1938 MG SA Tickford Drophead Coupe

The MG Company (Morris Garages) was founded in the 1920s and primarily produced two seat sports cars. While these were used in racing, a larger series of cars was introduced to compete in British road rallies. The road rallies typically ended with a Concours d'Elegance which Tickfords won often.

The SA Tickford was the largest MG ever built. Tickford was the company that produced the folding top which could be used in three different positions: closed, coupe DeVille, and fully open. Power came from a 2,322cc, 80 horsepower, 6-cylinder engine with dual carburetors and provided a top speed of 85 mph. The Tickford featured hydraulic jacks at each wheel allowing the car to be elevated from the ground from any position.

Options on this car include seven valve (tube) radio, a lighted rear number plate and an original rear bumper. This is one of 93 MG SA Tickfords that survive.

The MG SA was powered by a 2322cc overhead-valve six-cylinder engine breathing through dual SU carburetors and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes could be found at all four corners. Top speed exceeded 80 mph.

MG introduced its SA model in 1936. MG usually supplied chassis to English coachbuilders, but ten examples were shipped to J.H. Keller's Sportcar AG of Zurich. Though often referred to as bodies by Keller, the importer actually subcontracted the work to Reinbolt and Christe of Basel. These bodies had both French and German cues. Only one such original car is known to have survived.

This MG SA left the factory as a standard four-door saloon, sold through University Motors. The car was rebuilt in 1987 as a Keller by Peter Ratcliffe and registered as BYS 997.

The car features tan leather upholstery with matching wool carpets and wood trim. The engine has been completely rebuilt and fully detailed. The chassis was fully restored and refinished. There are dual horns, and Lucas lamps.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $90,000 - $120,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $84,700 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010