1961 MG Midget MkI Roadster by Brabham

• The only Brabham-tuned Midget known to survive
• Coventry Climax FWE engine
• Present ownership since circa 2008
• Extensively restored between 2008 and 2016
• Participated in the Sir Jack Brabham memorial event at the 2016 Goodwood Revival

One of the earliest known MkI Midgets surviving, this car was modified in period by Jack Brabham in Chessington, Surrey, where the Australian Formula 1 World Champion had set up a tuning business. Brabham's press car, '751 VPF' was tested in period by magazines and is the only known Brabham-tuned Midget still in existence. Brabham's modifications were extensive and included the installation of a 1,220cc Coventry Climax FWE engine, close-ratio gearbox, front disc brakes, mechanical rev counter, and a front anti-roll bar.

Modern Motor magazine found that Brabham's upgrades transformed the Midget, increasing the engine power by 80%, raising the top speed by 25mph, and halving the time taken to go from 40-60mph in top gear: "As fitted to the Midget, it (the Climax engine) produces 83bhp at 6,400 revs yet is even more flexible than the standard MG engine. It also compares very favourably in terms of fuel economy, starts easily from cold, warms up quickly and shows no sign of temperament in city traffic." Modern Motor reckoned that, with the hardtop in place, the car would be doing 112mph at 7,777 revs should conditions permit. It was found that, despite the huge power increase, roadholding was in no way impaired. Modern Motor concluded: "Externally the Midget-Climax is indistinguishable from a standard model. This feature, in conjunction with its ability to out-accelerate all mass-produced sports cars under 3 litres, will give it a special appeal for many people."

Its owner discovered the Brabham Midget as an abandoned restoration project circa 2008 and restored it over the next eight years. The car had lost its original Climax engine and been fitted with a 948cc BMC A-Series unit. An ex-Lotus Elite Climax engine was sourced and that is in the car today (see magazine article on file). The Midget has now been rebuilt in every respect by its owner, a renowned car restorer, race engineer, and Lotus employee during the Colin Chapman era. Following completion, '751 VPF' took part in the Sir Jack Brabham memorial event at the Goodwood Revival in 2016.

Sadly, owing to the owner's dementia, the amount of paperwork available is limited to the aforementioned magazine articles and a V5C registration document. The car also comes with its original jack, spare wheel, tonneau cover, side screens and bags. We understand that, although it has been rebuilt and is running, the engine has not been used or tested.