Bucket Seat Fitment in the Classic MG Midget (1961

Bucket Seat Fitment in the Classic MG Midget (1961–1979)

The MG Midget is a small, heritage British roadster produced from 1961 to 1979. Fitting modern bucket seats into this tiny classic can be a challenge, but it’s a rewarding upgrade when done right. In this guide, we’ll explore how the Midget’s cockpit evolved from 1961–1979, why its compact cabin dimensions limit seat choices, and what it takes to safely install bucket seats. We’ll also recommend a few Cobra Classic bucket seats that suit the Midget’s snug interior, and point you to the complete range of MG Midget seat options available from us.

MG Midget Generations & Cockpit Space (1961–1979)

The MG Midget went through several iterations (Mk I–IV) between 1961 and 1979, but one thing stayed constant: a very tight cockpit. All versions were essentially based on the same small chassis, shared with the Austin-Healey Sprite. The Mk I (1961–64) was a basic roadster with no exterior door handles and sliding perspex side windows – a spartan interior with minimal trim. The Mk II (1964–66) added wind-up windows, external door handles, and quarter-light vent windows, making it a bit more civilized but no roomier inside. The Mk III (1966–1974) introduced a larger 1275cc engine and a folding soft top, plus safety updates like a padded dash and (by ~1969–70) high-back seats with headrests, yet the tub dimensions remained the same. Finally, the MG Midget 1500 (1974–79) (sometimes called Mk IV) adopted rubber bumpers and a 1493cc Triumph Spitfire engine, but again no increase in cabin size. In fact, even at its widest point the Midget was only about 55 inches (1397 mm) wide overall, very small compared to most cars. Throughout all generations, the driver and passenger sit shoulder-to-shoulder in what is truly one of the smallest two-seater sports car cockpits ever made.

Key interior changes over the years mostly related to comfort and safety rather than space: the early low-back seats gained headrests around 1970, and dashboards went from painted metal to padded vinyl with safer toggle switches. But the fundamental cockpit packaging stayed extremely tight. Legroom and seat travel are limited (anyone over ~5’9” tall will find the seat all the way back) and, more importantly for our topic, width is at a premium. The doors are very close to the seats and the transmission tunnel eats into the middle, leaving broad-shouldered drivers feeling decidedly cramped. In short, every MG Midget – from the earliest Mk I to the late-’70s 1500 – has a cozy cabin that demands a compact seat.

A Tightly Packed Cabin: Width Limitations on Seats

When it comes to fitting aftermarket bucket seats, width is the critical factor. The MG Midget’s interior width is incredibly narrow – there’s roughly 20–21 inches (about 530 mm) of total floor space to accommodate both seat and tunnel. In practice, that means any replacement seat must be very slim. As a rule of thumb, the seat’s widest point should be around 450 mm or less.

For reference, original Midget seats measure on the order of 18–19 inches wide (about 460–480 mm) and basically fill the available space once installed. Anything much wider will hit the door on one side or the driveshaft tunnel on the other. You do not want to be sitting skewed or unable to slide the seat because it’s wedged in, so stay with small-form-factor seats designed for classic compact cars.

Besides the seat cushion width, pay attention to the backrest width and height. The Midget’s cockpit has quirks like the folding soft-top frame and rear wheel arches that can interfere with taller or wider seat backs (for example, some aftermarket seats will hit the convertible top frame when it’s folded down). Fortunately, many seat manufacturers produce “classic” style bucket seats that are purposely scaled for vintage British sports cars, Minis, etc. For instance, Cobra’s classic line of seats features retro styling in a slim design to fit the majority of small vehicles. In summary, focus on narrow, low-profile seats – typically around 400–450 mm wide, to ensure they can physically fit within the Midget’s tiny cabin.

No Off-the-Shelf Brackets: Fabrication Needed for Safe Mounting

One challenge MG Midget owners face is the lack of vehicle-specific seat frames or mounting kits for this car. Unlike more common models (where you can buy a model-specific subframe and bolt it in), the Midget is too old and niche for pre-made bracket kits. The original seats in a Midget mounted to simple rails bolted to the floor. When installing aftermarket buckets, you will need to get creative: typically by modifying the original seat rails, or fabricating adapter plates or custom brackets to mate the new seat to the floor. It’s highly recommended to have a professional or specialist handle this fabrication unless you are confident in your welding and fabrication skills. The seat mounts are safety-critical – they must securely anchor the seat (and you) to the car’s floor under all conditions, including crashes, so any custom solution should be robust and use high-grade hardware.

The good news is that the MG Midget’s floor pan has a very narrow seat bolt pattern, which coincidentally aligns well with the narrow base mount points on certain classic bucket seats. In fact, many classic-style bucket seats use a standard “narrow” base mount spacing of about 11.5 inches (291 mm) side-to-side. Conveniently, the Midget’s factory seat rails have their mounting holes only a few inches apart as well – meaning the width of the mounting points on a narrow bucket seat often matches the spacing of the Midget’s floor holes. (For example, Cobra’s classic seats and frames are built around a 291 mm bolt pattern which is key for matching up to older cars.) This alignment can simplify the install – some owners have managed to bolt new seats directly to the stock slider rails or floor holes with minimal adaptation, thanks to the matching bolt width.

