Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1936 MG SA Tickford Drophead Coupe
Single family ownership from new
Registration No: DJO 309
Chassis No: SA-1175
MOT: Exempt
Rare Drophead Coupe model with coachwork by Salmons Tickford
In the ownership of just two individuals from new
Treated to several previous restoration works
One of just 2, 738 examples of the SA manufactured (across all three variants)
As a result of MG's sale to Morris Motors in 1935, rationalisation was the company's priority during 1935, and all new models shared as many parts as possible with other members of the burgeoning Nuffield Organisation. Launched at the 1935 Motor Show, the SA represented a new departure for MG. The first all-new model to be introduced since the company's acquisition by Morris Motors, it was considerably larger than any previous MG and caused a certain amount of consternation amongst enthusiasts who feared an abandonment of the virtues embodied by the marque's nimble sports cars. They need not have worried, for although based on the Wolseley Super Six and aimed at the luxury car market, the SA received sufficient input from MG founder and designer Cecil Kimber to transform it into a car worthy of the famous octagon badge.
Originally of 2026cc, the overhead-valve Wolseley Six had been enlarged to 2, 288cc by the time SA production commenced and was further stretched to 2322cc in 1937. With 75bhp propelling a car weighing around 1½ tons, acceleration was necessarily leisurely; nevertheless, the SA could cruise comfortably at 60-70mph and had a genuine top speed approaching 85mph. Only available as a four-door Saloon at launch, it was subsequently offered as a Tickford-bodied Drophead Coupé and Charlesworth-bodied Open Tourer. By the time production ceased in 1939, 2, 738 SAs of all types had left the factory.
Chassis ‘SA-1175’ was supplied to Salmons Tickford for clothing in Tickford Drophead Coupé coachwork, and was thereafter first registered on the 21st December 1936, being supplied new to a J. S Adams Esq for some £226. Finished in the attractive colour combination of Blue paintwork with a complementing Dark Blue leather interior upholstery and a hood trimmed in Beige, the SA is complete with notable features including trafficators (with additional flashing indicators for safety) and a rear-mounted spare wheel. Being retained in the first ownership for some thirty-six years before being bequeathed to the first owner’s nephew (the vendor) in 1972. Therefore, a single-family ownership and just a two-owner example from new, while in the vendor’s ownership, ‘DJO 309’ has received restoration work with Tattenham Corner Motors (in 1984) and TC Restorations (in 1991).
Used regularly by the vendor throughout his ownership, until sadly his health deteriorated in 2022, the MG is now on offer having been off the road for a couple of years and will therefore require a degree of recommissioning before pressing into road use, although the vendor does inform us that the MG starts and drives. Rated by the vendor as having ‘good’ engine, bodywork, and paintwork and ‘average’ in regard to interior trim, gearbox, and electrical equipment, it is offered with a history file that contains the original sales invoice, invoices for maintenance, servicing, and restoration works, previous MOT certificates and a current V5C document.
