Lot Ended
Description
Only 30k miles on rebuilt 1,293cc engine; unleaded head; looks scruffy
but runs and drives; use-and-improve
First registered
in Flintshire in April 1966, this Midget might look rather sorry for itself but
under the faded skin lurks a car that is probably better than you expect.
From 1981 – 2011 it was owned by a gent in Denby
who clearly loved the car, treating it to a major restoration about 25 years ago
when it had a private plate (JD 6922). An album of photos on file show the car
looking very splendid back then and attending various shows, a few of which we
have reproduced here (see last three photos).
As you
can see in the photos, the Midget has gone downhill a bit since then, although
it has been regularly maintained mechanically with plenty of bills for
maintenance and new parts fitted over the last 20
years.
The last owner acquired the car
in September 2019 and has used it as a daily runabout until June this year.
An engineer by profession, he went right through the car when he first bought it
to make sure it would be reliable. Although he hasn’t kept any bills, we are
told that this included fitting a fully rebuilt 1,275cc engine bored out to
1,293cc with new pistons, bearings, unleaded head etc (the V5C still records the
capacity as 1,098cc). He also fitted new rear springs and a new steering
rack.
During his six-year ownership the Midget
has been in daily use, clocking up some 30,000 miles including many long
motorway journeys. We are told that it cruises happily at the national speed
limit for hour after hour without complaint.
The
hood and frame are stored in the boot and we are told that they are perfectly
serviceable. There is also a tonneau cover but the zip needs replacing. There
are also a couple of body panels (o/s/r wheelarch; sheet metal to make a new
driver’s footwell section) which he was intending to fit when time
allowed.
The seats look to be in good shape
but he fitted a rather scruffy bucket seat on the driver’s side because
that is better suited to his exuberant 'press on' driving style.
Driven 160 miles to our June auction from
London, it is clearly quite usable as it is and has healthy 60psi oil pressure.
It was then purchased by our current vendor. Unfortunately, he was too scared to
take it home and show his wife so it needs to be sold again!
An ideal ‘use and improve’ candidate, this 'shabby chic'
Midget is on offer here at no reserve so the best bid drives it home.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 –
[email protected]