1933 MG J2

The two-seater J2 was introduced for 1933 and derived from the first Midget - the M-Type. The J2 would establish the classic MG appearance that would characterize the Abingdon marque's sports cars into the 1950s.

Sports cars are often impractical and expensive, but General Manager of Oxford-based Morris Garages, Cecil Kimber brought them within the financial reach of many individuals, beginning with the first 'M' Type. It first appeared at the 1928 London Motor Show and was based on modified Morris Minor running gear and used the latter's 847cc single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine, but with two-seater coachwork. Manufactured by Carbodies of Coventry, they had a boat tail rear end and a small, lightweight footprint with a narrow width.

The MG J2 that followed the 'M' Type continued the sporty persona, affordable price tag (under £200), and outstanding value. The race-bred pedigree and sporty appearance made the J2 very popular in period with 2,083 examples built. The attractive styling included a fold-flat windscreen, fixed cycle-type mudguards, and deeply cutaway doors. The Midget's 847cc, overhead-camshaft, Wolseley-derived engine was coupled to a four-speed gearbox and housed in a simple D-Type chassis frame (with an 86-inch wheelbase) with half-elliptic springing all round and solid front and rear axles. Braking was handled by four-wheel cable-operated drums.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2020