Laurieton NSW, Australia
Location
Originally a New Zealand car, this 1961 MG Midget is offered for sale for the first time in 8 years and was built by Ray Hartley of Wellington. The MG landed in Australia in 2010 (import papers held) and was initially under custodianship on the Sunshine Coast before being sold to its current owner just south of Port Macquarie. It is Motorsport NZ log booked (#15153) and would be suitable for a variety of motorsport categories both here in Australia and abroad. The MG is 95% complete with a handful of tasks remaining to be completed before it is ready to take to the track and enjoy.
In place of its original 948cc A Series engine is a MG/Rover K Series VVC 160-1.8L. In 2019 Mal Wood Automotive (QLD) reverse engineered the motor with an option one 5-speed dogleg gearbox, manufactured bellhousing, new clutch, starter motor adapter etc. It is mated to a new 4.9 ratio LSD.
The braking system has been upgraded to Wilwood four pot calipers at the front with vented discs, and at the rear, 8-inch drums. A Tilton adjustable brake bias setup has also been installed. The car is running MGB front suspension and a 4-link rear coil over and watts link. It is running 13x6 inch Performance Alloys shod in Yokohama Advan AO50 tyres.
The MG has a specially lightened body and a new Lehman one piece fibreglass bonnet with VN Group A front spoiler for extra engine clearance (note: the bonnet is not yet permanently affixed to the car). The roll cage is certified to Motorsport NZ standards (#NZ2420).
In terms of outstanding tasks required, the owner states that the MG comes with an ECU and loom and needs its cooling, fuel and lube systems hooked up. A brand new gear shifter is included and will be supplied with the sale. Health issues got in the way of project completion and now forces a reluctant sale.
This MG has the all the ingredients to be a very special race car and would not take much effort to get it looking and performing to its fullest potential.
