1937 | MG TA

MG TA (Q bodied) Special, Chassis number TA1619 - Sales Price £67,000

*'The latest Series T MG Midget... gives an unusually good performance for its engine size, handles in a distinctly better manner than the ordinary touring vehicle and possesses those touches in the tout ensemble that endear it to the owner with sporting tendencies.' *– The Autocar, 18th September 1936.                                                                                                                                                                                 Launched in 1936 as successor to the PB Midget, the TA Midget was an altogether larger and roomier car. Longer in the wheelbase at 94", the simple chassis followed established Midget practice with semi-elliptic springing all round, though the use of hydraulic dampers at the front and the adoption of Lockheed hydraulic brakes were new departures. Although styled in a manner MG enthusiasts had come to expect, the new two-seater broke with tradition by employing an overhead-valve engine instead of the previous overhead-camshaft type. The TA was introduced after Nuffield's takeover of MG and used the 10hp 1,292cc four-cylinder Wolseley engine, itself derived from that of the Morris Ten, which produced around 50bhp at 4,500rpm. Though MG purists complained about the adoption of a pushrod engine and synchromesh gearbox, the TA was faster than the PB, having a top speed of 80mph and its total production of 3003 was 19% more than that of the P-Series.
This exciting and stunning TA, is fitted with a bespoke MG Q-type special handcrafted aluminium body featuring Q-type period details like the twin “quick-fill” fuel fillers. The bodies pointed tail is hinged and also removable and houses the battery also allowing for access to the fuel tank, Facit fuel pump and additional in-line fuel filter. The bonnet is doubled hinged allowing for easy access into the engine bay and held firmly in place by leather strapping. All mounted on a TA chassis which was discovered in Wales. The chassis is immaculate, it was completely refurbished as were the original axles. The car is painted in ‘BRG’ – British Racing Green with black leather bucket seats and fitted with a distinctive period ‘Bluemels’ steering wheel. The cockpit is well equipped with the gauges that were standard to the Q-type Midget of 1934 with one exception, a fully suppressed Jaeger electronic rev counter. The electrical system operates on 12 volts. The car, as well as having an ignition switch, has a period ‘aircraft’ push button start arrangement, and as required for racing, a 12-volt battery isolator/cut off switch is mounted on the dashboard. Aero screens are fitted to both the Driver and Passenger positions.                                                                                                                                                   This fully balanced engine is the superior XPAG from the successor TB/TC models. ‘TA1619’ benefits from a complete XPAG engine rebuild by Peter Edney, which included sleeving and boring the pressure-cleaned block to 1,307cc. Fitting of a fast road camshaft with hardened followers, and supercharging the engine with a new Eaton M45 blower, which operates between 4-9psi boost with a single 1 ½” SU carburettor, delivers 91 lbf-ft torque at 3,400 RPM. The car is fitted with an extractor exhaust manifold and connects with a Brooklands regulation side exhaust system, all manufactured in stainless steel. Other noteworthy features include a big-valve cylinder head (unleaded compatible), and spin-on oil filter conversion. The cooling system is aided by an electric fan.                                                                                         

A Hi-Gear conversion kit was purchased to accommodate the 5-speed conversion with a Ford Type 9 fully refurbished gearbox and the differential with a 5.125/1 ratio has been comprehensively overhauled. With this package, speeds in excess of 80 MPH are easily achieved. This car is lively, it has an abundance of torque and can easily compete in Track or Hill race events, or just enjoy the thrill of the open roads.                                                                                                                                              The wheels on the car are all new MWS centre laced type WW5772, 48 spoke wheels and fitted with Blockley 4.75/5.00 -19 tyres. The brakes are hydraulic and fitted with new components from C&C Netherlands, the drums are Alfin shrouded for additional cooling. The axles are leaf spring mounted to the chassis with new Andre Hartford friction shock absorbers on the front and the superior Armstrong hydraulic dampers on the rear.                                                              The car comes with full weather gear in the form of a heavy duty zipped, split Tonneau in black mohair.                                                                                                                                                          Offered with sundry invoices, original buff logbook. Dynacom Rolling Road test results.              Assisting with export coordination, local transport etc, can be done, if required.