1979 MG Midget Mk IV

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“MG Midget: Waves of excitement at a price that's a breeze ... Very simply, there is no other true sports car sold in America that costs less than a Midget.” Offered for $4,995, the 1979 MG Midget Mk IV was the final iteration of the iconic series that began in 1961, and the automaker’s sales brochure made it look like owning one was a day at the beach. Offered with a new Triumph 1493cc inline-four-cylinder engine that produced about 50 horsepower, the car’s diminutive size made it feel much quicker, especially with its short-throw, four-speed manual transmission, which made for quicker and more precise gear changes.  The Mk IV wore large rubber bumpers (added to comply with U.S. safety regulations), and the suspension was raised to improve crash safety. Despite these changes, the Midget Mk IV retained its charm as a nimble, lightweight sports car, beloved by enthusiasts for its simplicity and driving pleasure. This ’79 Midget wears Carmine Red paint, black top, and beige vinyl upholstery. It received numerous mechanical upgrades in September 2024, was driven 300 miles, received an oil change, and was then stored for the winter.

Highlights 

• Final year of the iconic MG Midget 

• Refinished (July 2023) in Carmine Red paint over black/beige interior with beige vinyl bucket seats

• Upgrades in September 2024 include: 

  • 1493cc inline-four engine professionally rebuilt 

  • Bearings, cam, crank, pistons, valves replaced and/or machined 

  • New clutch, clutch slave cylinder, battery, fuel pump, and distributor 

  • Oil change 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• The chassis number (GAN6UL221182G) decodes as: 

  • G – MG 

  • A – BMC A Series engine 

  • N – Two-seat roadster 

  • 6 – Mk IV 

  • U – USA spec (left-hand drive) 

  • L – 1979 model year 

  • 221182 – Sequential production number 

  • G – Abingdon, Great Britain, assembly plant 

  Features 

• Rack and pinion steering 

• Front disc brakes 

• Front suspension: Independent with coil springs 

• Rear suspension: Tube axle with leaf springs 

• Dash instrumentation: 110 mph speedometer and odometer, 7000 rpm tachometer, coolant temperature, and fuel level  

• Retro SX-5513 BT/USB/SD stereo radio 

• Optional luggage rack 

• 13-inch mag-style wheels 

• Wanli S-105 155/80R13 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Multiple paint chips on rear quarter panels around wheels 

• Small oil drip (typical of British roadsters) 

• Small crack in right side of dash 

• Some cracking of rubber seal around side vent windows 

• Upholstery/carpet have faded 

• Directional signal does not automatically cancel (otherwise works fine) 

• Original top does not snap easily behind passenger door (but will snap in place) 

• Boot for top is worn 

• Zippers on original Tonneau cover are troublesome 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Original jack 

• Car cover 

• Tonneau cover 

• Boot for top 

• Owner’s manual 

• Haynes Repair Manual 

• Midget 1500 workshop manual 

• Used head with valves and push rods, water pump, and oil pump (if buyer wants them) 

Ownership History

This 1979 MG Midget Mk IV has spent its entire life in Montana, first in the Hamilton area, when it had a winter block heater installed for cold weather starts, and later in Missoula and around Kalispell. It had been stored for 10 years when the consignor bought it in 2022 and had numerous mechanical upgrades performed in September 2024. “At 80+ years old, it is time for a more energetic person to enjoy this car."