Upgraded Upholstery: 1968 MG Midget Mk III – SOLD!

February 26, 2022 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

February 18, 2022 Update – We just spotted a fresh listing for this ’68 MG Midget that replaced an expiring Craigslist ad. In it, the seller’s description, pictures, and asking price of $12,900 all remain the same.

The quality of a car’s restoration can often be determined by the materials used to rebuild it. While it might lose points in a judged event, the Haartz cloth convertible top found on this 1968 MG Midget Mk III originally listed in January 2022 on Craigslist in Lebanon, Pennsylvania (Harrisburg) is one of several upholstery upgrades the owners of this car installed over the years. This combined with a nicely detailed engine compartment serves as a good barometer of the quality of this Midget’s cosmetic restoration.

Currently offered for $12,900, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Midget priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $6,100 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $13,600.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $8,600 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $13,800.

The Mk I through Mk III versions of the Midget were essentially slightly more expensive badge-engineered versions of the Austin Healey Sprite. The Mk III version featured here entered production in 1966 with three notable enhancements over the prior version. First was a detuned version (providing only 65 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 72 pound-feet of torque at 3000 rpm) of the 1275cc four-cylinder found in the Mini Cooper S. While the detune disappointed enthusiasts, British Leyland feared the more powerful engine would cannibalize sales from MG’s larger and more profitable MGB. The second was a change from a removable convertible top to a permanently attached version that was much easier to use and featured a vinyl cover when folded. The third was the introduction of separate hydraulic master cylinders for the brake and clutch systems, an early sign of safety enhancements that would debut in later models.

For the 1968 model year, US-spec cars received several safety additions: a padded fascia (dashboard) with smaller main gauges, collapsible steering column, scissor-type hood hinges, a third windshield wiper, additional side marker lights, and anti-burst door latches.

The Driven Wheel YouTube Channel provides this modern-day overview of the MG Midget on why they remain so popular:

If you’re considering the purchase of a classic British sports car, it’s amazing to see the quality of MG you can still buy for under $15,000.  This is one of the nicest Midget examples we’ve come across based upon the pictures provided.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“For Sale is a 1968 MG Midget that I purchased from the 2nd owner. He owned it for about 30 years. He had purchased the car from the original owner. the 2nd owner had done all of the work as far as paint, interior, and mechanical work. The paint shows like it was just done along with the interior. the car runs 100%. This car never had any rust, the underside is solid along with the body. The car is ready for car shows or just a cruise. It also comes with a tonneau cover and boot for the convertible top. I do not need any help selling my car, so do not call.“

Do you have an MG Midget story to share?  If so, comment below and let us know!