MG PA

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"It is a comforting thought in these critical days to feel that so long as British manufacturers can turn out such cars as this new Midget, we have nothing to fear from competition from the rest of the world. 80mph in comfort for under £200 is motoring history indeed." Motor Sport, 1932.

Launched in 1934, the MG P-Type used an updated version of the overhead camshaft crossflow engine used in the 1928 Morris Minor and Wolseley 10 and previously fitted in the J-Type Midget of 1932 to 1934, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed non-synchromesh gearbox. The chassis was a strengthened and slightly longer version of that used in the J-Type with suspension by half-elliptic springs all round with rigid front and rear axles. Steering was initially by a Marles Weller and later a Bishop Cam system.

The first PA used a 36bhp 847cc engine similar to the one on the J-Type but now with a 3-bearing crankshaft and larger camshaft. The PB, produced from 1935, had a bigger 939cc engine which increased the output to 43bhp and was externally distinguished by a slatted, rather than honeycomb, radiator grille and a polished walnut dashboard with separate speedo and rev counter. Some 2,000 PA models were made in total, and 526 PBs, before production ceased in 1936.

This correct and well-presented PA was purchased by the vendor in 1995 from Barry Walker, the well-known pre-war MG Specialist. It retains its continuation buff logbook which dates back to 1962 and has had just two owners since 1970.

An older restoration, it has been fastidiously maintained over the last 20 years and comes complete with a hood, tonneau, sidescreens and tool kit. The vendor has included some correct oil for the car which also retains the one-shot lubrication system so often missing on MGs of this period. It is reputed to run and drive as well as it looks and the bonnet is the original, displaying the correct car number PA1522 on the hinge as it should.

The MG Midget set the design trend for a whole genre of sportscars with its rakish good looks, flies-in-the-teeth fold-flat screen and slab tank. Not only did they look a million dollars, they continue to be supported by the energetic Triple-M Register who give an enormous amount of support to MG owners, backed up by a spare parts network second to none.

Offering brisk performance, the PA’s pre-war driving characteristics need a few miles of seat time before an unfamiliar driver completely understands the appeal of these sparkling little Midgets, but be warned, once mastered they have a beguiling charm that can change one's life forever.