Fantasy Junction

Description

1938 MG TA
s/n 1671
Industrial Grey with Red Interior

The MG TA replaced the MG PB in 1936. It was an evolution of the previous car, but slightly wider and longer with a wheel base of 94 inches. An overhead valve 1292cc engine was fitted with twin SU, producing about 50 horsepower at 4500 rpm. The four speed gearbox was now fitted with synchromesh on the two top ratios. It was capable of reaching nearly 80 mph (130 km/h) in standard tune with a 0-60 mph time of just 23.1 seconds. Another notable advancement between the PB and the TA was the fitment hydraulic brakes to increase stopping power given the increased top speed.

This particular car is a restored, show winning example which has been driven to and from its most recent venue where won “Best of Show” after having crested 9,000ft several times en route to the event! As such, it is a fully sorted car and a joy to drive.

This MG left the factory on July 7, 1937, and was sold in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in January of 1938. The owner has the original FZ Belfast license plate, and a copy of the log book required of all British cars which passes on from owner to owner which indicates that the car was moved to England, probably during World War II. There is some evidence that it was in the London area but was moved to the Nottingham area sometime in the 1950s. There it was owned by a Mr. Thomas, then a Mr. Marrows. Eventually, it was acquired by Roland Duce, a classic car dealer in Leicestershire, England. It was purchased and brought to the U.S. by Gary Irish of Kansas City in 1975. Mr. Irish sold it on to a Mr. Robert Griffey, also of Kansas City. In 1979 it was purchased by Jim Neighbors of Dublin, California, who sold it to the current owner in 1981. Sometime early in the cars history- probably in the 1940s- the engine was changed to the much-more reliable XPAG engine as would have been fitted to a TB/TC starting in 1939.

The current owner has restored the car twice during his 30 year ownership period. The most recent restoration was completed two and a half years ago. Restoration work performed includes an engine rebuild, replacement of the body wood, fitment of a new tonneau and, side curtains, and top, installation of a new upholstery kit, fitment of new tires and tubes, rebuilding of the wiper motors and the installation of a new Lucas electrical box. The wheels have been restored by the Octagon Motor Group, the radiator re-cored, ring and pinion replaced, steering box rebuilt, and chrome refinished. Of course, the car was completely repainted, wood varnished, and fully detailed above and below. The investment in the restoration process totals almost $33,000 USD.

Cosmetically, the car is representative of a fully restored unit that has seen careful use since completion. It is absolutely as nice as you could expect a car of this value to be. Interested parties should note a number of unique items that set this MG TA apart from others. The wire wheels are the correct outside lace units, the double spare mounting was available in 1937 and was hand machined by an MG expert in Canada, and the Brooklands windscreens are the much rarer curved type that fit the humps on the cowl.

The engine, transmission, and differential are all in good order and very strong. The differential has had new ring-and-pinion gears installed, and the transmission is quite smooth for its type. All of the instruments work properly and are original to the car.

As a mechanically sorted, “Best of Show” winning car, this MG TA must be among the very best examples and should appeal to the discerning collector who appreciates a high quality restoration and known ownership from new.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608