1934 MG PB Airline Coupe

Sold for $148,500 at 2008 Automobiles of Amelia Island, RM Auctions.
A total of 51 Airline Coupes were built with only 14 being PB models created between 1934 and 1936. Most were given coachwork by Carbodies, with a few being tasked to Whittingham & Mitchell.

The current owner of this car purchased it in poor condition in England in 1982. Two years later, a complete restoration was undertaken that lasted nearly five years. When finished it was painted in two-tone blue. The interior is the correct shade of blue leather and there are sliding side windows and an opening windshield.

It was brought to the 2008 Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $85,000 - $125,000. A high bid of $148,500 including buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008

The MG Model P was produced from 1934 though 1936, during that time 2499 examples were produced. It was built as a replacement for the Model J. Using the same 847 cc engine but with a new 3 bearing crank it was more refined that its Midget predecessor. It continued the basic look defined by the J type. It had a fold-flat windscreen and a wheel strapped to the back of the car. The fuel tank was also located in the rear.

There were two series of the Model P, the PA and PB. The PA was produced from 1934 through 1935 with a total of 2000 examples being produced. The MG PB was produced from 1935 through 1936 with 526 examples produced. The PA was powered by a 847 cc four-cylinder engine similar to the one used in the Model J-Type. The PB had a 939 cc unit which raised horsepower to 43 horsepower. The other main difference between the Model PA and Model PB was the radiator grille. The PA had a honeycomb design while the PB had vertical slats.

Airline Coupe
The Airline Coupes were one of the more attractive and aerodynamic creations by MG on the PA/PB platform. There were around 51 examples created with a little over half being built atop of the PA chassis. Fifteen were mounted on PB chassis. The others were either rebodied or built on the NA/NB chassis and fitted with the larger six-cylinder engine.

The Airline Coupes used a few design cues from its PA siblings such as the front fenders, front cowl, and the radiator. From there it made its departure utilizing a wider stance, a sloped rear end and even featuring a sliding roof.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008