1930s MG Midget sports.
See an MG Midget on the road now, and most of the time it'll either be a chrome-bumpered Mk1/2/3 Midget (commonly referred to in their day as the Spridget, with A-Series power), or else the later rubber-bumper BL-ised two seater, propelled by a Triumph engine. The original MG Midget though dates to 1929-1932, and like MG models of the 50s and 60s, was based on contemporary Morris running gear, tuned, and fitted with sporting coachwork.
|
|
|
Dane, who in fact owned an overhead cam Morris Minor 2 seater on which the Midget was based, kindly sent in this MG M-Type photo. He adds: "One day I had a visit from a Wellington-based enthusiast who owned an 'M' Type MG. It was interesting comparing the vehicles because they had basically the same OHC engine. The generator was mounted vertically at the front of the engine providing the connection from crankshaft to camshaft".
|
|
As Dane says, the M-Type used running gear based on the contemporary 847cc Morris Minor, before the latter switched to a simpler sidevalve engine. Early Midgets, breathing through an SU carburettor, produced 20bhp. Although this doesn't sound particularly high, it did allow this sporting two seater to cruise comfortably at 50mph. The engine's output increased to 27 in 1930, and in 1932 the real speed fiend could opt for a supercharger, endowing the Midget with a top speed of 80mph. Six volt electrics were fitted, as was a fuel tank of 4.5 gallons.
|
|
Early cars featured a fabric covered body over a wooden frame, this switched to all-metal construction in 1931. Cycle wings were fitted throughout production, and access to the rear boot area was via a hinged lid in the tail.
|
|
The Autocar magazine roadtested the MG Midget in 1929, and were suitably impressed - "An Extraordinarily Fascinating Little Car" they christened it, and enthused about it's performance:
|
|
"Not only has the M.G. Midget a fascinating appearance, but it goes so exceedingly well. Sixty to sixty-five miles an hour with it are not adventure but delight. It sits down on the road like a thoroughbred and at high speeds feels more like a big car than a tiny one."
|
|
In 1932, the new J2 Midget would take over from the earlier M-Type and supercharged Montlhery types.
|
|
Return to Old Vehicle Photos Page 8.
|
