midget seats are installed and the battery has been relocated behind the driver’s seat under the car. The car retains the European ignition under the dash and rear tail-lights. With fender mounted chrome side mirrors and black steel wheels with chrome “moon” style caps highlighting the original chrome bumpers and grille.
Previous ownership of 50 plus years, with the following provenance: This car was purchased in 1966 by Mr. Horne from a returning GI who had purchased the car in Europe and transported it home. A few years later, Horne sold the car to friends. Mr. Horne purchased it back from the friends for $100 in 1974 and performed a two-year cosmetic and mechanical rebuild. The car was repainted in the original lacquer paint. Horne claimed it was his crowning accomplishment, which a note from his wife supports. The lacquer paint did not hold well in the Florida climate and bubbled and cracked. Upon moving to NC in 1986, the car was stored in his barn until 2014, when another rebuild was commissioned. The entire body was disassembled, professionally stripped, painted and reassembled. All of the mechanical work performed in 1976 was still in great shape.
After 52 years of fastidious ownership, 2 restorations, a 25-30 year rest, and a recent health check by an English car expert, this car is ready for a new chapter. A pair of folders documenting the rebuilds, mileage records, mechanical drawings, compression charts, flow charts for carb adjustments, are included to support the level of care this car has received.
Henry Horne and Haden Beatty were brothers-in-law, as they married sisters. Their love of cars, racing and their wives is apparent. Henry’s wife, Jo, illustrates this in a poem she wrote for their 20th wedding anniversary. Henry’s engineering background is illustrated by the extensive notes he made about and the care he took, or the vehicles he owned. Racing in SCCA event around the South in the late 50s and early 60s, Henry and Hayden had a blast sharing their lives in an Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite and MGs. Leland Little sold one of Hayden’s MGs in 2020. The numerous trophies and notes referencing racetracks in Florida and the early days of the internationally acclaimed VIR racetrack in Virginia provide the proof of the brother in-laws’ drive to just have fun doing what they loved.
Other info: New carpet kit installed, and some original trim pieces were dyed; interior in amazing condition with new covering on driver’s side seat cushion. Recent service to ready for sale to include spark plugs and oil change. Chrome is in great quality condition; brakes and clutch are good, and new fuel filter. Floor pans are in great shape along with tonneau cover and convertible roof. Overall wonderful condition with no concerns.
RUNS AND DRIVES GREAT ~GREAT ADDITION TO ANY COLLECTION!
Other info;
New carpet kit installed and some original trim pieces were dyed
Interior is in amazing condition with new covering on driver’s side seat cushion
Recent service to ready for sale include spark plugs and oil change
Chrome is in great quality condition, brakes and clutch are good and new fuel filter
Floor pans are in great shape along with tonneau cover and convertible roof
Overall wonderful condition with no concerns
Runs and drives great
Great addition to any collection
Call for details Tim at 757 675-0288
Free delivery within 300 miles of VA Beach, VA
