Automobile Makes and Models Austin Healey

The MG Midget MkI (1961-1964)

By Carclassic1 on | From mg-midget-cars.blogspot.com

The MG Midget MkI (1961-1964)

Picture Of 1975 Mg Midget Cars

The first version was essentially a slightly more expensive badge engineered version of the Austin-Healey Sprite MKII and retained the quarter-elliptic sprung rear axle from the original Sprite. The engine was a 948 cc A-Series with twin SU carburettors producing 46 hp (34 kW) at 5500 rpm and 53 lbf·ft (72 Nm) at 3000 rpm. Brakes were 7 in (178 mm) drums all round. A hard top, heater, radio and luggage rack were available as factory fitted extras.

Picture Of 1961 Austin Healey Sprite

In October 1962 the engine was increased to 1098 cc raising the output to 56 hp (42 kW) at 5500 rpm and 62 lbf·ft (84 Nm) at 3250 rpm and disc brakes replaced the drums at the front. Wire-spoked wheels became available.

Picture Of Mg Midget Cars

The doors had no external handles or locks and the windows were sliding Perspex side-screens. A heater was an optional extra.

Picture Of 1971 Mg Midget Cars

Production was 16,080 of the small engined version and 9601 of the 1098.

Picture Of 1964 Mg Midget MKII Cars

A car with the 948 cc engine was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1962 and had a top speed of 87.9 mph (141.5 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 18.3 seconds. A fuel consumption of 40.2 miles per imperial gallon (7.03 L/100 km; 33.5 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £689 including taxes on the UK market.

The Early Days of MG Midget Cars
The MG Midget Cars Design