Description
1938 MG VA TOURER Registration no. GWE 454 Chassis no. VA 1514 Engine no. TPBGA21594
Launched at the 1936 Motor Show, the VA was the second all-new MG model to be introduced following the company's acquisition by Morris Motors and its subsequent reorganisation. It was a scaled-down version of the SA, first seen the previous year, which had caused a certain amount of consternation amongst enthusiasts who feared an abandonment of 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. Likewise the VA, or 11⁄2-Litre, which shared its 1, 548cc four-cylinder overhead valve engine with the Morris 12/ 4 and Wolseley 12/ 48. As installed in the VA, this unit featured twin SU carburettors and produced 54bhp, but as the car weighed over a ton, acceleration was necessarily leisurely. Nevertheless, the VA could cruise comfortably at 60mph and had a genuine top speed of over 75mph with more to come from the tourer with the windscreen folded flat. Synchromesh made its appearance on 3rd and top gears - the first time that this innovation had been seen in an MG saloon. A Tickford-bodied drophead coupé and Charlesworth-bodied open tourer completed the range. By the time production ceased in 1939, 2, 407 VAs of all types had left the factory.
This particular VA, chassis number '1514', was originally registered on 5th September 1939 to S Wilson & Son, Sheffield. In May 1995 the MG was purchased from Chequered Flag Motors in the USA and imported into the UK. When bought, it was very original and in driving order. A few years later, Chisbon Restorations of Beaumont, Essex commenced a restoration of the body, which was undertaken between January and August 2001. The restoration was finally completed in 2003 and the car registered for the road. The car was retrimmed in quality leather in 2006 and was part of a private collection until its purchase by the current owner in 2015. The car is in excellent condition, drives very well and comes with a comprehensive history file.
