Fantasy Junction

Description

1939 MG TB Tickford 3-Position Drophead
s/n TB0335, engine no. XPAG576
British Racing Green with Tan Leather Interior

The MG T-series, particularly the prewar TA and TB variants, is in many ways responsible for initiating the American love affair with the sports car. American servicemen stationed in the United Kingdom during the Second World War saw, drove, and eventually owned these nimble and entertaining little cars, showing an entire generation that there was more to motoring than brute force. With this enlightened point of view, Americans returning from overseas brought their appreciation of small foreign sports cars with them, and cars like MGs and Triumphs found an audience here during the booming postwar years. As buyers became wealthier, they found their way to more expensive foreign sports cars, and so the success of those cars in the United States is in large part built upon the MG T-series cars.

Technically, they were not extraordinarily complex or sophisticated, but they were easy to work on, inexpensive to buy, and above all, fun. The cars employed a robust four cylinder engine with 4-speed manual gearbox and hydraulic brakes, usually clothed in sporting open bodywork. On prewar cars, the TA and TB, an optional 3-position Tickford body built by Salmons and Sons could be fitted, although this bodywork proved to be quite rare. Estimates of the total number constructed vary, but between 37 and 57 TBs were so equipped. In addition to the 3-positioned lined top, the Tickfords also had roll up windows, landau bars, and walnut interior trim. Although approximately 10,000 TCs were built after the war, and about 3000 TAs built, just 379 TBs of all types were built, making the TB Tickford an extremely rare find indeed.

According to a copy of its VE60 registration book, this particular example was first registered on the 10th of July 1939 in the United Kingdom, where it remained until 1978, when it was purchased from Octagon Sports Cars, an MG specialist in Kent, England. The purchaser lived in a town called Castro Valley, near San Francisco, California, and the car was a very original and correct example retaining its original body and engine. He set about restoring the car, a process that was well underway when he died in 1982. The current owner, a resident of Saratoga, California, purchased the car from his estate in late 1982, and spent the next ten years collecting parts and doing research in anticipation of completing the restoration.

That owner is a very knowledgeable enthusiast and long-time Pebble Beach entrant and judge, set about completing a restoration that was as authentic as possible. He selected a correct color combination of dark green with green top and tan leather interior, and also sourced numerous period accessories, including a period Marshall Nordec supercharger. To complement the significant power increase, he changed the rear axle ratio to a taller ratio to make cruising at speed easier. The car has a number of other period MG Approved Extra Equipment accessories including spare bulb carrier, dipping headlamps, inspection lamp, fire extinguisher, master battery switch, water temperature gauge, boost gauge, trafficators, spark plug carrier, polished valve cover, interior rear view mirror, and Bluemels-Brooklands steering wheel. Upon the completion of the restoration, the car was shown at Pebble Beach, where it placed third in class against more prestigious cars in the same class from Delage and Delahaye.

The car has been driven about 3000 miles since the restoration was completed and remains extremely fresh. The paintwork was of course done to very high standards and remains virtually unmarked, with a few small stress cracks but no other significant flaws. The chrome remains in equally nice condition. The glass and lights are also excellent, as is the top.

The interior is similarly fresh, with some mellowing to the leather but superb overall presentation. The dashboard wood and instruments remain in as-restored condition, and the upholstery and carpet workmanship is first rate. The carpets show very minor soiling that could be easily rectified.

The engine compartment and undercarriage are also in superb and highly detailed condition. The finishes are correct throughout, from the red engine block to the cloth wiring harness insulation. The tool kit is present and complete and the overall appearance is of a carefully preserved high quality restoration to show standards.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an extremely rare and desirable prewar MG. Few TBs were built and fewer still feature Tickford bodywork, of which perhaps 30 examples survive. This example retains its original bodywork and XPAG engine, and has a host of desirable period accessories including supercharger, which enhances the driving experience considerably. Coupled with the taller rear end ratio, the supercharger makes the car more usable in modern traffic than other T-series cars. Lastly, it has seen a restoration to the highest possible standards and enjoys long term California ownership in the hands of two owners. As a result of these features, it would be difficult to imagine a finer example. The car is complete with workshop manual, reprinted instruction manual, and extensive documentation dating back to the car’s 1978 importation from the United Kingdom.

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