1937 MG SA

The MG SA was introduced in 1935 and was the first all-new model introduced following the company's acquisition by Morris Motors. Compared to the previous models, the SA was considerably larger (a wheelbase size of 123 inches compared to the previous MG KN wheelbase size of 108 inches), as was its engine. While the larger footprint meant larger bodies, more seating, and consequently more luxury, it did create a certain amount of consternation amongst enthusiasts who feared the company was headed down a new path, abandoning the traditional virtues embodied by the marque's nimble legacy. The model, however, would prove capable of both duties; leaning towards the luxury car market while staying true to performance virtues worthy of the octagon badge.

The MG SA used many standardized parts from Wolseley and Morris cars, and its overall length (stretching to 193 inches) was longer than anything being produced by the parent company.

Mechanical Specification

The MA SA was based on the Wolseley Super Six and initially powered by its 2,026cc overhead valve six-cylinder Morris QPHG engine, although enlarged to 2,288cc and eventually to 2,322cc in 1937. Due to the large stature of the engine, the twin SU carburetors dashpots were mounted horizontally. The original Morris-based inline six-cylinder engine was rated at 67 brake horsepower, but with its growth to 2,322cc, output rose to 75 horsepower. Power was sent to the live rear axle via a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top two ratios. A few of the early examples did not have synchromesh. Behind the wire wheels were drum brakes that were hydraulically operated by a Lockheed system. The four-wheel Lockheed hydraulic braking system fitted to the SA in 1935 was the first for MG, and a much-needed improvement. The solid front and live rear axle were suspended by semi-elliptic springs and lever-arm hydraulic shock absorbers, and a Jackall hydraulic jacking system was fitted as standard equipment. The chassis lubrication system was accessed via nipples grouped under the bonnet.

Body Style and Design

At the car's introduction, only a saloon body was offered, built in-house by Morris. It wore the traditional MG grille with two large chrome-plated headlights flanking it on either side. At the rear was a spare wheel residing on the boot lid. The interior was more luxurious and comfortable than previous MG models, with a pair of individual front seats and a rear bench seat. Leather was used for all seating surfaced, and trim pieces and the dashboard were made of walnut. A Philco radio was offered as optional equipment.

Additional Coachwork

A Tickford drophead coupe by Salmons and Sons Ltd. became available in April 1936, with the three-position hood (top) allowing owners the choice of fully open, closed, or de Ville style. A winding mechanism was used to open and close the hood, from which originated the term Tickford. (The name would later become associated with the Drophead body style or as the name for the coachbuilder.) The SA Drophead Coupe was bigger than the two-seat Midget and smaller than the four-passenger VA series.

In July, coachbuilders Charlesworth offered a four-door tourer. A small number (approximately nine) of chassis were imported to Switzerland by J.H. Keller's Sportcar of Zurich, to be bodied in a drophead coupe style by Reinbolt and Christé of Basel.

Production

Approximately 2,739 MG SA models were built, with 350 examples exported. Charlesworth tailored attractive open bodies for about 90 SA chassis; Reinbolt and Christé created around nine cabriolets.

The MG SA was a capable touring car fit for a demanding clientele, and its styling and large size allowed it to compete in the marketplace with Lagonda and Jaguar. The coachwork complemented the high-quality mechanical construction and matched its sporty persona.

by Dan Vaughan

Drop Head Coupe by Tickford
Chassis number: SA 2018
Engine number: QPHG2301

The MG SA was the largest ever designed and made its debut in 1936, initially as a saloon. It was equipped with a Morris-sourced 2.3-liter six-cylinder engine. Within a short period of time, the SA model was offered with coachwork by Charlesworth as an open tourer, and by Tickford as a three-position drop head. In total, there were 2,738 examples of the SA models produced.

This restored example was originally bodied as a factory-built, four-door saloon. It now wears a Tickford-style body that was installed during a restoration performed in 1990 by MG specialists. It is finished in two shades of cream with a matching leather interior. There are wooden door caps, dash and gold-faced instruments.

