Highlight
- A very beautiful and well-maintained D-Type
- One of only 208 'Midgets' with 4 seats
- Factory upgraded to 2-seater Type J2 specification
- Restored in France in 2017
- Extensive historical archive from the early years
- ASI-certified
- Overhaul valid until May 2025
- Comes with a certificate of historical relevance and R.F.I. membership.
Attractions
The new owner of this fascinating Midget D-Type will acquire much more than a fine example of a rare vintage sports car. He will become the new owner of a piece of history with a complete record of its entire life from its earliest days.
This car, destined for the British market, began its existence as one of only 208 D-Type 4-seaters built at the factory. One of its first owners asked the factory to convert it into a 2-seater and later into the J2 version in 1939. We know this because, remarkably, the extensive historical archive includes the relevant correspondence. Since the original Midget looked more like a car than it performed, this decision is not entirely surprising.
It subsequently spent part of its life in Spain and France, where it was restored in 2017, before arriving in Italy at the end of 2021, where it is currently registered. ASI membership and overhaul valid until May 2025 further enhance its undeniable appeal. It is a valuable addition to any collection.
This car, destined for the British market, began its existence as one of only 208 D-Type 4-seaters built at the factory. One of its first owners asked the factory to convert it into a 2-seater and later into the J2 version in 1939. We know this because, remarkably, the extensive historical archive includes the relevant correspondence. Since the original Midget looked more like a car than it performed, this decision is not entirely surprising.
It subsequently spent part of its life in Spain and France, where it was restored in 2017, before arriving in Italy at the end of 2021, where it is currently registered. ASI membership and overhaul valid until May 2025 further enhance its undeniable appeal. It is a valuable addition to any collection.
History and Documentation
- Initially registered 11/11/1931 as a 4-seater
- Only 250 D-Types were built between 1931 and 1933, of which 208 were 4-seaters
- Chassis number D0301 originally produced with 550ADJ engine
- Extensive historical archive with letters, registration documents and invoices dating back to 1938
- First owner was Mr Donald Cooper
- He wrote to the factory between 14 October 1938 and 21 April 1939
- These letters are included in the documentation and concern requests for modifications to the car
- The factory then modified the car to 2-seater and later to J2 high performance specification
- Modifications included J2 camshaft, J Type gearbox and J2 drive shaft
- Registered in the UK on 1/2/79 with a Morris 850 engine and number plate '826UXH'.
- Previously owned by Mr Jason Michael in Spain
- Later owned by Mr. Roche Alex in France
- The car was restored in France in 2017 - invoice included in the documentation
- Arrived in Italy in December 2021 and now registered in Italy with Italian plates
- Comes with an RFI and ASI collector's relevance.
- Extensive maintenance and mechanical overhaul in May 2020
- Overhaul dated 31 May 2023 valid until 31 May 2025
Conditions
- Very nice two-seater body, presumably modified by the factory in 1939 from a four-seater
- Very good green paint with no visible corrosion or dents to the bodywork
- Well maintained chrome and exterior trim
- Nicely finished exterior with leather strap on bonnet and race number on grille
- Electrical system is in good working order
- Painted spoke wheels in good condition with vintage Excelsior tyres
- Brooklands aero windscreen
- Double lid dashboard with turned aluminium trim
- Grey tonneau cover matching grey leather seats and carpet
- MG branded door panels in matching grey
- Small rear storage area
- Three-spoke steering wheel with leather upholstery, corrected to factory specification
- Chassis in good condition, with no problems to report or detected during overhaul
Mechanics
- Originally equipped with a Midget engine, model 550ADJ
- Engine replaced with a Morris 850 unit on 06/06/1956
- Upgraded from the factory with J Type gearbox and J2 type drive shaft
- The car is equipped with an additional electric fan to improve cooling
- Seller reports minor oil leaks of no concern
- Factory fitted adjustable suspension
- We have been informed that the engine and mechanics are in good working order
Any questions?
Is there anything else you would like to know?
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