1974 MG Midget

My little "purple rat" needs a new home. Painted ultra flat in true rat rod style. The perfect father-daughter project to drive while you work on it. Are you the one to take it to the next level? A restoration journal giving details on the work I've performed can be sent to any prospective buyer in order to make an informed decision before bidding.

DRIVETRAIN: This car drives as a vintage British roadster should. with good acceleration and no weird noises or vibration. It has the renown 1275 A series engine. 4 speed gearbox. and dual SU carbs. Good oil pressure and spark.  Recent oil change. gearbox drained and fresh fluid added. along with a full tune up.   It has a good clutch and rebuilt brake system.   The car rolls on five new Vredestein Quad Trac tires mounted on factory Rostyle rims with new trim rings.     Original factory snorkel air cleaners were blasted and repainted. Currently installed chrome pancake air cleaners look super and the elements are oiled.  

FUEL/EXHAUST: Fuel system was refreshed from stem to stern. All emissions control was removed but retained.  Fuel vapor trap remains in the trunk. Installed new straight exhaust pipe--added a Harley-Davidson muffler. so this car sounds great!  

BODY/TRIM:  The exterior finish was applied to give a uniform color over four decades of multiple faded paint jobs.   The car came from the factory in Aconite purple.    The interior of the car is presentable for a driver.   The floors were replaced with new metal and POR 15 was applied to neutralize further rust.   Added stainless steel seat tracks/bolts topped with two restuffed bucket seats. The dash has a new cap on it.   Purple  #4 billiard ball shift knob.    The perfect complement to the rat rod theme. Moto Lita padded leather steering wheel. I have the original spoke wheel.   Front bra and top boot in black vinyl come with the car. but stitching has come undone. The top has no major rips but could stand to be replaced.        

ELECTRICAL: All lights work.  All new exterior lamps and bulbs.  Even the cigar lighter works!  Wipers worked the last time I needed them and the heater switches on but is not plumbed for heat at present.       The motor cranks well with its new alternator and new battery (both still under warranty).

New brake master cylinder. New brake light switch added with relay to protect the circuit.  NOS reverse lamp switch added to gearbox.     

Modern. louder horns were installed. controlled by a button on the dash.  

A respected British mechanic replaced the original rear axle housing. rebuilt the differential and freshened bearings and seals. The rear shocks are rebuilt and the car rides nice.
  
What you should do to make it even better:

Rebuild the front suspension. Rebuild kits are readily available and inexpensive.   I have most of the major core parts (spring pans. kingpins. tie rods. springs) to do a proper job. I have a factory anti-sway bar to add with new rubber bushings. The lever shocks in the front need refilling.   

I have a second known good transmission that comes with the sale. To use 1st gear (square-cut. non synchro "granny low") on the Purple Rat one must hold the lever in. If you know these cars. you know that 1st gear is not required to get going. under normal driving conditions or to  enjoy the car at speed.   

The right side A pillar shows signs of an early repair that has gone bad.  I have quality steel patch panels for the whole cowl and a second hood prepped to replace the one on there now that has rust on the front edge (concealed by bra). I have prepped the front valance as shown. but it needs finishing. I personally like the bumperless look on these cars. but a straight 1974 front bumper. hardware. lower valance and brackets come with the sale to bring it back to stock appearance.

CHECK MY FEEDBACK AND BID WITH CONFIDENCE.   The car is roadworthy. but be prepared to tow any great distance.   Many spares come with the Midget. so consider this when deciding on your method of pick up.   A non-refundable payment of $500 is required IMMEDIATELY upon winning the auction. but I can hold the car for a few weeks.   Delivery can also be arranged for a modest additional charge within a few hundred miles of Nashville.   Please do not bid if you are looking to joy ride. tell stories. or you are an eBay member with less than a positive feedback rating.   Thank you.