It was on this day in 1979 that a crisis-torn British Leyland ceased production on the iconic sports car, the MG Midget.

First launched by MG in 1961 with a price-tag of £669, the Midget was a two-door roadster which shared many similarities with the popular Austin-Healey Sprite and had a top-speed of 87.9 mph.

The vehicle received numerous facelifts over the years, most notably in 1972 when the body-styling was changed to rounded wheel-arches and a second exhaust silencer was introduced. This version of the Midget is considered by many aficionados to be its most desirable.

The Midget continued to sell well until the late 1970’s but British Leyland’s decision to close MG’s historic Abingdon plant brought about its demise.

Given their affordability, accessibility of parts and relative ease to maintain, MG Midgets remain in high demand within the classic car market.

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