It has the most comprehensive and well documented history of any pre-war car we have seen. Bear in mind this car is 86 years old, with a fully documented history of all work undertaken, with handwritten notes, full ownership history and even the original sales brochure.
It’s also rare, with only 2,738 produced from 1936 to 1939. Then look at the quality of the restoration which speaks for itself. We think there is unlikely to be a better example, truly a car for the connoisseur. DSC_0003.JPG1.06 MB
History and Paperwork
Exported to Australia when new
Sold by P&R Williams of Sydney
First owner from 1936 to 1964
Only 4 owners since
Original engine and gearbox
Sold for $65,000 Aus and imported into the UK in 2013
1 UK owner since 2013
Invoices for more than £23,000 of recent work
Complete documented history from new
Enormous history folder
Complete record of all restoration and maintenance work
V5c present in the name of the previous owner
2x Instruction Manuals for MG 2 litre
MG Salesman’s Manual
Copy of Service Parts list
The original sales brochure
Lubrication records, every oil change recorded by hand from 1936 to 1965
The inside of the MG is brimming with period charm. It’s quite obvious that all the owners have gone to great efforts and expense to keep the interior delightfully original.
The cream leather upholstery is nicely aged, with sympathetic repairs carried out to the driver’s seat. The walnut dash is aged with some wear, but no cracks or lifting veneer.
The instruments are clear and mounted on the original polished panel. The large, four spoke steering wheel shows some signs of older repairs but in keeping with the period charm.
The rear seats are extremely comfortable and can be shaded by a pull-up sun shade operated from above the driver’s door. There are small, cylindrical ashtrays that pull out of the rear armrests.
Sensible modern additions include a fire extinguisher mounted on the rear of the front armrest, and a 12v charging point under the dash on the passenger side. The carpets are deep and clean, the tan roof lining is spotless and beautifully fitted. There is a sliding sunroof that operates perfectly.
There is the advantage of a generous amount of boot space, with the space wheel mounted on the boot lid beneath a cover.
Overall it is hard to find fault with the interior, it is spacious, comfortable and a lovely example of all that is best about this period of British motoring.DSC_0018.JPG3.39 MB
The Exterior
Complete respray in 2013
Rakish, sports saloon looks
Excellent paintwork
Pristine chrome
The paint finish on the MG is something to behold, excellent in every respect. Smartly presented in two-tone green it was repainted in its original factory colours in 2013.
The bright work is similarly excellent, with a badge bar and driving lamp flanked by imposing headlights. There are indicators mounted front and rear which are modern additions. The low roof line gives the MG a sporting coupe look, but cleverly there is still plenty of headspace in the rear.
The 18 inch spoked wheels are in good condition, with chrome knock off spinners, a couple of which show some pitting. The tyres are Dunlop Gold Seal and show very little wear. DSC_0013.JPG1.07 MB
The Mechanics
Engine rebuilt in 2013 and again in 2020
Pristine engine bay
Original built-in Jackall lift system fitted to chassis
Wet clutch replaced with a dry clutch system
Larger 10 gallon fuel tank installed
In 2000 the fourth owner fitted a low pressure supercharger to up the power, but this was found to have over-stressed the engine and it was removed upon arrival in the UK before the engine was initially rebuilt.
The brakes, suspension and steering were all recommissioned and tuned to improve the driving experience. The MG has covered just over 3,000 miles since it was imported in 2013 mainly due to the time spent on restoration and fine tuning.
Running and driving beautifully on the day of our visit we can only describe the MG as “near perfect”.DSC_0115.JPG4.06 MB
Summary
A rare model, the SA was regarded by MG purists as a step away from the sporting two seaters they were used to. Highly underrated, the MG SA is a true sports saloon in both looks and performance.
This one is unlikely to disappoint.
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