1939 | MG TB

• Mille Miglia Eligible with the advantage of having an early start number

• 1 of only 379 examples made and the rarest of the T-type’s

• It has been lovingly restored, wisely modernized, and faithfully preserved

• Open-top motoring at its finest. If you drive this car, you would not believe it’s built in 1939

• Authentic pre-war charm

In the heart of England, in the 1920s, a brand was born that would come to define accessible sports cars for generations. That brand was MG, short for Morris Garages.

MG began as a side project of Cecil Kimber, the general manager of Morris Garages, a dealer for William Morris’s Morris Motors.

Mr. Kimber was not content to simply sell Morris cars, he wanted to make them sportier, sleeker, and more exciting.

By 1924, the MG name was officially registered.

By the early 1930s, MG had found a winning formula in the Midget series: small, affordable, two-seater sports cars that offered the common enthusiast a taste of the racetrack.

The Midget line began with the MG M-Type in 1929 and evolved through successive models like the J-Type, PA, PB, and eventually the MG TA in 1936.

And then came the MG TB Midget, launched in May 1939 followed by the MG TC, MG TD, and MG TF Midget models.

The TB was a refinement of the previous TA, but it represented a significant step forward in MG engineering. Under the bonnet was a 1,250cc XPAG inline-four engine, a new powerplant developed in collaboration with Morris’s engineering team.

This engine would go on to become a staple of post-war MGs, but the TB was the first to receive it.

Just a mere 379 TBs had been produced, making the model by far the rarest of the ‘T Series’ Midgets.

Many were lost or scrapped, making surviving examples today rare and deeply cherished.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This particular TB is one of the rare survivors of the just 379 examples built before the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939.

Over the following decades, the car passed through the hands of at least four documented owners.

Not all of their stories are known, but in more recent times, the car came into the ownership of Barrie Carter of Beaminster.

In February 2013, he eventually sold the car to Mrs. Elnor of Nantwich, continuing its life in the UK among dedicated MG enthusiasts.

He is its most recent long-term owner, clearly someone with both mechanical expertise and a deep appreciation for MG heritage.

He began the process of refining the TB, not to strip away its original character, but to enhance it for modern road use while preserving its vintage soul.

One of the most noticeable changes was esthetic: the car’s original red paintwork was replaced with a rich, dark blue finish. It was a choice intended to set the car apart from the crowd and give it a more distinguished, understated elegance.

Mechanically, the new owner let the engine fully overhaul, ensuring that it would run as strong and smoothly as the day it left Abingdon, perhaps even better.

Understanding the realities of modern motoring, he made a few practical upgrades to improve drivability.

He preserved all the original parts, so the car could easily be returned to full original specification by any future custodian who wished to do so.

Throughout this period, the owner maintained meticulous records, including receipts, service history, and details of the specialists and suppliers involved.

In February 2023, the MG underwent a fresh recommissioning to ensure everything was in top working order.

This made the TB not just a showpiece, but a reliable driver, ideal for events, including the prestigious Mille Miglia.

It is one of the few TBs to combine genuine period provenance with modern usability, making it the perfect balance of historic charm and practical performance.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

This MG TB presents in excellent overall exterior condition, reflecting the careful ownership and quality work it has received in recent years.

The car was professionally repainted in Dark Blue shortly after being acquired by its previous owner in 2013. The finish remains even, smooth, and well-applied, with a deep gloss that highlights the flowing lines of the TB’s bodywork.

The colour choice gives the car a more refined and distinctive appearance than the traditional MG Red.

The body panels are straight, with consistent shut lines and proper panel gaps throughout. Doors open and close smoothly, and the bonnet fits cleanly.

Brightwork and trim are in excellent condition.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The seats of the MG are re-trimmed in rich red leather, supple to the touch and neatly tailored with proper stitching.

The hides show very light settling from use, giving a natural look without creases, cracks, or excessive wear.

The seat padding is firm and supportive, offering far more comfort than a tired original interior would.

The dashboard is in a finely finished varnished wood, polished to a warm sheen that highlights the cabin’s prewar character.

Original-style switchgear and knobs are in good working order, complementing the natural grain of the wood and adding to the car’s period-correct charm.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The 1939 MG TB offers a driving experience that is light, quick, and full of character.

Its direct steering gives an immediate connection to the road, while the gearbox demands the driver’s involvement, turning every change of gear into part of the enjoyment.

As a pre-war model, the MG TB carries the charm of an earlier era of motoring. With the open cockpit, the sound of the engine, and the wind rushing past, every journey feels like an event.

Most importantly, it is on the official list of Mille Miglia Eligible cars, offering a rare opportunity to take part in this world-famous historic event with a car at a very interesting price, just a fraction of the cost of most of other eligible cars.

The starting number it carries is also noteworthy, adding further appeal.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.