1976 MG Midget Tifosi Rana Sprite

This splendidly nippy, grippy and pretty much uniquely characterful small bundle of joy goes by the name of Bridget the Spridget.

Well, it would, wouldn’t it?

The vendor is a chap who has owned a variety of classic cars over the years and is only parting company with Bridget because he finds getting in and out of it more of a challenge than it used to be. He bought the car in 2016 when he was in his mid 70s.

Not content with having far better handling and road holding characteristics than the average Sprite or Midget, this car is significantly superior in those respects than most of its Tifosi Rana counterparts.

That’s because the front and rear suspension systems were rebuilt and fettled some time ago by Frontline Developments of Abingdon, the firm who set the ultimate performance and quality benchmarks for re-imagined MGs.

160mph and 0-60 in 3.8 seconds in the Frontline MGB Roadster, anyone?

So, it’s safe to assume that this particular Tifosi Rana Sprite handles like it’s on rails and, to paraphrase the vendor, goes round corners like a demon – and far better, he insists, than his Aston Martin DB7.

Ultimately, what you have here is a car that never was - but should have been: a pretty, charming, lightweight, agile, quick, nimble car based on the simple and easy to fix/maintain/replace mechanicals of a 1976 MG Midget Mk IV chassis and 1500cc Triumph engine, with the added bonus of properly fettled and engineered suspension.

It’s idiosyncratic, quirky and full of personality.

It’s also a well-balanced and properly sorted driver’s car.

All of which, we think, adds to its already significant charm.

Overall, this car presents very well. The vibrant blue finish is mostly shiny and impressive and the panels, shut lines and door gaps are even and consistent.

Only the doors and scuttle are metal, so the bulk of the bodywork can’t be troubled by rust.

Being an updated replica this car features outrageous luxuries not available to owners of original Sprites, such as external door handles (and wind-up windows).

The car has a safety roll bar fitted. The hood is functional and is in generally good condition.

Clearly, it’s not perfect, and close inspection reveals cracked paint and bubbling in the n/s sills, at the intersection of the bonnet with the n/s front wing and at the base of the n/s pillar between front wing and bonnet.

There are also similar, although less obvious issues on the o/s, the most visible of which is fading to the finish on the sills and a run of paint. There is also some corrosion around and under the o/s headlamp surround.

The vendor had long intended to address these issues and wanted to paint the sills black (as is often the case with the original cars).

But, tempus fugit, etc.

The wheels are in pretty good nick and the tyres have plenty of life left in them.

The inside of the car is an homage to a simpler age. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t. This is a car that wants you to drive it, not just sit in it.

No, it’s not very luxurious but neither were either of its forbears.

The genuine Austin Healey seats (which cost £900) are supportive and comfortable but there are a few nicks and scrapes in evidence.

The carpets, door cards, roof lining and rubber trim are rudimentary but pretty good and, although the interior will never win any prizes at Pebble Beach, it is fundamentally sound.

It seems almost deliberately free of anything that might distract you from time spent enjoying the car’s sublime handling.

As far as we can tell, most of the buttons, switches, toggles and levers do what they’re meant to do. The vendor tells us that the car’s GPS speedometer (it also has a standard speedometer, obviously) is accurate.

Unlike an original Sprite, Bridget comes with inertia reel seat belts – something you might appreciate in a car that’s considerably quicker than you might expect from its badges.

The engine bay is fairly clean and tidy with everything in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car, including the stainless steel exhaust, generally appear to be in good condition, with nothing other than the entirely standard superficial bloom of rust dust here and there.

There is a decent coating of Waxoyl/bitumen in evidence.

The overall impression is of a car that’s been built to a high standard and has a good deal of mechanical integrity.

The car has an MoT certificate - with minor advisories - valid until 27.4.22.

This car became Bridget the Spridget in 2009 when it first emerged in the form of a ‘frog eye’ Sprite from its Midget chrysalis.

The car had a moment of glory in 2018 when the vendor lent it to the BBC for an episode of Celebrity Antiques Roadtrip. It was driven around the north of

England by Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington OBE and TV presenter Helen Skelton.

The car comes with plenty of invoices, bills and receipts to indicate that it’s been well maintained and cared for over the course of its two lives.

It had plenty of money spent on it when it identified as an MG Midget, and plenty more when it transitioned to Tifosi Rana Sprite status.

It’s been consistently lucky in having owners with the money and enthusiasm to do things properly.

We think this is a good-looking car that goes, stops and handles better than any standard, original Sprite or MG Midget could possibly hope to achieve.

It’s a properly considered, well-engineered thing that gives you head-turning Sprite looks without the accompanying price tag.

It’s different. It’s charming. It’s fun….and it’s great to drive.

What’s not to like?

We have the confidence to offer this very special car for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £13,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us in Abingdon. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.