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1936 MG TA

1936 MG TA 1936 MG TA 1936 MG TA Sold for $30,250 at 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions.
The first MG T-Series sports car, the TA, was introduced in 1936. Its design would establish the look of the typical British sports car for years to come. It had a tall, square radiator, wire wheels, cut-down doors, folding windscreen and rear-mounted slab fuel tank and spare tire.

In comparison to the previous PB, the two-seat TA was lower and wider, and it was more spacious and had a more comfortable cockpit. The engine was a new 1,292cc engine with modern pushrod-actuated overhead valves and could easily reach speeds approaching 80 miles per hour.

This right-hand drive example has been meticulously restored and maintained within a private collector for many years until 2010, when it was purchased and refreshened by the new owner. Cosmetic work included a new burled walnut dash, steering wheel and gauges, as well as a complete, concours-level detailing.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at RM Auction's Arizona sale where it was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $45,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $30,250, inclusive of buyer's premium.


By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2011
The MG TA Midget appeared in the spring of 1936 as a replacement for the MG PB. It featured many components borrowed from Morris. Channel sections replaced the tubular cross-members making the vehicles ride more comfortable. The suspension was provided by leaf springs and beam-axle in the front and rear. The brakes were hydraulically operated drums, a first for MG. The body shell was assembled around the MG traditional way of using a wooden frame. All this added up to a total weight of 1,765 pounds.
A 1292 cc, overhead-valve, pushrod, four-cylinder engine was placed in the front and powered the rear wheels. Outfitted with dual horizontal SU carburetors, the engine produced 50 horsepower. The four-speed manual gearbox was synchromesh, another first for MG.

When first introduced, the two-seater vehicle could be purchased in an open and closed configuration. Later, the open coupe, referred to as an Airline Coupe, was replaced with a Drophead style. The Drophead used a soft-top that could open and close depending on the driver and the weather conditions.

In 1939 World War II was beginning. MG was introducing its latest vehicle, the TB Midget. It was basically the same as the TA but was equipped with a larger, 1250cc, engine. The four-cylinder over-head valve, XPAG power plant was borrowed from the new Morris 10. It produced 45 horsepower and was much more reliable than its predecessor. When the war began, production ceased. MG shifted its focus to creating equipment for military purposes.

At the end of the War, MG introduced the TC Midget. This was essentially a TB with very few modifications. The chassis was modified with rubber bush shackles in place of the sliding trunnion spring mountings. The transmission was the single-plate dry clutch and four-speed synchromesh unit. The engine was the XPAG 1250 cc pushrod engine. It was essential a TB offered in one body style, an open two-seater.

Even though the TC was a rebirth of an old model and used outdated mechanical equipment but with a modern interior, the TC Midget was very successful. During its four-year production run, lasting from 1945 through 1949, more than 10,000 TC's were created.

In 1949, the TC was replaced by the TD Midget. It visually appeared like the previous Midgets but was very different in mechanical ways. With a new chassis, it was sturdier and provided a comfortable ride. An independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs were placed in the front. The vehicle was left-hand drive. The engine and transmission were identical to the TC. To comply with newly developed safety concerns and regulations, bumpers were placed on the front and in the rear.

A Mark II version used a more powerful version of the XPAG engine. With larger carburetors and higher compression ratio, the vehicle produced 57 horsepower. The suspension was modified and the interior received bucket seats.

During its four-year production run, the TD experienced even more success than its predecessor. Just like the TC, many of the TD Midgets were exported to the United States.

In 1953, the TD was updated and dubbed the TF. It was given a 1466 cc engine. Production continued through 1955 when it was replaced by the MGA.

Prior to World War I, the future of the company was unknown. Thanks to the success of the TA, the road was paved for MG to continue its prosperous status after the War. The models that followed brought modifications both visually and mechanically. The T-Series, lasting from 1936 through 1955, was a simple and reliable two-seater sports car that was fun to drive.


By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006

1936 MG TA Vehicle Profiles

1936 MG TA vehicle information
Roadster

Chassis #: TA0412

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Performance and Specification Comparison

TA

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
94.00 in.
4 cyl., 78.84 CID., 52.00hp
94.00 in.
4 cyl., 78.84 CID., 50.00hp
94.00 in.
4 cyl., 78.84 CID., 50.00hp
94.00 in.
4 cyl., 78.84 CID., 50.00hp

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