MG PA

"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. 80 mph 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 version used a 36bhp 847cc engine similar to the one on the J-Type but now with a 3 bearing crankshaft, larger camshaft and twin SU carburettors. 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.

First registered in March 1935, this four-seater PA was supplied new to a Geoffrey Lomas of Macclesfield via Cockshoots and has a known history from new. The current vendor has owned the car since 1998 during which time the engine has been fully rebuilt with a replacement block (the original proved porous). A Phoenix crank and rods were fitted along with a new camshaft, valves cut and reground and the flywheel lightened for improved throttle response. More recently the block has been resurfaced and the head gasket and core plugs replaced by Pooks Engineering of Tiverton, Devon. The engine now needs a period of careful running in and fine tuning before the performance can be extended to the full.

The brakes have been overhauled and relined and the wheels re-stoved in silver. A solid elm dashboard was fitted by the previous owner who kept the car for 10 years. New galvanised steel seat frames have been fitted and new leather acquired to retrim the seats although this will need fitting. MG Lucas headlights from a larger MG model (SA/VA/WA) have also been fitted.

The vendor states that: “This car has been a pleasure to drive and the lightened flywheel and good brakes give useful performance in the true spirit of the original MG motto ‘Safety Fast’”. Not used on the road for the last year, the car is currently on SORN. Documentation includes a buff log book covering the period 1946-1965; green log book from the 1960s; registration documents from the 1980s; copies of factory records and correspondence with the first owner and receipts for engine work. Altogether a good car to use and improve at a very reasonable guide price.

Please note that the car is currently registered 350 XUN but the number 5268 MG is held on retention and will be made available to the winning bidder by separate negotiation if desired.