Description
This car was fully restored in 1984 and driven for several years until it was parked in '92. Last year, it was pulled out of the garage and run through the shop to clean out the fuel system, tune it up, and polish it up. It is unmistakably old school British in part because of its diminutive size but also because of its long piano hinged hood, upright chrome radiator, separate headlights, and swooping fenders covering tall tires mounted on center spin wire wheels.
Open that little drivers door, which charmingly hinges at the back making it easier to get in, and slide yourself into the cockpit. Once settled in, you will find yourself sitting close to the ground with plenty of room to stretch out your legs with the shifter at your left hand. The seats are covered in black leather and the black steering wheel has a classic look with its four spoke wire hub and MG center button. The dashboard is beautifully finished wood that curves gracefully across the car. The Tachometer is in front of the driver with the speedo, courteously labeled in MPH, off on the left side of the dash. An aluminum center panel is wonderfully original with the ignition switch and the "dipper" (blinker) switches in the center flanked by an oil pressure guage on the right, an amp meter on the left, and a row of controls along the bottom.
Open that piano hinged bonnet and you will find a 1250 CC (76 cubic inch) 4-cylinder engine. It is a simple design and most everything is easy to get to. There is an aluminum valve cover with black thumb wheels holding it down to facilitate easy removal, because these engines do require regular valve adjustments. The TCs have a 12-volt electrical system and are charged by a generator. Power is sent back through a 4-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. The suspension is leaf spring both front and rear and center spin wire wheels hold 450X19 tires with the spare mounted to the back of the gas tank. The cars handling is fun largely because it sits so low to the ground and because it is so light.
Unique, fun, historically significant. Grab your driving hat and come on down. You might decide to take it home, and then out for drive in the country for a picnic on a blanket.
The engine was stripped and totally rebuilt under my supervision by Park Engineering Malton. I have the details including the reciept for nearly £2000 for this work. The valves were also upgraded to lead free.
The pic with the hood up depicts the colour most accurately. MG Flame.
MORE PHOTOS SHORTLY. I bought this car from a seller in las Vegas and after having it independently inspected imported the little MG back into the UK. The pre war design attracted me to this particular model.
The paintwork is immaculate, and I had the wheels refurbished lasy year. As I say, engine as new with only 1500 miles put on, new clutch kit. New stainless steel sports exhaust.
