Description

1987 Midas Gold MkIII

Austin Metro based kit car with 1,275cc engine and removable hard-top from the GTM era of Midas Cars

This quirky Midas Gold MkIII Kit car hails from the GTM period of Midas Cars LTD and was produced at the Trowell Lane, Sutton Bonnington, Leicestershire facility between 1991 and 2001.

This example’s chassis plaque bears the VIN #SA93G9600U4011071 and looks to have been built using a 1987 Austin Metro parts donor (hence the registration year). It also carries a Midas VIN which is correct and which is now reflected on the latest V5C.

This MkIII also features the optional, removable fibre-glass hard top in black introduced by GTM along with the vinyl soft top, we find in the boot. Finished in cream, the car rides on a set of 13" Minator minilite style wheels shod with Yokohama tyres.  The bodywork shows some signs of age with discolouration and minor cracks (as pictured) but is largely presentable given its age and time in storage - it has been off the road for the last 6 years.

Given this period in hibernation, the car would benefit from some light recommisioning before being driven and MOT'd.

Under the bonnet, we find the proven 1,275cc four-cylinder engine mated to the Metro ‘box, driving the front wheels and on the inside, we find Rover group leather seats and a Metro dash binnacle wrapped in brown vinyl, manual windows and an MG badged, leather wrapped steering wheel.

The car shows 69,333 miles – what this represents is unclear but make of it what you will.  The car’s history file includes a letter from DVLA confirming the replacement V5C will be issued and the new V5C which records the car correctly as a Midas with the correct Midas chassis number.

The Midas does not have a current MOT, the last expired in November 2015, issued in November 2014 at 67,217 miles without advisory (NB. The VOSA MOT history website also records the car as a Midas).

Starting promptly and running well as we moved it around for these shots, it’s a quirky car with much to offer and no doubt, peppy performance from its 1,275cc engine given its lightweight fibreglass bodywork.

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com