However, height and angle are also factors – you might need to fabricate spacers or cross-brackets to achieve the right seating position. Often the new seat will sit lower than stock (which is good for headroom), but you must ensure it’s level and that it can slide as needed. Given all these nuances, using a motorsport seat installation specialist or a workshop familiar with classic cars is the safest path. They can build a set of custom seat mounts or modify your original frames to properly fit the bucket seats. This ensures secure, correct fitting – remember, the last thing you want is a seat that’s loose or improperly angled. In summary: no plug-and-play brackets exist for the Midget, so plan for a bit of custom fabrication, and when in doubt, consult a professional to get the job done right.

Recommended Bucket Seats for the MG Midget

Not all bucket seats will squeeze into a Midget, but several Cobra Classic models have proven to be an excellent fit. These seats are designed for vintage cars and use the narrow 291 mm base mount pattern ideal for the Midget’s floor. We’ve highlighted a few top picks below – each balances classic styling with a compact size that works for the Midget’s petite cockpit:

Klarna Ready

Cobra Classic RS Vinyl Bucket Seat
From £340.83 Incl. VATFrom £340.83 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Klarna Ready

Cobra Classic CS Bucket Seat
From £290.83 Incl. VATFrom £290.83 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Cobra Classic RS bucket seat in black vinyl with white piping. The Classic RS (and its sister model, the Classic CS) offer retro looks with integrated headrests, making them popular upgrades for small classics. Despite the added headrest, the seat remains slim and low-backed so it doesn’t overwhelm the Midget’s interior. The deep-sided bolsters provide improved support while cornering, and the frame is a rigid tubular steel design based on a 1960s style (the Classic series was inspired by the original Porsche 911 and vintage rally seats).

Importantly, the Classic RS/CS seats are “compact classic” sized – ideally suited to the classic Mini and similar small vehicles– which means they also tuck nicely into an MG Midget. Owners report that these seats can be mounted using the Midget’s stock seat rails with some minor tweaks, thanks to the matching bolt spacing. The Classic CS is very similar to the RS; the main difference is styling (the CS often features a one-piece back with an adjustable/removable headrest and optional harness slots, whereas the RS has its unique trim variants). Both models maintain the period-correct low-back silhouette (with the headrest extending upward as needed) so they look at home in a 1960s–70s interior. In short, Cobra Classic RS/CS seats deliver improved comfort and support in a package that fits the Midget’s width and aesthetic perfectly.

Cobra Cub bucket seats (shown in black vinyl with headrests) are an even smaller alternative tailored for the tightest cabins. The Cobra Cub was literally developed for vehicles “short on space,” providing the classic Cobra style in an extra-compact package. It has narrower dimensions and lowered side bolsters than the Classic RS/CS, plus a thinner base cushion, all of which maximize the available cockpit space in cars like the MG Midget. In fact, the Cub is one of the narrowest aftermarket bucket seats on the market, making it a go-to choice for extremely tight fits. Despite its petite size, the Cobra Cub still offers good support with deep sides and a comfortable driving position.

It retains a vintage look (low-back design with optional headrest) so it won’t look out of place in a classic British roadster. The Cub also uses the standard narrow base mount (291 mm), so mounting points line up well. If you’re truly worried about seat width or if your Midget’s interior is especially cramped (some early cars or those with roll cages can be extra tight), the Cobra Cub is a safe bet. It sacrifices nothing in classic appearance, yet gives you those precious extra millimeters of clearance on each side. Many Austin-Healey Sprite and Midget owners have successfully installed Cub seats for this reason.

Klarna Ready

Cobra Cub Bucket Seat Without Headrest
From £232.50 Incl. VATFrom £232.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Klarna Ready

Cobra Cub Bucket Seat With headrest
From £290.83 Incl. VATFrom £290.83 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

All the above seats can be found on our website and can be custom trimmed to match your interior. They each provide a practical solution for the MG Midget, offering far better lateral support than the original flat seats, without requiring major interior modifications. Just remember that proper installation is key – use the right runners and brackets (and fabricate if necessary) to secure these seats safely. When installed correctly, these bucket seats will transform your driving experience in the Midget, holding you in place through the corners while maintaining that classic look.

Explore More MG Midget Seat Options

The three seats above are just a few examples. GSM Performance offers a complete range of classic seat options for the MG Midget, so you can find the perfect style and fit for your project.

Be sure to browse the full MG Midget classic seat range on our website; you’ll see additional seats from Cobra (such as the Classic without headrest, or the premium Cobra Le Mans), as well as options from other brands like Corbeau’s Classic line. Each product listing includes dimensions and information on bolt patterns, which can help you gauge if a seat will suit the Midget’s tight cabin.

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Final Thoughts: The Right Seats Make All the Difference for Your MG Midget

Fitting bucket seats in an MG Midget is absolutely doable, but it requires choosing the right narrow seat and planning for custom installation work. All MG Midget generations have extremely compact interiors, so stick with seats known to fit small classics (around 450 mm wide or less). Because there are no plug-in Midget seat frames, enlist a specialist to fabricate secure mounts – the narrow 291 mm bolt pattern common on classic bucket seats will aid in this. Seats like the Cobra Classic RS/CS and the ultra-slim Cobra Cub have proven to work well, retaining a period-correct look while giving you a snug, supportive driving position.

With the right seats and a professional installation, your MG Midget will not only look the part but also provide a more enjoyable and secure ride. So go ahead and give that “cheerful little cracker” of a car the seating it deserves, and enjoy many miles of classic motoring comfort!

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