MG Midget J2

The archetypal pre-war sportscar, the gorgeous little MG J-Type set the styling standard in the early 1930s and rival manufacturers rushed to copy it. At just £199 it offered real glamour and, for its time, plenty of performance. With a top speed of well over 70mph it was a strong seller and saw extensive use in competition from racing through to the ever-popular trials scene.

Developed from the C-Type MG or Montlhery Midget as it was better known, the J2 used a traditional chassis layout with semi-elliptic springs all round. Its 847cc engine had a simple two-bearing crank, whilst the cross-flow head was fed by two SU carburettors. Developing around 36bhp at 5500rpm, a sensible set of gear ratios in its crash box meant an enthusiastic driver could make the most of the modest power aided by its excellent handling, relatively light weight, low centre of gravity and precise steering. Manufactured from 1932 until 1934, some 2,083 J2s were made – a considerable success for the time.

In 1933 the cycle wings made way for a full wing option as fitted to this example here. This amazing discovery has been in hiding since the mid 1950s when it was driven into storage pending a full restoration. Alas the vendor’s father passed away earlier this year and this family heirloom is now on the market for the first time in decades.

Great care has been taken with its exhumation, ensuring none of the valuable parts have been lost. It is believed that the car is largely complete and has its original chassis plate. Buyers are, however, advised to satisfy themselves in this respect as some smaller items may have got lost in the mists of time.

The engine and running gear remain in the chassis which has at some time been updated with hydraulic brakes. The body frame looks sound and the doors and wings were safely located. The windscreen has been dismantled; however the frame, arms and turn screws are there. The under bonnet area looks to be complete with ancillaries. A spare flywheel and rear engine bearer were also located. There is even a hood and hood frame, some seat covers (now past their best) and various boxes of small parts. Also found were a fabulous MG workshop manual printed in 1957 and covering all pre-war models, plus the original Instruction manual for the MG Midget (J-Type).

The vendor tells us that there is a buff log book which we have yet to examine, however we would like to advise prospective purchasers that there is no current V5 with the vehicle and as far as we can tell, the headlights and dashboard appear to be non-original.

It is always incredibly exciting to open an old garage door in a quiet suburban street and find such a treasure. The new owner will no doubt get a huge amount of enjoyment from over-seeing this car’s restoration. Emerging now after nearly 60 years tucked away, it is time for it to hit the roads once again to be enjoyed as its makers intended.