Manufacturer: MG Model: TA First Registered: 1938 Registrati...

by Barons Auctioneers

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1/10

Estimate

£23,000 - £25,000

Fees

Manufacturer: MG
Model: TA
First Registered: 1938
Registration No: RegNo
Engine No: MPGJ3383
Chassis No: TA3178
MOT: Not Req
Colour: Racing Green
Details:
The history of the T type Midget really begins with the introduction of the M type Midget at the London Motor Show in 1928. The M type was the first MG Midget and also the first car to be produced by MG in its own right; with the MG Car Company only being registered a few weeks ahead of the show. The model was an immediate success and was followed by a succession of Midgets, each one a development of its predecessor.

The M type used an 847cc overhead camshaft engine rated at 20bhp, which was identical to the Morris Minor engine. Over the next eight years the engine and chassis of the M type were modified and improved, leading to the development of the C and D types in 1931, the J type in 1932 and ultimately the P type in 1934. The PB, the last of the Midgets to be equipped with the overhead camshaft engine, was a much improved car and owed little to its Morris origins. It had bigger brakes, a 46 bhp motor, better weather protection and was larger and more comfortable than the original M type. However, due to management changes within the Nuffield organisation and the unavailability of the Wolseley derived overhead camshaft engine the P type was phased out in early 1936 to be replaced by the TA; a very different car in every way except appearance.

The 1936 TA Midget had a 1292 cc pushrod engine, which was rated at 50 bhp, much larger than the 939 cc 46 bhp of the PB. It was over 100lbs heavier, with a wheelbase 7” longer and was equipped with hydraulic brakes. From August 1936 the model gained synchromesh on third and fourth gears, which was a first for the MG Midget line. It was also roomier and more comfortable. The introduction of the TA marked the transition of the MG from a car that appealed mainly to the enthusiast to one that could be appreciated by all would-be motorists.

This outstanding example of the MG TA Midget was the subject of an AUD $102,000 restoration, since when it has covered just 4,000 miles. The car also won first place in the MG Car Club, NSW concours competition.

This rare specimen is offered complete with an original MG Midget TA - TB Instruction Manual and a fully detailed, hand-written, account of the restoration. The history file also includes the Concours "Certificate of Merit" and a copy of the Australian Roads and Traffic Authority "Certificate of Approved Operations".

During the vendor's ownership, the car has been equipped with the TC Conversion steering box with a steel box section adaptor. This was a common modification in the 1970s and is based on a Datsun 1000 steering box. The result was a stronger and much safer system.

The vendor of this outstanding TA is well known individual in the Australian motor industry, based in Sydney, who felt that the car would be better appreciated in its home market. It landed in the UK in May 2014 and is offered complete with all duties paid. Barons is able to confirm this because we paid said duties on the vendor's behalf.

Closed
Auction Date:
2nd Sep 14 at 1pm BST

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Sale Dates:
2nd Sep 2014 1pm BST (Lots 101 to 185)