Are There Speakers in an MG Midget? Factory Locations & Upgrades

Are There Speakers in an MG Midget? The Definitive Audio Guide

Are there speakers in an MG Midget? Most original MG Midgets did not come with factory-installed speakers from the production line; instead, audio systems were typically dealer-installed options or aftermarket additions. If your Midget has speakers, they are most commonly located in the footwell kick panels, the center console sides, or the rear parcel shelf behind the seats.

Driving a classic British roadster like the MG Midget is a visceral experience—the smell of gasoline, the roar of the A-Series engine, and the wind in your hair. However, that “visceral experience” often makes listening to music nearly impossible. Whether you are restoring a 1275cc Round Wheel Arch model or a later 1500 Rubber Bumper version, understanding the acoustic layout is essential for any audiophile owner.

Key Takeaways for MG Midget Audio

• Factory Status: Most Midgets left the factory without a radio or speakers.
• Standard Locations: Look in the kick panels (near your feet) or the rear stowage area.
• Common Sizes: 4-inch or 5.25-inch speakers fit best in the front; 6x9s are common for the rear.
• The Power Challenge: Most classic MG electrical systems (especially Positive Earth cars) require specific upgrades to handle modern high-draw head units.
• Recommended Solution: Use a Hidden Bluetooth Amplifier to keep the dashboard looking original while enjoying high-fidelity sound.

The History of Audio: Are There Speakers in an MG Midget Originally?

When these cars were being manufactured between 1961 and 1979, the focus was on lightweight sports performance, not infotainment. During my years of restoring these “Little British Cars” (LBCs), I’ve found that even the high-end Radiomobile units offered by dealers were mono-speaker setups, often mounted in a single pod under the dashboard.

Dealer-Installed vs. Aftermarket

Because British Leyland viewed radios as an afterthought, the placement of speakers was entirely dependent on what the dealership or the first owner decided.

1. The Mono Era (Early 60s): Usually a single speaker in the center console.


2. The Stereo Boom (70s): Introduction of the 1500 Midget saw more owners cutting holes into the kick panels.


3. Modern Restorations: Most owners today prefer “stealth” installs to maintain the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of a period-correct restoration.

Where to Find Speakers in Your MG Midget

If you just bought an MG Midget and are wondering where the sound is coming from (or why it isn’t working), check these four primary zones.

The Kick Panels (Footwells)

This is the most popular location. These are the vertical panels located to the left of the clutch and the right of the accelerator.

• Pros: Directs sound toward the driver and passenger.


• Cons: Very limited depth; you often need slim-mount speakers to avoid hitting the bodywork.

The Rear Parcel Shelf

In the small area behind the seats, you will often find two larger speakers.

• Pros: Allows for larger 6×9 speakers which provide better bass response.


• Cons: The sound is often muffled by the convertible top when it is folded down.

Center Console Sides

Some owners mount small 3.5-inch speakers on the side of the gearbox tunnel.

• Pros: No cutting of original metal or structural panels.


• Cons: Very poor stereo separation and prone to vibration from the transmission.

Custom Door Cards

I generally advise against this. Cutting holes in original vinyl door cards ruins the aesthetic and exposes the speakers to moisture, as Midget doors are notorious for leaking.

The Technical Challenge: Positive Earth vs. Negative Earth

Before you run out and buy the loudest speakers available, you must check your MG Midget’s electrical polarity. Are there speakers in an MG Midget that can work with a “Positive Earth” system? Yes, but your head unit (the radio) is the real concern.

• Pre-1967 Midgets: Often Positive Earth (+ terminal of the battery is connected to the car’s frame). Modern radios are Negative Earth. If you connect a modern radio to a Positive Earth car without an isolator or a polarity conversion, you will literally see smoke.
• Post-1967 Midgets: Most were converted to Negative Earth at the factory. This makes installing modern speakers and head units much simpler.

Pro Tip from the Shop: Always use a multimeter to verify your car’s polarity before hooking up any audio equipment. I have seen many expensive RetroSound head units fried by eager DIYers.

Step-by-Step: How to Install New Speakers in an MG Midget

If your Midget currently has no speakers, or if the 40-year-old paper cones have rotted away, follow this guide to get your tunes back.

Step 1: Choose Your Components

I recommend Marine-Grade speakers. Why? Because MG Midgets are convertibles that often leak. Marine speakers (like those from Polk Audio or Kenwood) are designed to handle UV rays and moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Kick Panels

1. Remove the interior millboard panels from the footwells.
2. Trace the diameter of your new speaker onto the board.
3. Use a jigsaw or heavy-duty shears to cut the hole.
4. Note: Check behind the panel for wiring harnesses or the hood release cable before cutting!

Step 3: Run the Wiring

Route your speaker wires under the carpet set along the transmission tunnel. Avoid running wires near the wiper motor or ignition coil to prevent “alternator whine” (that annoying high-pitched buzzing that increases with engine RPM).

Step 4: Sound Deadening (Crucial Step)

The MG Midget is a tin box. I always apply a layer of Dynamat or Noico sound deadening to the inner wing behind the speaker. This prevents the metal from vibrating and makes a 4-inch speaker sound like a 6-inch speaker.

Step 5: Mounting and Testing

Secure the speaker to the panel using stainless steel screws. Connect your head unit and test the “fade” and “balance” to ensure your wiring is correct.

Maintaining the Classic Aesthetic

Many owners ask me, “How can I have great sound without ruining the 1960s dashboard?”

The Stealth Setup:
I often install a Hidden Bluetooth Amplifier (such as the Kenwood KAC-M1824BT).

• The Look: You keep your original, non-working Smiths or Radiomobile radio in the dash for “the look.”


• The Function: You hide the small amp behind the dashboard or under the seat.


• The Control: You control the volume and track selection directly from your smartphone.

This approach ensures you have modern Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity while keeping the cockpit looking like it did when it left Abingdon.

Recommended Speaker Brands for MG Midgets

Based on my hands-on testing in various MG Midget 1500s and Sprites, these brands offer the best balance of size and output:

1. RetroSound Dash Speakers: They make a “dual-voice coil” speaker that can provide stereo sound from a single factory mounting location.
2. Pioneer TS-G Series: These are exceptionally shallow, making them perfect for the tight kick-panel area.
3. Kicker PS Series: Excellent weather resistance for those times you get caught in a British rainstorm with the top down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I put speakers in the doors of an MG Midget?

While possible, it is not recommended. The doors are very thin, and the window regulator mechanism takes up most of the internal space. Furthermore, water often drains through the inside of the door, which will quickly destroy non-marine speakers.

What is the biggest speaker that fits in an MG Midget?

In the rear parcel shelf, you can fit 6×9-inch speakers with custom spacers. In the front kick panels, you are generally limited to 5.25-inch speakers, provided they have a mounting depth of less than 2 inches.

Why can’t I hear my speakers when the top is down?

The MG Midget is loud. Between the exhaust note and the wind buffeting, you need speakers with high sensitivity ratings (90dB or higher). Adding a small powered subwoofer behind the passenger seat can also help fill out the sound.

Do I need to upgrade my alternator for a modern stereo?

If you are just running two speakers and a standard head unit, the stock Lucas alternator (or even the older generator) should be fine. However, if you add a powerful amplifier and a subwoofer, you should consider a high-output 65-amp alternator upgrade.

Are there speakers in an MG Midget that came from the factory?

Technically, no. In the 1960s and 70s, car manufacturers like British Leyland considered audio systems an “accessory.” While your car may have been delivered to the original owner with speakers, they were installed by the dealer using aftermarket kits.