1934 MG PA/B Roadster

To promote the new P-Series, which had been introduced in 1934, MG built three identical works cars to contest the 1935 Le Mans 24 Hours race. The drivers were a team of women managed by Captain George Eyston, who had raced at Le Mans himself in 1928 and 1929. He also set the world land speed record three times in 1937-1938. The women were accomplished race car drivers as well, including club racing, rallies, hill-climb, and Brooklands history.

The six women drivers were dubbed by the press as 'Eyston's Dancing Daughters.' The three cars were PA #1661 (race number 55) driven by Doreen Evans and Barbara Skinner, PA #1667 (race number 57) driven by Margaret Allan and Colleen Eaton and PA #1711 (race number 56) driven by Joan Richmond and Barbara Simpson.

Each example took approximately 205 hours to complete. They were given cycle-type aluminum fenders, aluminum louvered hoods, an aero screen for the driver, luggage space modified for spare tyres, special door locks, quick filler caps, racing wheels, radiator and headlights fitted with stone guards, double fuel pumps, Q-Type brakes all round and J-Type gearbox ratios. Modifications to the engine included a lightened flywheel, Q-Type racing springs and valves, and polished heads. An air scoop was added to cool the sump.

The three cars performed magnificently as Le Mans, with only one light bulb being changed on the number 55 car. Drama occurred with officials about whether one car had been refueled before the required time, which would have meant disqualification. With the matter resolved, the car finished 24th, 25th, and 26th. This particular example, the number 56 car, finished in first place among the team.

The team's accomplishment at LeMans made them eligible for the Biennial Cup the following year. However, Lord Nuffield soon closed the MG racing department and the strikes in France forced the cancellation of the 1936 Le Mans.

Collier later purchased PA #1667. The location of PA #1661 is not known. This example, PA #1711, became a works hill climb race car, fitted with Marshall superchargers by the factory.

A past owner purchased it from Sir Frederick Royston in 1981, and it was completely restored in 1995.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019

This car is one of three MG PA Midgets to be prepared for the LeMans 24 Hours in 1934. Powered by a 934-cc four-cylinder supercharged engine with overhead camshaft, this car was driven by an all-female team of drivers, and finished first out of the three cars on the factory team. It is the only surviving example in the LeMans configuration.

This car was 1 of 3 PA/B MG's entered by the factory in the 1935 Le Mans 24 hour race. They were all driven by a team of six woman drivers. This particular car #56 finished first in class with the other 2 cars finishing 2nd and 3rd.

The engine is 497 cc, 4-cylinder with single overhead camshaft and 2 side draft SU carburetors, developing 56 horsepower.

Car #56 serial # 1711, is the only surviving car in Le Mans configuration.

The current owner acquired the car from Sir Fredrick Royston and had a total restoration completed in 1995.