1937 MG VA Charlesworth Open Tourer

The MG VA made its appearance in 1936 and was the second all-new MG introduced after the company's acquisition by Morris Motors (the first was the SA). The SA was designed as a luxury car and based on the Wolseley Super Six. The VA shared the 1548cc four-cylinder overhead valve engine with the Morris 12/4 and Wolseley 12/48. It was given twin SU carburetors and developed over 50 horsepower, giving the VA a top speed of over 75 mph. The gearbox had synchromesh on 3rd and top gears, the first for an MG saloon. Body styles included a Charlesworth open tourer and a Tickford-bodied drophead coupe.

This particular MG VA Charlesworth Tourer was purchased in England and brought to the Boston area in 1938. The current owner's father purchased the car in 1939. Since then, the car has resided in Brookline, MA, Brookfield, MA, and Newport, RI before being brought to Cape Code where it has spent most of its life.

After a half-century of use, the car was treated to a restoration. The car was re-sprayed in its original black and the interior was re-trimmed in the correct green hides.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2015