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The Project
This 1970 MG Midget RWA came into our Bishop Auckland workshop in March 2026 for a full restoration and to get it back on the road again.
20th March 2026: Currently being quoted for required restoration works and a priority list will be drawn up.
> More updates to follow.
The 1970 MG Midget with RWA (round wheel arch) bodywork sits in the later development of a long-running small British sports car line that began in 1961. By 1970, the Midget had already evolved through several versions, and the RWA change marked one of the most noticeable visual updates in its history.
The original Midget, introduced in 1961 as the Mk I, was closely related to the Austin-Healey Sprite. It used a simple, lightweight design with a small A-series engine, rear-wheel drive, and minimal creature comforts. The emphasis was on affordability and fun rather than refinement.
Through the 1960s, the car developed into the Mk II and then the Mk III, gaining features such as wind-up windows, external door handles, and improved trim. Engine sizes increased slightly, and mechanical reliability improved, but the basic layout remained unchanged.
By the late 1960s, wider tyres were becoming more popular, both for appearance and improved grip. The original square rear wheel arches limited tyre width, so in 1970 the Midget Mk III was updated with round rear wheel arches—hence the term RWA. This change allowed for wider wheels and tyres, improving road holding and giving the car a more muscular stance.
Mechanically, the 1970 RWA Midget retained the 1275cc A-series engine, producing modest power but offering lively performance due to the car’s low weight. It used a four-speed manual gearbox and a simple suspension setup: independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with leaf springs.
The interior remained basic but functional, with simple instruments and minimal luxuries. The focus continued to be on driving enjoyment rather than comfort. Safety and emissions regulations, especially those affecting export markets like the United States, were beginning to influence design, though the major changes would come a few years later.
The RWA version is often regarded by enthusiasts as one of the most desirable Midgets. It combines the earlier, more powerful 1275 engine with the improved practicality and appearance of the round wheel arches, before later models were detuned and raised in ride height to meet regulations.
Production of the Midget continued until 1979, but the 1970 RWA model represents a balance between classic 1960s simplicity and the gradual changes of the 1970s. Today, it is appreciated as a straightforward, engaging example of a traditional British sports car.
20th March 2026
Are you ready to start your restoration journey with us?
- 01833 630 011
- 07973 616 478