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.
|
2. An M-Type Midget-based special.
This next sporty two-seater is a bit of an oddball machine. Registered as UW 2007, I'm told the car's chassis number is #694 and is in fact still around. The origins appear to be M-Type Midget, but there are many many differences, hence this being more of a "special" than a factory MG. Non-original items include the huge, American headlamps, the windscreen assembly, the long bonnet and short scuttle, and the rear-hinged doors. My best guess is that it's an M-Type rolling chassis (and radiator), to which a one-off body has been fitted. The photograph dates to the 1950's, as confirmed by a collection of S-Type Bedfords parked in the background. Perhaps someone out there recognises the chaps stood with the car, or knows where the car is now (and whether it has resorted to being a standard M-Type, rather than a special)?
|
| (Please click the thumbnail to view full-size image.) |
|
|
3. An M-Type with ladies on board.
Two ladies are seen in this next shot, snuggled on board their standard-bodied M-Type MG, headgear in place, and ready for the open road. Unlike other M-Types I've seen photos of, this car doesn't have the MG script on the knock-on wheel spinners, and it also has the spare wheel mounted at the rear. Look closely and two air inlets have been fitted to the top of the scuttle, identical to those seen on fixed-head Austin Swallows.
|
|
|
|
Return to Old Vehicle Photos Page 8.
|
