MG - Midget (1974)

When you think of classic British charm, the MG Midget instantly conjures up images of spirited roadsters that wagged across the UK’s back‑streets in the 1970s. The 1974 MG Midget is a celebrated example of this lightweight, go‑kart‑style vehicle that became a favourite point‑of‑interest for collectors and enthusiasts. Whether you’re curious about the MG Midget price you’ll see listed for a pristine example or seeking the MG Midget 1974 price category for a variety of vintages, the market is vibrant and the value a detective’s favourite puzzle. Below you’ll find an in‑depth snapshot of what drives the value, how those figures shift across time, and how to approach pricing for the used MG Midget price ecosystem.

• Model year: 1974 (original production runs from 1966‑1980)
• Engine: 875 cc 8‑valve four‑stroke, 26 hp (18 kW), single point ignition; the original engine generally remains in most examples due to its iconic design and serviceability.
• Transmission: 4‑speed manual, floor gear stick; standard manual with optionally a 3‑speed Borg-Warner gearbox often fitted after 1970.
• Drive layout: Front‑engine layout with 2‑wheel drive (rear-wheel).
• Fuel type: Regular unleaded petrol, common in original engines.
• Dimensions: Length 3.96 m, Width 1.53 m, Height 1.34 m; wheelbase 2.31 m.
• Weight: Around 640 kg (1,410 lb).
• Top speed: Approximately 70 mph (112 km/h).
• Examples of contemporary aftermarket parts: OEM clamp sets, adjustable camber kits, and classic R9 gearbox conversions.

Depreciation Insight

The MG Midget depreciation curve is notable for its steep initial decline followed by a plateau as the vehicle becomes a classic. New MG Midgets originally cost in the range of £650–£1,200 in the UK (around £3,300–£6,000 in 2024 currency equivalents). Fast forward to today, a first‑hand MG Midget price for a new build often sits between £5,000 and £7,000 depending on options, while complete, unmodified examples in excellent condition command higher premiums.

On the used end, depreciation typically follows a pattern of:

15–20% loss in value within the first year of registration, a nearly flat trajectory thereafter for most models, assuming regular maintenance and low mileage.

Take a 1974 Midget that was purchased new at the time of its production; purchased value around £1,000 (£3,000 in today’s money). After one year, it could be worth ~£800–£850. If that same vehicle was sold after ten years in strong condition and at normal mileage, you might expect a price range of £600–£800 in contemporary markets (after adjusting for inflation and currency fluctuation). The curve ‘flattens’ significantly after the first few years due to strengths of the re‑building market and the vehicle’s position as a quantifiable classic.

Comparison Context

While the MG Midget is a niche classic, it competes directly with other lightweight British touring cars of the era. The MG