1973 MG Midget 1.3L Petrol · NCF 852M

A single advisory for a non-excessive oil leak at the most recent test on 17 July 2024 paints a picture of a fundamentally sound, low-demand classic with only one minor mechanical note to monitor. For a 1973 MG Midget, this represents an encouraging outcome; the fact that the test sheet records only this single observation and no advisories relating to brakes, suspension, steering, or corrosion suggests the vehicle has held up well structurally and mechanically. Given the age of the car, the absence of corrosion advisories on the subframe, sills, or suspension mounting points is particularly noteworthy, as these are the areas where a Midget of this vintage would typically begin to show deterioration. The roadworthiness trend, while limited by a single recorded test, appears stable and free from any history of failures or repeated defect categories. With 57,030 recorded miles across approximately 53 years, this Midget has averaged around 1,076 miles annually, an exceptionally low accumulation rate that places it firmly in cherished or occasional-driver territory. This pattern indicates the car has likely spent extended periods either garaged or off the road, which is common for a classic British roadster but brings its own mechanical considerations. Long stationary periods can allow seals, gaskets, and flexible components to deteriorate through lack of use rather than wear, and the recorded oil leak may well be symptomatic of硬化 seals rather than active mechanical distress. The single MOT entry also implies the vehicle may have been largely exempt from testing in earlier years or has been used sparingly enough that annual testable mileage has not always been recorded. For a prospective buyer, the priority should be a thorough inspection of the engine and gearbox for the source of the oil leak noted in the advisory, paying particular attention to the rear main seal, valve cover gasket, and sump joint, as these are the typical culprits on Midget engines and any of them could escalate from a non-excessive leak to a more serious seep if left unattended. During a test drive, listen for any change in engine note as the oil warms up, watch for oil smoke from the exhaust on startup, and check the underside for fresh drips after the vehicle has been running. Equally important for a car of this age is a careful examination of the chassis and suspension components, specifically the front and rear leaf springs, trailing arms, and the A-frame rear suspension bushes, as these items do not always generate advisories but can exhibit play and deterioration through age and standing. On the road, the Midget should be evaluated for any clonks or knocking from the suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or tired springs, and the steering should be checked for excessive play or vagueness that could point to worn king pins or steering rack wear. The braking system, particularly given the low mileage, should be tested for any binding or pulling, as brake calipers and cylinders can seize during periods of disuse. Inspect the underside thoroughly for any signs of historic repair or underseal that might be masking corrosion, particularly around the outriggers, sills, and rear valence, and ensure all electrical systems including the lighting and ignition function correctly, as Lucas electrical components on Midgets of this era are a known source of frustration. Finally, confirm the mileage trajectory with any service history available, as a low-mileage Midget that has been regularly serviced and started will be a far more reliable proposition than one that has simply been left to deteriorate quietly in a garage.