The MG Midget was produced from 1961 to 1979 and remains one of the most popular and accessible classic British sports cars. Its compact dimensions, responsive handling, and straightforward mechanical layout make it as rewarding to maintain and improve as it is to drive. Whether you are restoring a 1275cc chrome-bumper car to concours condition or keeping a 1500 on the road as a daily-usable classic, the parts catalogue covers every mechanical and body component from complete reconditioned engines and Heritage body shells to individual grommets and fixing clips.
1275cc Midget
The 1275cc Midget (Mk3, GAN4/GAN5, 1967 to 1974) uses the BMC A-Series engine with twin SU HS2 carburettors, an electric fuel pump, and the BMC A-Series ribcase gearbox. A critical electrical system change from positive to negative earth occurred in November 1967 at chassis number GAN4-60460, affecting almost every electrical component on the car. Five different 1275cc engine variants were produced for the home market, each identified by its serial number prefix, 12CC, 12CE, 12V586F, 12V588F, and 12V778F, with progressive changes to emission equipment, compression ratio, and ancillary fittings.
1500 Midget
The 1500 (GAN6, 1974 to 1979) uses the Triumph 1493cc engine with twin SU HS4 carburettors, a mechanical fuel pump, the Triumph single-rail gearbox, and was always negative earth. Rubber bumpers replaced the chrome blades, the ride height was raised, and the rear wheelarch shape reverted from round to square. Very few mechanical components are shared between the 1275cc and the 1500, making correct identification by chassis number essential when ordering parts.
Identifying Your Midget
The chassis number plate, located on the inner wing panel, is the key to identifying the exact specification of any Midget. This number determines which engine variant, gearbox type, cooling system layout, electrical polarity, brake specification, and body style the car was built with, and therefore which parts are correct. The engine serial number prefix, stamped on a plate on the block, identifies the specific engine variant. Both numbers should be to hand when ordering.
Production History
The Midget evolved through four marks during its production life. The Mk1 (GAN1/GAN2, 1961 to 1964) used the 948cc and later 1098cc A-Series engine, with front disc brakes introduced on the 1098cc from October 1962 and wire wheels available as a factory option from the same point. The Mk2 (GAN3, 1964 to 1966) introduced wind-up windows, swivelling quarter lights, external door handles, separate locks, a curved windscreen in a more substantial frame, and semi-elliptic rear springs replacing the earlier quarter-elliptic arrangement. The Mk3 (GAN4/GAN5, 1967 to 1974) introduced the 1275cc engine that would define the model's character.
The 1500 (GAN6, 1974 to 1979) adopted the Triumph engine and rubber bumpers. Key milestones include the positive-to-negative earth changeover in November 1967 (GAN4-60460), the GAN5 facelift in late 1969 introducing black sills, a recessed grille, squared rear lights, and Rostyle wheels, the introduction of round rear wheel arches in January 1972 at GAN5-105501, and the rubber bumper body changes for the 1500 from late 1974.
Parts Catalogue Structure
The parts catalogue is organised by major system: Engine, Cooling, Fuel, Exhaust, Clutch Gearbox & Axle, Suspension & Steering, Road Wheels, Brakes, Electrics, Heating & Ventilation, Bodywork, Brightwork, Interior, Weather Equipment, Service & Lubrication, and Car Care. Each section contains the full range of standard replacement parts, reconditioned exchange units, and performance upgrades applicable to both the 1275cc and 1500 models.