In 2010, this Le Mans Special was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $75,000 - $85,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot was sold for the sum of $63,800, inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourer by Charlesworth
Chassis number: SA 1407
Engine number: QPHG1682

On occasion, the MG marque supplied a bare chassis to outside coachbuilders such as Salmons or Charlesworth to receive a custom body. Charlesworth, known for their work on Alvis and Rolls-Royces, was commissioned to create open bodies for 90 SA chassis.

This 1937 Charlesworth Tourer is the only known example known to exist. It is believed that just 18 examples were originally built in 1937. This car was first registered in England and by 1943, it had joined the Pacific Auto Rentals collection in California, a company that rented unusual automobiles to Hollywood studios for use in films. The car remained in the collection for 4 decades and was used in many feature films. It was in Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca starring Lawrence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. It also appeared in The Invisible Man with John Carradine, iCluny Brown with Charles Boyer and Peter Lawford, Love Letters with Joseph Cotton and Woman in Green with British Sherlock Holmes duo Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce.

Years later, the car was in the care of Alton Walker, the first Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It was purchased in the late 1980s by a CCCA member and Pebble Beach judge. Between 1990 and 1994, the car was given a body-off, bare frame, nut-and-bolt restoration.

In 1994, the car was put on display at the Pebble Beach Concours where it was awarded First in Class. It later won a First in Class at Meadow Brook, a first prize at the Gathering of the Faithful and CCA Senior Premier badge. It has won an AACA Grand National First and the President's Cup. The car returned to Pebble Beach in 2004 where it participated in the Tour d'Elegance.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $209,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet by Reinbolt & Christe
Chassis number: SA1961

The current owner of this 1937 MG SA Cabriolet entered into a 20-year quest to acquire the car. Although over 2,700 SA examples were built, this is one of just nine that Swiss importer A.G. Keller ordered with coachwork by Reinbolt & Christe - and it is believed to be the only example by the Swiss coachbuilder still in existence. Despite its British heritage, this MG is positively 'un-British' in its styling, with clear influences of French and German carrosserie of the era. The car remained in Switzerland until 1967 and then came stateside, residing in Baltimore and Florida before being purchased by the current owner in 2019. Emerging now from a superb restoration, this MG SA is a rare and beautiful British icon.

The MG SA was produced from 1936 through 1939. It was originally known as the 2-liter, but its name was later changed to the SA. During its production lifespan, 2739 examples were produced. The SA was intended to be a sporty model, capable of rivaling other sports cars from marque's such as Bentley.

A prototype car was designed in 1935. The merger between MG and Morris Motors in the same year had development coming to a halt before a production version was realized. The project resumed a short while later, but the design was not the same. It had become more conservative and practical. Under the hood was a Morris QPHG six-cylinder engine that displaced 2062cc's. The engine was given special tuning which resulted in an increase in displacement to 2322cc. There was a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top two ratios. The front was suspended in place by a beam front axle and a conventional live axle. Hydraulically operated Lockheed drum brakes were used to keep the car in the driver's control. Wire wheels could be found on all four corners.

When the car made its debut, it was available with only a few options, such as a Philco radio and an alternate body style. The optional body was a saloon configuration and made by Morris. It had four-doors and traditional MG styling consisting of large chrome-plated headlights and a traditional grille. There was seating for four with the rear being a bench and the front being individual seats. The trim was made mostly from walnut. The spare tire was carried on the vehicle's boot.

As the years progressed, additional options and body styles were added. A Tickford drophead coupe body appeared in 1936, which had coachwork by Salmons. An optional four-door tourer was added the following month, in July, with coachwork by Charlesworth.

The successor to the SA was supposed to be the WA. The onset of World War II, and the fact that the WA had been produced alongside the SA since 1938, had the WA being produced for only a short while. The SA sat atop a 123-inch wheelbase and most were in a four-door configuration. The biggest export market for the SA proved to be Germany.

by Dan Vaughan