MG MIDGET v MGTF

The MG brand has long history in building small, accessible sports cars. It’s a tradition that started with its very first model, hit its stride in the ’60s and ’70s, and continued in earnest into the new millennium thanks to a spot of ingenious parts-bin development.

While the owners of the modern incarnation of MG are more focused on its electrified future, previous stewards saw it fit that a small sports car be the cornerstone of the range. In the BMC era, that car was the MG Midget, a badge-engineered version of the Austin Healey Sprite. A few decades later the ambitious yet cash-strapped Rover Group introduced the MGF, which in turn would form the basis of MG Rover’s TF in 2002.

Today, certain generations of the Midget and good examples of the TF can be had for similar money. One offers a quintessential classic car experience, the other a more modern take on drop-top motoring. But which is your best bet?

MG MIDGET

Introduced in 1961, the MG Midget was essentially a Mk2 Austin Healey Sprite in all but