Used 1979 MG Midget

1979 MG Midget: A Farewell to the Classic British Sports Car

The 1979 MG Midget represents the penultimate year of production for this beloved, albeit diminutive, British sports car. While largely an evolution of its predecessors rather than a radical redesign, the '79 model year brought with it specific updates and a sense of impending finality, marking it as a significant entry in the Midget's storied history.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Engine: The 1979 MG Midget was powered by the familiar 1493cc (91.3 cu in) inline-four engine. This engine, originally sourced from the Triumph Spitfire, produced approximately 65 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque. While not a powerhouse by modern standards, it was sufficient to provide an engaging and spirited driving experience, especially given the Midget's lightweight construction.
• Transmission: A four-speed manual transmission was standard, often accompanied by an optional overdrive unit for the top gear, which improved highway cruising comfort and fuel economy.
• Chassis and Suspension: The Midget retained its body-on-chassis construction, a hallmark of its classic British sports car heritage. The suspension typically featured independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones, and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. This setup, while contributing to the car's nimble handling, also meant a somewhat firm ride by contemporary standards.
• Brakes: Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes were the standard braking system, providing adequate stopping power for the Midget's modest performance.
• Exterior Styling: The 1979 Midget largely adhered to the styling established in the mid-1970s. Key visual cues included the rubber-covered bumpers (a mandated safety feature in the US market), the black grille, and the distinctive round headlights. The convertible body style remained the sole offering, characterized by its simple, purposeful, and quintessentially British aesthetic. Chrome was more prevalent in earlier models, with the '79 featuring a more integrated, if less flashy, appearance due to bumper regulations.
• Interior: The interior was functional and driver-focused. The dashboard featured a classic layout with a prominent tachometer and speedometer. Seating was for two, with the compact cabin offering a snug fit for most occupants. The top was a manual convertible soft-top, requiring manual operation.

Notable Changes and Considerations for 1979:

• Emissions Controls: Like many cars of this era, the 1979 Midget was subject to increasingly stringent emissions regulations, particularly in the United States. This often meant a slight detuning of the engine and the inclusion of systems like catalytic converters and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), which could sometimes impact performance and drivability.
• US Market Regulations: For models destined for the US market, the large, impact-absorbing black rubber bumpers were a prominent and often debated styling feature. These were a significant departure from the more delicate chrome bumpers of earlier Midgets and were a direct response to US federal safety mandates.
• End of an Era: The 1979 model year held significant historical weight as it was one of the final production years for the MG Midget. Production of the Midget, and indeed MG as a mainstream sports car manufacturer, would soon cease, making the 1979 model a significant marker in the decline of affordable British roadsters.
• Market Position: The 1979 MG Midget continued to occupy the niche of an affordable, lightweight, two-seater convertible sports car. Its appeal lay in its simple mechanics, engaging driving dynamics, and classic styling, offering an accessible entry into the world of classic motoring.

Driving Experience:

Driving a 1979 MG Midget is an exercise in connecting with the road. The small steering wheel, responsive steering, and compact dimensions make it incredibly agile and fun to maneuver through winding roads. The direct feedback from the road through the suspension, while less refined than modern cars, is part of its charm. The engine, though not powerful, needs to be worked, rewarding the driver with a distinctive exhaust note and a feeling of participation in the driving process. The lack of power steering, power windows, and other modern conveniences emphasizes the raw, unadulterated motoring experience that Midgets are known for.

Legacy:

The 1979 MG Midget, despite its emissions-strangled performance and the less-than-elegant bumper designs necessitated by regulations, remains a cherished classic. It embodies the spirit of open-top motoring and the joy of driving a simple, unpretentious sports car. For enthusiasts, it represents a tangible link to a bygone era of automotive design and a fond farewell to a marque that defined affordable sporting fun for generations. It is a car that continues to be appreciated for its character, ease of maintenance, and the pure driving pleasure it offers.