1972 MG Midget 'Special'

This very purposeful, focussed and capable Midget was developed to be a competitive race car for ‘Swinging 60s’ and other series and events by experienced Midget aficionado and driver Nick Aveyard and his co-driver Robert Sinclair.

The heavily modified Midget features a professional RWA conversion, Ashley bonnet, W&P Sebring Mk2 fastback hardtop, lowered suspension, adjustable shocks, a Maniflow inlet and exhaust system, a full roll-cage, dual circuit brakes, high-torque starter motor, and various other track mods including full safety provision in accordance with MSA regulations.  

The engine is a 1380cc ‘A’ series unit that’s been reworked by MED Engineering with ARP rods, Omega pistons, competition bearings, a VP8 camshaft, 7.5” flywheel, oil cooler, and lightweight ancillaries throughout.

The interior is totally stripped save for the driver's seat and harness, and features fully electronic extinguisher and (mapable) ignition systems.

It is absolutely built to the hilt and is raring to go – largely because it’s never been raced.

It has, however, proved its rapidity (and reliability) at the Harewood hill climb and a couple of sprints, but it has yet to turn a wheel on a track.

The vehicle presents very well from every angle and looks pretty much minty fresh and squeaky clean in every respect, as befits a car that’s been optimally prepared and readied for serious track use but has yet to actually do any.

The bodywork is straight and true, and the panel gaps and shut-lines accord with what you would hope and expect to find.

The striking red paintwork is shiny and lustrous and the car’s various decals and stickers are as yet untroubled either by use or the passage of time.

All four 13” KN Minator wheels are very decent, save for a few scuffs, and they are shod in matching Yokohama road legal tyres, all of which look to have plenty of useful life and service left in them. There are a set of Yokohama track tyres that come with the car. 

The plastic headlamp cowls are currently being helped to stay in place by some red adhesive tape.

There is some rather ragged looking mastic (or similar) at the forward ends of the rubber trim beneath the side windows.

There are some cracks to the composite and gel-coat around the bonnet hinge on the nearside and, to a lesser extent, on its offside counterpart.

All lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings look to be in very good overall condition.

There’s rarely much to say about the inside of a race-prepped, track-focused, safety regulations-compliant car, and this one is no exception.

The principal take-out from looking at the interior is undoubtedly the newness of everything you can see.

The car hasn’t been used in anger and it looks like it: everything is unmarked and there are no signs of wear, tear, age or misuse anywhere that we can see.

As far as we are aware, all controls, dials, switches, levers, buttons, gauges and knobs do precisely what’s asked of them in a timely and faithful manner.

The engine and engine bay look exceptionally clean, tidy and ordered.

We’d give it 5 stars on a food hygiene rating, never mind a mechanic’s report, and everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides look as virtually brand-new as the rest of the car and are clearly possessed of a great deal of structural integrity.

We’ve seen absolutely nothing to make us doubt the car’s honesty or character.

The seller has recently fitted a larger, more powerful battery, and it now roars into life with great willingness.

The car comes with a recent, clear HPI report, a V5C, and a healthy wad of invoices, bills and receipts attesting to work carried out over the last few years.

Raw, visceral, analogue motorsport fun doesn’t come much better than a properly sorted and fettled Midget.

In this instance, other people – people who really know what they’re doing and haven’t been afraid to spend some big money – have done all the heavy lifting for you.

All you have to do is enjoy driving it to the best of your, and its, no doubt impressive abilities.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £10,000 - £15,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.