1932 MG J2

When the first MG Midget was introduced in 1929, it was the start of a continuous and recognizable range of MGs which would last until 1955. The Midgets were all built around the same basic design of a channel section chassis frame with semi-elliptic leaf springs and beam axle, an ash-framed, steel clad two door, two seater body and four cylinder engine. Their sporting and perpendicular styling was to be their hallmark and in the 1930s every young motoring enthusiast had desires to own an MG, such was their popularity. The evolutionary development of the M-Type included the short-lived D-Type of 1932, followed by the J1 and J2 models, both of which used the single overhead camshaft 847cc engine, finding wide acclaim as a practical sporting motor car.

The J2 Midget was available with either long sweeping wings or the more popular sporting cycle-type as fitted to the car on offer. They were a true driver's machine embodying the essential aspects of sports car design and included a fold-flat windscreen, external Le Mans-type slab gas tank, quick action filler cap and a remote gear change. The high-revving single overhead camshaft engine with cross flow cylinder head and twin SU carburetors produced 36bhp at 5500rpm. The car had a maximum speed of 83mph and lively acceleration, ensuring competition success of the model in the hands of many amateur drivers, particularly in the heyday of the Brooklands circuit.

The MG J2 offered here is a well-preserved example featuring a very sporty red exterior with burgundy cycle-wings. The interior is likewise in good condition as the roadster has been used very sparingly since its purchase by the current gentleman owner at Sotheby's Motorcycles and Bicycles sale on September 13, 1999 in Chicago, Illinois. The title indicates the prior owner at that time to be Mrs. Jana Wacker of the Wacker Family, after which several of the main streets in and around Chicago are named. Of course one instantly recalls Lower Wacker Drive as it was prominently featured in the epic car chase at the finale of the movie, 'The Blues Brothers'. While not involved in the crash sequence or capable of those speeds (or having anything to do with the movie at all), this MG J2 is a terrific little car which is well preserved and benefits from an older restoration that has by all accounts held its own. These are fun, sporting cars to drive and not terribly common on today's motoring scene.

Source - Christies