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| Lot number | 77 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | N/S (est. £26,000 - £30,000) |
| Description | MG VA Tourer |
| Registration | JT 7868 |
| Year | 1937 |
| Colour | County cream |
| Engine size | 1,548 cc |
| Engine No. | TPBG704 |
In production from February 1937 to September 1939, the MG VA 1.5-litre was the smallest of the three touring models that MG offered before the war. Just 2,407 VA models were produced in total during that short period, and all are much sought-after today.
The VA’s 1,548cc four-cylinder twin-carburettor engine generated a useful 54bhp and the car could top 80mph. Other features included a four-speed synchromesh gearbox, 10” Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes, adjustable Luvax shock absorbers, sporting 19” wire wheels, built-in Jackall hydraulic jacks and a bumper stabiliser to damp torsional flexing at the front end.
Originally registered in Dorset, the vendor bought the car as a project in 1998 from Belfast and carried out a nut and bolt rebuild of chassis, retaining most of the original bodywork over the following 3 years - the car still looks cracking in its County Cream coachwork. (There is a file of restoration photographs and notes available.)
Following its mechanical restoration, the car was shipped to marque specialists SVW Services of Hull, for a complete interior re-trim including rebuilt seats in red leather, matching carpets and trim together with comprehensive weather equipment including hood, tonneau, hood cover, and sidescreens all in matching red mohair- and very smart they all look too.
After many years of regular and enjoyable use, the owner had the engine overhauled about three years ago, including a re-bore, new pistons and white-metalling (by John Kirkby). Two years ago the car received new Blockley tyres and it has also been fitted with flashing indicators and LED supplementary rear light clusters, which are fitted without holes being drilled and can easily be removed.
The car benefits from some subtle improvements including telescopic shock absorbers, spin on oil filter conversion, “4 Life” coolant with catch tank and halogen headlights all of which have served to make it a very reliable and driveable car which has been used regularly on club events in UK and Europe including a 1000 mile round trip rally to the Ardennes in 2016.
This is a lovely old MG tourer in tip-top condition both cosmetically and mechanically and the interior is a haven of calm with its red leather, matching carpets and pleasing symmetrical dashboard - a real antidote to the vulgarity of modern motoring.
