Winning bid
£29,750

1939 MG TA Midget

Highlights

  • Extensively documented restoration
  • Immaculate interior
  • Beautiful paintwork
  • Gorgeous colour combination

The Appeal

The MG name has long been associated with the world of small, simple, lightweight sports cars. And the TA is a fantastic example of this genre, with its four-cylinder engine of 1,292cc propelling the car to a top speed of nearly 80mph. 
Offered for sale here is a fine example of the model. This TA has undergone a lengthy restoration to a very high standard and is now presented in beautiful condition, ready to be enjoyed. 
This car comes with a fascinating history, extensively documented in the accompanying literature, including magazine articles written about the history of the car and a thorough description of every aspect of the car’s restoration.
There can be few finer experiences than piloting a prewar MG such as this along a quiet country road. And the MG TA offered for sale here certainly won’t disappoint.

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 8th February 1939
  • Originally owned by Harold Hastings, motoring journalist
  • Road Tax and MOT exempt 
  • Only showing 9,513 recorded miles
  • Still retains its original registration number
  • Featured in magazine articles
  • Extensive history file

 The Interior

  • Retrimmed leather seats
  • Swooping dashboard 
  • New carpets
With its retrimmed leather seats and new carpets, this TA is presented in fabulous condition throughout. The finish is excellent and the fluted leather remains unmarked and fresh. The rear-hinged doors allow for easy ingress and egress, while the snug cockpit is comfortable.
The dashboard’s swooping curves are a delightful stylistic flourish and comes with a full complement of gauges and switches. Over on the left side of the dashboard, the speedometer is mounted in front of the passenger seat, while the driver is presented with the all-important tachometer. A charming wood-rimmed steering wheel completes the look, along with the University Motors enamel dealer badge, in pride of place. 
In all, this MG’s interior is a beautiful example of what can be achieved when care is taken to ensure a high standard of finish. 
 

 The Exterior 

  • Beautifully applied paint
  • Chrome in excellent condition
  • Rakish hood
There aren’t many cars which look just as good with their hood up as down, but we think this MG looks particularly rakish with its roof erected. And with its sidescreens attached, the cabin is snug and dry. 
The silver paint appears to have been well applied and suits this car very well. Its contrasting black running boards and wings are in equally good condition and complete the look.
To the rear is a slab shaped petrol tank, with a luggage rack above, supporting the rear ‘pork pie’ lamps and number plate, and spare wheel behind. 
Underneath, the car is said to be in excellent condition, with no reported damage or corrosion. The tall wire wheels are beautifully presented and the tyres retain good tread

 The Mechanics 

  • 1,292cc four-cylinder engine produces 50 bhp
  • Beautifully clean engine bay
  • Synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears
The overhead valve 1,292cc four-cylinder engine in the TA Midget produces 50 bhp, which provides ample performance in such a lightweight chassis. The TA took its engine from the Wolseley Ten and added twin carburettors, as well as redesigned manifolds. 
This car’s engine bay appears to be particularly clean and tidy. There is a central chassis lubrication system, to do away with the need to crawl underneath the car every few thousand miles. And the thoughtful design continues, as there is bulkhead-mounted tool storage, just where it is needed. 
With the engine reportedly having been rebuilt in the past, the car is said to be in good mechanical condition. The vendor tells us that it accelerates as it should do, changes gear well and brakes in a straight line. There are no reported leaks or smoke.
In all, this would appear to be a well cared for example of a TA Midget.

Summary

T-Series MG Midgets have a loyal following among enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why: they are fun little cars with beautiful prewar styling and busy little overhead valve engines producing good performance. 
This particular TA has undergone a thorough restoration, which has been documented in detail. It has been the subject of magazine articles and has clearly made an impression on its owners over the years. 
Now presented in impeccable condition, it is a car which will certainly make its next owner proud.


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.
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.
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Auction Details

  • Year1939
  • MakeMG
  • ModelTA
  • ColourGreen
  • Odometer9,513 Miles
  • Engine size1292cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownNorwich
  • CountyNorfolk
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

27 Bids

markus-••••
Bid
£29,750
31/10/22
griffit••••
Bid
£29,500
31/10/22
markus-••••
Bid
£29,250
31/10/22
griffit••••
Bid
£29,000
31/10/22
markus-••••
Bid
£28,500
31/10/22
griffit••••
Bid
£28,250
31/10/22
markus-••••
Bid
£28,000
31/10/22
griffit••••
Bid
£27,750
31/10/22
markus-••••
Bid
£27,500
31/10/22
griffit••••
Bid
£27,250
31/10/22

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