1936 MG TA

This fine-looking TA hails from 1936, the first production year of this well received model. The TA chassis number sequence starts at 0253 with this car’s number being 0284 and, thus, making it the 31st example to leave the famous Abington-on-Thames MG works in mid-1936. Being such an early model, this TA features the B269 body style with the narrow rear wings much sought-after by MG aficionados.  

Little is known of the TA’s early life and early owners although a few more than the two noted by DVLA are thought to exist. The MG Octogan Car Club knew of one keeper who owner the car between 1967 and 2003 and another who was the editor of the club’s member magazine, boding rather well for the car’s condition and provenance. Current owner, Steve, acquired the TA in September 2022 and has kept the MG in regular use.

This TA features the 1292cc MPJG engine which was thoroughly rebuilt in 2006 at a cost of over £1,400. A later T gearbox has been fitted at some point featuring a synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears. As such owner Steve confirms the TA “starts and runs very nicely, loads of power from the MPJG and drives beautifully.” A great recommendation for the next lucky owner.
 

Despite looking very similar to its predecessor, the PB, the TA’s extra 7-inch length did much to balance the look of the car in a positive direction. With such a long and prominent bonnet, the PB’s sharply cut off rear looked a little severe and those extra inches in the TA’s chassis did much to improve the aesthetics. Despite this enlarged footprint the TA remains charmingly diminutive by today’s standards reminding us of how little real estate is actually needed to propel two humans at speeds approaching 80 mph.

This example presents in a gleaming black livery. The shade suits the car’s well-crafted lines perfectly and seems to add to the TA’s status as a more grown up and useable sports car. The condition of paint and bodywork appears excellent throughout and that dark livery is lifted by generous flashes of brightwork. This includes radiator shell, headlamp bowls, windscreen surround, wing mirrors and the like. The front aspect of the MG is dominated by those dinner-plate sized headlamps which sit either side of the tall, vertically slatted radiator. The rear profile of the car is dominated by the body-coloured, externally mounted petrol tank and accompanying spare wire wheel and unused looking tyre. 

The black, vinyl hood appears tightly fitting and in excellent condition. The rear acetate window is clear and free from obscuring folds or crack. Matching side screens affix to the door tops to complete the full complement of weather protection precautions. A half tonneau is also provided.

The TA rides on a set of cross spoked wire wheels that are finished in a silver-grey hue. Their condition appears excellent throughout and are dressed in a set of chromed MG twin-eared spinners complete with enamelled octagons. A matching set of 450 x 19” Classic Roadmaster tyres are fitted and date from 2022. 
 

The TA’s cabin looks every inch the equal of the exterior, being finished in a period-feel ecru hue. The rear-hinged doors open widely to allow access to the full-width bench seat The back of this is formed of a single piece which is stitched into vertical box pleats. This works in conjunction with two sperate seat squabs placed either side of the transmission tunnel to provide commodious seating for two. The door cards on the rear hinged doors are finished in a matching leather and include a pair of generous map pockets. Carpeting is finished in black and appears in a fine condition, too. 

The “moustache” shaped dashboard fascia is finished in a wood veneer. A family of British Jaeger gauges populate the panel. The big, convex lenses tachometer sits directly ahead of the driver with a matching speedometer placed ahead of the passenger. Auxiliary gauges monitoring oil pressure, amps and water temperature are also present. It is noted that the gauges were professionally refurbished in 2004.  A four spoke, leather rimmed steering wheel is fitted which incorporates an original looking boss with MG embossing. 

Charming period details include a folding windscreen, a single windscreen wiper motor operating a cantilever arrangement for both wipers and a period style brass fire extinguisher mounted to the transmission tunnel. The condition of the interior and its faithful originality should be much admired. 
 

This early TA features the MPJG engine inherited from the Wolseley 10. This is an inline four cylinder unit in an OHV configuration with a capacity of 1292cc. In this configuration twin 1 ¼ inch SU carburettors are fitted. This set up produced an originally quoted 50 – 54 bhp and is mated to a four speed manual transmission from a later T with 3rd and 4th gear synchromeshes. The engine underwent a significant rebuild in 2006 at the hands of London based specialists. New twin 12v batteries were fitted in 2023 and an upgraded 15A Dynamo with electronic regulator helps ensure reliable charging. The brakes were reportedly recently overhauled, too. 

The under-bonnet presentation of the TA appears excellent. Lifting the panels of the gull-winged bonnet reveals a deeply polished cam cover atop a red painted block. There are numerous areas of charming detail in here, too. These include the brass data plates, a pair of wooden lidded tool chests, a fuel line sight glass and numerous embossed and debossed octagons. The underside of the car looks impressively fresh and clean and in keeping with an empathetic and diligent ownership roster.
 

The current V5 registration document is present in the name of the owner. The MG’s Historic Vehicle status designates it as MoT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty in the UK. An original “Instruction Manual” is present, as is a more contemporary workshop manual.

A small number of accompanying invoices are present including those for the aforementioned engine rebuild, instrumentation restoration and new tyres from 2022.
 

The MG TA was undoubtably an origin-of-the-species car that moved MG from a niche enthusiasts’ marque into one with a broader and, subsequently, worldwide appeal. Later iterations of the T-type would go on to emphatically conquer the critical North American market and cement MG’s place as one of the world’s best known of sports car makers. And it all started with the TA.

This example represents an enticing ownership prospect without doubt. It has clearly been lovingly and diligently kept and cared for. It is hard to find fault with it. A number of subtle improvements have been made to improve modern day enjoyment without impressive originality suffering in anyway. If you are in the market for a watershed classic British 1930’s sports car to use and enjoy you will be hard pressed to do better.   

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £17,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Brant Broughton, Lincolnshire. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.