1949 MG Y Type
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Highlights
- An amazing low owner example of the lovely “one and a quarter litre” MG
- Subject to an earlier restoration and presenting in tremendous condition
- Complete with a file of supporting documents and manuals
The Appeal
The MG Y was one of those models that was slated for launch in 1939 but had to be delayed until World War II hostilities had ceased before entering production. The car was an interesting mix of old and new technologies because of this. The car featured independent front suspension and an integrated, hydraulic jack or “Jackall” system. On the other hand, it still featured external headlamps when the trend was moving towards integrated ones. It also remained a body on chassis car when unitary constructions were starting to take hold.
The overall condition of this car appears to be excellent throughout. It has clearly benefitted from an earlier restoration and is under only its fifth owner despite its 74-year history. The first owner retained this car from new until an incredible 2003, a full 54 years!
The History and Paperwork
- This example was first registered in January 1949
- The car was originally finished in black
- The first owner was a Mr Jones who retained the car until 2003
- The second owner, another Mr Jones, bought the car in a poor condition
- It was thought to be this owner who restored the car and put it back on the road
- The second Mr Jones owned the car from 2003 to 2015
- We know that the colour changed from Black to “Green and White” in 2014
- Third and fourth owners covered the period between 2015 and 2016
- One of these was a dealer which explains the short ownership period
- The current and fifth owner acquired the car in July 2017
- The car is accompanied with a file full of paperwork and manuals
- Key amongst these in the V5 in the name of the owner
- Needless to say, this is classed as a Historic Vehicle and so MOT and VED exempt
- An original maintenance manual and instruction booklet are included
- A number of other parts catalogues and some invoices are also on hand
The Interior
- The MG Y’s interior was originally ostensibly upmarket
- The seats were finished in leather and there was generous use of walnut veneer
- This example is a perfect showcase for that sophisticated specification
- It has clearly undergone a fastidious restoration, thought to be between 2003 and 2015
- The seats are amply stuffed and are dressed in a mid-tan leather
- The panels of the seat covers are delineated by dark brown piping
- The centres are folded into three leaves to give them some charming detail
- The rear bench is similarly finished and a fold down centre armrest is present
- There are additional armrests on the outer panels to provide a comfortable environment
- A charmingly period anti dazzle blind is fitted to the rear window
- The carpets are finished in green and are edge bound to promote longevity
- The door cards are finished in a mid-tan equivalent to their original Rexene
- Leather pockets, featuring the three folds, are built in
- The roof lining is finished in a flocked fabric and is clean and tightly fitted
- A sliding solid roof panel is present providing light and added ventilation
- The delightful dashboard is finished in burr walnut veneer in excellent condition
- The twin octagonal (to mimic the MG emblem) gauges are housed here
- These are original white on black Jaeger items consisting of speedometer and multi-gauge
- These sit behind the original three spoke steel and Bakelite steering wheel
- A useful 12V outlet with additional USB outlets has been fitted but is easily removeable
- The window apertures are finished with solid wooden surrounds
- The usefully sized boot is trimmed with cabin-matching green carpet
- A starting handle is noted in here
- A lidded spare wheel compartment is located beneath the boot
The Exterior
- Records show that the car was treated to its Green and Cream livery in 2014
- Prior to this the car was finished in black
- The respray appears to have been very professionally undertaken
- The finish seems to be thickly and evenly applied
- Both shades of paintwork seem to exude a deep shine
- No areas of significant imperfection were noted
- The front end of the MG is a visual delight
- It is dominated by its tall, chromed, 20-slat radiator cowl
- A Calormeter water temperature gauge sits atop this between chromed wings
- Either side of this are mounted the big external headlamps with chromed bowls
- Below these are mounted twin, deeply chromed horns
- The bumper level badge bar has two auxiliary driving lights mounted to it
- Two club badges are mounted either side of the starting handle aperture
- The car sits on 16-inch painted steel wheels
- These are centred with chromed hub caps
- White walled Atlas radial type tyres are fitted
- The original semaphore indicators are present and in working order
- Additional repeaters are fitted to the underside of the rear bumper
- An invisible set are also incorporated into the side lights at the front
The Mechanics
- The MG Y is fitted with the single carburettor version of the 1,250cc XPAG engine
- This unit originally produced 46bhp which was very competitive for saloons of this vintage
- This helped endow the car with a 70mph top speed
- The current owner notes that a five-speed gearbox has been fitted
- This aids progress in modern traffic but can easily be reversed if required
- On lifting both sided of the centrally hinged bonnet you get great access to the XPAG
- The first thing noted is that this engine features twin carburettors rather than the single
- These, together with braided hoses suggests some useful upgrades during restoration
- A non-standard alloy rocker cover is also fitted
- The presentation under here is excellent throughout
- The expected brass data plates seem to be present and correct
- The original hydraulic “Jackall” integrated jack system is fitted and working
- This can be seen in the underside photographs
- The underside of the car looks to be in an excellent condition for the age of car
- The current owner reports the car to be running very well and fully functional
Summary
The MG Y went on to be produced in moderate numbers. Although original production numbers were lost when the Abingdon factory closed, it was thought about 6,000 MG Ys were built between 1947 and 1953. Needless to say, they are a rare sight today but will almost certainly raise smiles of admiration from all who see them.
This is a fine example with the earlier restoration clearly of a very high standard indeed. It seems every aspect of the car has been attended to leaving the new owner very little to do other than use and enjoy this delightful little MG saloon.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1947
- Make MG
- Model Y type
- Colour Green & Cream
- Odometer 20,148 Miles
- Engine size 1250
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Saundersfoot
- Location Wales
- Country United Kingdom
25 bids
- Di•••• £11,500 29/05/23
- le•••• £11,250 29/05/23
- Di•••• £11,000 29/05/23
- le•••• £10,750 29/05/23
- Di•••• £10,500 29/05/23
- mr•••• £10,250 29/05/23
- Di•••• £10,000 29/05/23
- Di•••• £9,600 29/05/23
- mr•••• £9,500 29/05/23
- cm•••• £8,500 29/05/23
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