1937 MG TA

This fine-looking TA was first registered in Northern Ireland in December 1937 and was thought to have left the Abingdon factory in a grey livery. A second keeper followed who appears to have resided in the Greater London area, certainly during the 1960’s at least. By 2003 the MG had moved on to its third custodian and was now sporting an Old English White livery.

Clearly ripe for a little improvement at this stage, the third keeper embarked on what can only be described as a labour of love to bring the diminutive MG back up to a near factory condition. This fastidious process unfolded over the subsequent seven years, and it is clear that every facet of the TA received the attention it deserved. This third keeper helpfully kept a detailed record, both written and photographic, of every stage of the restoration process which lends some fascinating and valuable provenance to this TA.

In 2010 the fourth previous owner acquired the TA, now in its new and eye-catching Saxe Blue hue. Current owner, Rod, acquired the MG TA in 2013 and has lovingly and carefully curated this remarkable pre-war sports car ever since. This care and attention has extended to the MG enjoying a controlled environment within an air shroud in Rod’s garage.
 

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 transport two humans at speeds approaching 80 mph.

This example presents in sophisticated Saxe Blue courtesy of keeper number three’s restoration project in the early 2000’s. 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 car has clearly been sympathetically used and enjoyed since, then, as the condition of paint and bodywork appears excellent throughout. Judging by the odometer progression in the last 14 years it seems like the MG has covered less than 2,000 or so miles since the completion of its restoration.

The deep blue livery is further complemented by the gleaming brightwork in evidence around the car. 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 and their mesh stone guards. These 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 tyre. 

The black, fabric hood appears tightly fitting and in excellent condition. The rear acetate windows are 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 full-length 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 A set of new looking, period-appropriate radial tyres are fitted.
 

The TA’s cabin looks every inch the equal of the exterior, being finished in a period-feel air force blue 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 substrate and include a pair of generous map pockets. Carpeting is finished in a darker blue 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 (what could possibly go wrong?). Auxiliary gauges monitoring oil pressure, amps and water temperature are also present. A “banjo” style four spoke Bluemel’s Brooklands steering wheel is fitted which incorporates a polished 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 portrait orientated, convex lensed wing mirror. The condition of the interior and its faithful originality should be much admired. 
 

Accompanying documentation and this car’s registered engine number (rather than the original one stamped into the engine bay data plate) reveals that this TA at some point acquired an engine from the later MG TB. This should be considered as a very good thing. The TA’s MPJG engine from the Wolseley Ten was considered a bit of a weak link and was always viewed as a developmental cul de sac by MG. The XPAG 1250cc unit fitted here, however, would go on to power a range of MG cars for the next 15 years or so. Proving a much more tuneable unit, the factory specification claimed a 54bhp output at 5,200 rpm.

We know from the thorough restoration records that some significant engine work was undertaken in 2004 and further supported by the photographic record. This included the fitment of new pistons, main bearings and big ends, a re-core and re-face of the block and regrind of the crank shaft. Unleaded valve seats were also fitted at this stage. This work is thought to have been undertaken just a few thousand miles ago.

The under-bonnet presentation of the TA is excellent, of course. 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, the spare spark plug receptacle, a pair of wooden lidded and fully stocked tool chests. The underside of the car looks pleasingly fresh and clean and in keeping with a full restoration just a few thousand miles ago. 
 

There is plenty to get your teeth into here. The current V5 registration document is present. The MG’s Historic Vehicle status designates it as MoT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty in the UK. A certified copy of the original “logbook” is also on hand. 

The remainder of the archive includes the highlights of the carefully and diligently logged restoration covering the period between 2004 and 2010. Not only is there a very comprehensive photographic record (also helpfully date stamped) but also supporting documentation accounting for parts acquired and work undertaken across 6 years. Other later invoices are also included and make for interesting reading.
 

The MG TA was a foretaste of what was to come with the T-type MG’s that would ultimately prevail well into the 1950’s. An origin of the species car that moved MG from a niche enthusiasts’ marque ultimately into one with a broader and worldwide appeal. Later iterations of the TA would go on to emphatically conquer the critical North American market and cement MG’s place as possibly the best known of sports car makers. And it all started here.

This example represents an exciting ownership prospect without doubt. It has clearly been beautifully and lovingly restored over six years and subsequently diligent kept and cared for. It is hard to find fault with it. The main weakness of the TA, it’s stop-gap engine, has been replaced with the much more admired XPAG unit from the TB. Surely this combination is a winning one and one that may prove hard to better.  

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £20,000 - £30,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. To arrange an appointment to view this vehicle please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.