1935 MG PA

Cecil Kimber was the man behind MG. In the mid-1920s, as general manager of Morris Garage of Oxford, England, he began modifying Morris cars for a motoring clientele anxious for more than the staid and practical. His cars became the epitome of the stereotypical British sports car. Produced in 1934-35, the PA preceded the iconic T-Series of roadsters so well-known today. Its small 847cc 4-cylinder single overhead cam engine producing 36 horsepower in standard guise. Three factory-backed PAs managed by George Eyston, competed at the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1935. Known as the 'Dancing Daughters,' this pioneering all-female team finished the race in 23, 24, and 25th positions.

The MG PA played a crucial role in MG's range of vehicles, following the J-Type Midget and establishing the groundwork for the iconic T-Series. Following in the general lines of its predecessor, the PA came equipped with a more robust version of MG's inline four-cylinder engine, benefiting from a stronger, three-bearing crankshaft, better lubrication, twin OM-model SU carburetors, and a cross-flow cylinder head. It produced approximately 36 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and offered a top speed of around 74 mph. Zero to fifty mph was accomplished in a respectable 20 seconds. The 12-inch diameter brakes were an increase from the prior 8-inch units, and the transmission was stronger than the unit used in the previous J2.

Production began in 1934 and continued to 1936, and built in two- and four-seater variants, with the latter being the last Midget to offer sportscar motoring for the family. During its brief existence, approximately 1,973 examples of the PA were produced before being superseded by the relatively short-lived PB. It is believed that 27 examples were later converted to PB specification.

The chassis of the MG P-Type was used for the T-type but strengthened and lengthened, and its suspension comprised of rigid axles and half-elliptic springs. It had an 87.25-inch wheelbase, a length of 131 inches, a width of 52.5 inches, and a track of 42 inches. Initially, steering was done by a Marles Weller gear system, but later, it was done by a Bishop Cam system. Most of the P-types were open two-seaters, but a few were streamlined Airline coupés.

Airline Coupe
The concept of aerodynamics and its effect on the automobile gained popularity among the motoring community during the 1930s, with Figoni et Falaschi and Letourner et Marchand being some of the early pioneers. Their teardrop shapes and Aerosport designs were visually appealing and aerodynamically efficient, paving the way for many streamlined shapes that followed. H.W. Allingham was another early pioneer, creating a stunning swept-back design with the Airline Coupe for the MG chassis. Designed and marketed by Allingham, the airline was built by both Carbodies and Whittingham & Mitchel. In total, it is believed that a mere 51 were ever constructed, with 28 of those applied to the PA.

Styling elements of the Airline Coupe include a body that is draped over the outside of the chassis, resulting in a low profile. There are large doors, 'cathedral' style lighting panels on the sliding sunroof, full flowing fenders, and a spare tire neatly integrated into the swept back tail and residing under a metal cover.

MG PB
The MG PB was produced from 1935 to 1936, and 526 examples were produced. It was visually similar to the PA but distinguished by its vertically slatted radiator grille (the PA had a honeycomb design) and the design and material of the dashboard. Mechanically similar as well, the main difference being an enlarged engine bore from 57 to 60mm, resulting in a displacement increase to 939cc and output of 43 bhp.

The total production of the MG P-type was 2,499 units, which was nearly identical to the 2,494 examples built of the preceding J-Type (1932 to 1934), but fewer than the 3,003 examples of its predecessor, the TA Midget (1936 to 1939).