1936 MG SA Tourer

Luxury was the keynote of the design for this 1 and 1/2 ton, 16-foot long MG. With an engine capacity nearly twice that of earlier MGs, (2288cc and 75 horsepower) it was easily capable of a cruising speed of 60 mph. This was a tall engine so to allow the bonnet to be as low as possible the twin SU carburetors had their dashpots mounted horizontally. The driveline included a four-speed transmission with synchromesh on the top two gears. Wire wheels were fitted to hydraulic drum brakes, and a built-in jacking system was fitted to the chassis.

The saloon body was the only option available at the time of the cars launch. The open Tourer body was built by Charlesworth in relatively small numbers. 2,739 were made with 350 of those going to Germany. Now only 5 are known to remain.

Chassis number SA0432, a Charlesworth Tourer, was sold new through MG's University Motors in Britain. The car was registered at the Middlesex County Council Registrations department and given registration number MG 4856. Powering the car was a 2288cc six-cylinder overhead valve engine developing 75 horsepower. Later in the cars life, it was given a restoration and at that time, the engine was rebuilt.

The original color is not known. Currently, it is painted inn pearl white with a painted tan beltline that matches the cloth convertible top and boot. The interior panels and seats are re-upholstered in soft tan leather. There are tan wool carpets, chrome accents and walnut fittings.

It is believed that only five examples of the SA model fitted with Charlesworth coachwork still in existence, and just seventeen Charlesworth coachbuilt SAs in total.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the RM Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $90,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $88,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012