Highlights

Restored car in classic racing red
Fully rebuilt P-Type engine with three-bearing crank
Less than 500 miles since rebuild
Owned by the same family for over 60 years
Brand-new leather upholstery and carpet
Five brand new tyres with new inner tubes and rim rubbers
Magnificent car with history dating back to first registration

The Appeal

You don’t need to read the vendor’s comments below to get a strong sense of just how beloved this beautiful little J2 Midget is. Every photo, including those of the massive history file, attest to a well-loved and lovingly maintained vintage car. Just like the seller, we adore it.

The J2 is the archetypal two-seat slab tank open pre-war MG. Evolved from the M-Type, when new it was a virtual shopping list of everything the sports car enthusiast was looking for - upgraded engine, short, nimble chassis, stylish race-bred design with cut down doors and components provided by a long list of sporting specialists. Just 2,083 were built and this car 81 of the first ‘2’ prefix J2s originally factory fitted with cycle wings.

The car has been in the same family for 60 years. It has been extensively restored during that time and is finished in fetching red with matching interior. The condition is true testament to the care of enthusiasts - there are few signs of age and you can clearly see why this car is said to pick up an award whenever it visits a classic car show.

The engine was rebuilt 500 miles ago and the brakes have recently been overhauled. There is a new water pump, fan blade and battery. We are told that this lovely car runs and drives exactly as it should.

Is there a better J2 for sale with better history than this one? If so, we haven’t found it. If you’re a vintage MG enthusiast, we won’t need to tell you how special the J2 is. This J2 is very special indeed. We wish it well on its new life.

The vendor says:

“It is with a heavy heart that we part with this cherished MG J2, which has been a part of our family for generations. We sincerely hope it finds a new home where it will bring as much joy and excitement as it has brought to us.

“This car has consistently stood out at competitions, and it has never returned home without winning some form of recognition or prize. It would be wonderful to stay in touch with the new owner and receive any updates or photos, as we would love to continue following its journey through the years.”

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 8th February 1933
DVLA records two registered keepers
Current keeper from 18th August 1984
Vendor tells us car has been in same family for 60 years
History dates back to car’s earliest days
Includes original bill of sale and correspondence
Huge history file of invoices, receipts and photos as shown
Regularly serviced and maintained throughout its life
Fully restored some years ago to a high standard
Engine rebuilt 500 miles ago
Always stored safely in a garage by current keepers
We are told that the car has never been used in the rain
Newspaper articles featuring the car
Photographs of trophies won by the car
Factory handbooks as shown
Car has covered few miles since last MOT in 2011 with 272 miles on test
Showing 503 miles in photos
V5c in current keeper’s name confirming Historic Registration

The Condition

Very pretty, factory-correct early J2 with correct cycle wings
Restored some years ago and remains in very good order
Red paintwork finished to high quality with only very minor points to note
These include light marks to door tops due to use
Panelwork is very good with flush door fit and no obvious corrosion
Well detailed car with leather bonnet strap and badge bar
Chromework is bright and well kept with no obvious tarnish to note
Painted white wheels in great order with matching spare
Recently fitted with vintage Avon tyres including new inner tubes
Brand-new burgundy tonneau cover that vendor says is in perfect condition
Black roof with side screens in similarly fine condition
Neatly detailed interior with red leather seats piped in black
We are told the seats and carpets have been recently retrimmed
Engine-turned aluminium dashboard with correct Jaeger dials
Interior shows few indications of age or use
We understand that everything works correctly with no issues advised

The J2 channeled the aesthetics of period racers, most notably the short rear end and the chopped down doors. So it is entirely appropriate that this little sports car is finished in classic racing red. It was restored some years ago but remains in quite superb condition thanks to the care of its current keepers. The signs of use are exceptionally light, limited to some minor scuffs to the doors caused by use.

Elsewhere the detailing is a key part of this characterful car’s appeal. There is a badge bar, painted wires - with recently fitted Avon vintage tyres - and a badge bar. Inside you will find a nostalgic engine-turned dual cowl dashboard equipped with Jaeger dials. The seats, carpets and tonneau are all new and the black roof and side screens are in very good order.

The Mechanics

847cc M-Type derived P-type engine with a three-bearing crank
Fully rebuilt engine with fewer than 500 miles since rebuild
Twin SU carburettors help deliver 36bhp
4spd manual gearbox
New water pump and fan blade fitted
Brakes recently replaced and may require readjustment
Original J2 features including Tecalemit central greasing system
Engine starts and runs smoothly, performing as it should according to seller
New battery with three year warranty
No reported running or driving issues

The joy of the J2 is that this small, light and nimble sports car maximises the potential of its 847cc engine. A pair of SU carburettors help deliver a heady 36bhp, which for its time was quite considerable performance for such a small car. Today it makes the car genuinely exciting to drive without breaking any speed limits.

This great J2 is in fine mechanical health. The engine was rebuild a few years ago and has covered just 500 miles since. It is a P-Type engine with three bearing crank - so more reliable than those early two-crank motors - and said to start easily, run smoothly and perform as it should via the correct J2 4spd manual gearbox.

The car has only every been used on dry days by the current keepers. In recent times it has been treated to a new water pump, fan blades and battery. The brakes have also been overhauled, work that may still require a little adjustment. Once done the buyer gets a car in great running order to use and enjoy.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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