The AR6-based MG Midget
During the Mid-1980s, Roy Axe spearheaded the revival of the MG marque, by producing concepts wearing the revered octagonal badge. The idea was to produce interesting, affordable and saleable sporting cars using many parts from existing models. The culmination of this philosophy was the EX-E showcar, launched at the Frankfurt motor show in 1985, but this was not the only car in development. Using the AR6 as a base, the design team was tasked with producing a spritual successor to the MG Midget.
The car pictured above was the result, and close scrutiny of the picture reveals that it was essentially an AR6 with the roof chopped off. There was additional body addenda added, and some mean looking cooling slats in the bonnet, but apart from that, the car was almost pure AR6, right down to the indvidualistic rear lamps and heavily stylised door mirrors. With the K-Series 1.4-litre engine under the bonnet, it would have been a very lively drive…
Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...
Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.
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I think that is really nice. It is not what comes to mind when I think MG but it is still very nice.
Such a beautiful sports car – wish they had made it! I would love to have one… Though with the 1.8vvc or turbo K series. The livelier the better, right? 🙂
Would have been interesting to see how the planned Honda CRX-like coupe bodystyle would have worked out for the AR6-based MG Midget.
There was still a healthy market for sports cars in the mid eighties as the Toyota MR2 was popular from its launch in 1985, and the Fiat X 1/9 was continuing to sell. Also the Mazda Miata was under development and this was to prove a big success. All of these were fairly inexpensive to buy, performed well and looked good and had cashed in on the absence of MG sports cars.