Description
very much a pre-war design, the Y series prototype was built in 1939, and planned for launch at the 1940 motor show. Based on the basic pressings of the Morris Eight body shell, it was not until after the Second World War ended that production of this attractive saloon car began. The all new chassis was solid and robust and went on to form the basis of many future MG sports cars. The car had a detuned version of the splendid MG 1250 cc XPAG engine and a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on second third and fourth gears.
More than 6000 of these cars were produced from 1947 to 1951 when the improved YB model was introduced. This later model has smaller wheels and a front antiroll bar. Larger heavy duty shock absorbers and upgraded brakes were also fitted which together gave the car both better handling and stopping power. It also benefitted from a hypoid rear axle. Just 1301 examples were built before production ended in 1953. This beautiful older restored example was supplied by us last year to a long term regular customer, an MG enthusiast up in Cumbria. Our workshop at Malton Coachworks fully serviced, re-commissioned the brakes as required and prepared the MG prior to delivery to Cumbria and the recent owner has found the car faultless on the road. The YB has been used for local, fine day classic car motoring and having enjoyed the car for over twelve months, our customer has decided to have a change and purchased an MGB from us.
Prior to selling the car for the first time last year, it had come to us from a local owner now well into his ninth decade who restored the car over a long period from what was essentially a pile of parts and a rolling body shell. Photos in the history file show the MG being stripped right down to the frame and beautifully restored. Much of the work was done by the owner himself, although paint work and the beautiful leather retrim were outsourced to specialists in those fields. The trim work was carried out by a very good local company who we used before we opened our own trim shop and very few MG saloons in this price range have had a re-trim to this standard. Today's cost of a complete retrim in leather with new headlining door cards and carpets would run well into five figures. Three decades on from this comprehensive restoration, the MG has a wonderful patina, which could not be reproduced in a new restoration. It is a charming car with a delightful interior. Its performance on the road is sprightly with very positive steering and good brakes. YBs are hard to find in any event, but a restored example of this quality and at this price is a rare find.
