Description
CTC 681 is a superb and capable example of an MG TA Police Car, restored in 2014 and equipped with both the XPAG engine (like the later MGTC) rather than the less powerful Morris twelve derived engine. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox providing relaxed cruising.
Originally purchased on the 13th of September 1937 by Lancashire Constabulary, this TA was first used in service with a certain Police Constable Greatrix, patrolling East Lancashire. Accompanying the car is a comprehensive file detailing the interesting history of the former MG Police Car, along with a stunning photo record of the thorough restoration carried out.
In 1946, this MG TA was taken out of service and sold to a private individual, also in Lancashire. It remained in Eccles, Lancashire for the next three years before moving to Liverpool with its next owner. The MG was off the radar throughout the 1950s and 60s but, emerged again in 1975, partly dismantled having been squirreled away in storage in Royton. In 2003, CTC 681 was removed from storage and went to an MG restorer who took the project on with plans to restore the car back to its former glory. Records from the car's time in service were uncovered and a rebuilt XPAG engine and 5-speed Type 9 gearbox were procured for the project. Time was the limiting factor for the restorer, and priority was given to his MG J2. It was therefore put back onto the market in 2014 as a part-completed project.
2014 saw the start of the thorough recommissioning and completion of the MG TA with its new owner. With great care and detailed work to retain the original features for a Police MG, the body was restored and repainted to its factory colour of black, and the interior was trimmed in blue leather. As part of that process the car was stripped back to a rolling chassis and recommissioned piece by piece. The result is exceptional - a superb driving 1937 MG TA, far more capable than the original, yet retaining the original authentic look and charm. There is one other noticeable feature of this particular car - an exceptionally roomy cockpit. Both legroom and ‘tummy to steering wheel' distance seem greater than normal. Our tester is 6'2" and 14 stone. He remarked that this is the roomiest and most relaxed driving example of any T series he has encountered. We suspect that the foam type and sculpted shape of the seat backrest have contributed to this.
Sixteen MG TA Midgets were dispatched to Lancashire police, all given CTC registrations. These cars were originally fitted with MPJG engines, which during service clocked up a lot of mileage. Many had been replaced before being decommissioned from the Police service. The Midgets were originally equipped with speakers for communicating to the public, a spot lamp, and a bell. There were many changes in the motoring world throughout the thirties, with the growing popularity of the motor car in the UK. The roads needed policing, and better driving regulation. A driving test became mandatory in 1930, and in 1935 the Hendon Driving School was established to train the police force in both road skills and policing. In those days, the Police only bought British, and a strong relationship was built between the Lancashire police force and MG, who were renowned for the sporting and brisk performance of their cars.
CTC681 represents an exceptional opportunity to own a really brilliant, drivable piece of history, evocative of the changing nature of the British motoring in the 1930s
