1934 MG PA Midget

The original MG Car Company Limited (for Morris Garages) was a British sports car manufacturer that began in 1924 and was in business for 56 years. They predominately produced two-seater sports cars at a factory in Abingdon. Cecil Kimber was the general manager of Morris Garage, Oxford, U.K. during the 1920s.

The successful J2 Midget was replaced by the PA in 1934 and it followed the general lines of its predecessor, with styling dating back to the 1928 M-Type. It came equipped with a new and more robust version of the company's 847cc four-cylinder, overhead-camshaft engine fitted with a cross-flow cylinder head, stronger three-bearing crankshaft (up from a two-bearing unit), and improved lubrication. Many of the chassis alterations were the result of experience gained in competition. It had a longer wheelbase, a wider body, 12-inch diameter brakes (an improvement over the prior 8-inch units), and a strengthened chassis. Top speed was achieved at around 72 mph. MG claimed in their advertisements that 'In all there are over one hundred new and improved features.'

The PA body styles consisted of two- and four-seater versions. Most were open two-seaters but streamlined Airline coupe bodies were also produced. Less than 2,000 examples were produced between 1934 and 1935 when the model was superseded by the short-lived PB. The classical lines and traditional MG sports car styling continued on the success 'T' series.

The wheelbase measured 87 inches, had a track of 42 inches, and the engine offered 36 horsepower. Steering was initially by a Marles Weller and later a Bishop Cam system.

The MG PB was produced from 1935 and came with a larger 939cc engine, having an enlarged bore from 57 to 60 mm, and produced 43 horsepower. The PA and PB were visually similar, with the main difference being the radiator grille, where the PB had vertical slats while the PA had a honeycomb setup. In total, 526 examples of the PB were produced.

by Dan Vaughan

Special Speedster
Chassis number: PA1268
Engine number: 1554AP

During MG's early years, nearly all of their products were 'specials.' The first was developed from a bullnose Morris in 1923, by Cecil Kimber of Morris Garages in Oxford. By 1930, Kimber had created race-worthy models that were being offered for sale to enthusiasts, to whom he offered factory support.

This example was delivered on July 18th of 1934 through Smith's Auto., Ltd., of Croydon, Surrey. It was built as a four-seat tourer in Duo Blue and sold to T.J. Lattimer of Lincot, Chequers Hill, Flamstead, Hertfordshire. It was given London registration number BGH 724. The early history is not known but by the mid-1940s it was in the care of J.D. Pursey of Cardiff. The first known appearance in the United States was in Oregon, when it was purchased in the 1980s by James H. Proffitt of Long beach, California. While in his care, Mr. Proffitt began re-building the vehicle as a special in the 1990s. The current owner completed the task in 2007.

The car has an aluminum body similar to Miles Collier's 1935 special 'Leonidas.' The PA engine was rebuilt using a new Bob Jones cylinder head, billet crankshaft, flywheel and clutch. New shell bearings were installed and Carillo connecting rods, in a newly-cast engine block. A Vertex Scintilla magneto and crankshaft-driven Automechnica supercharger, and proper 1-5/8' S.U. carburetor supply spark and fuel. There is a Brooklands silencer and fishtail exhaust. Power is supplied through an ENV 75 pre-selector gearbox. There are new 48-spoke wheels and proper Englebert 4.50 x 19 racing tires.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge presented by Bonhams auction. It was estimated to sell for $110,000 - $140,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and it would leave the auction unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

This MG was manufactured in Abingdon, England and is the 6th in a batch of 10 delivered to the Lancashire County Constabulary in 1934. The MGs cost £199 new and the police specials received a 15% discount. MGs were favored due to their nimble handling and good acceleration for the time. Both were necessary on the narrow, twisty roads in the small Lancashire towns. The cars were originally equipped with a loud PA system and when a traffic violation was spotted the police blared out the license plate number with a brief description of the offense committed. The PA was powered by an 847cc, four-cylinder engine fitted with a hotter camshaft and twin SU carburetors, boosting the horsepower to 36. With an 87-inch wheelbase and minimum coachwork, the PA is certainly fun to drive. With its fold-down windscreen, free standing headlamps, center driving lamp, 'knock-off' wire wheels with rear-mounted spare, the car has the quintessential vintage English sports car look.

Special Speedster

Cecil Kimber, the general manager of Morris Garage, Oxford, U.K., in the 1920s, was the man behind MG. He began modifying Morris cars for a motoring clientele anxious for more than the staid and practical. The MG PA was produced from 1934 until late-summer 1935 with a total of 1,973 built. It is thought that fewer than 150 remain.

The MG PA was launched in March 1934 as a replacement for the MG-J2. This car was powered by a new, more robust, and smoother-running 847 cc single-overhead-cam cross-flow four-cylinder engine breathing through two SU carburetors coupled to a four-speed gearbox. It developed 36 horsepower and rode on an 87 inch wheelbase. The PA chassis was a strengthened version of the J-series frame. MG did not see the PA as a racing model but it was capable of about 72 mph. They had a reputation as a daily driver during the week and a racer on the weekend.

The current owner has driven this car extensively since he purchased it in 1972. An authentic restoration of this car was completed in 2018, adding only a Volumex Supercharger, a factory option in 1934.

The MG P-Series featured the last overhead-cam engine to be built at the Abingdon plant.

MG PA's were commonly driven to the track and raced, competing in races, trials, and hillclimbs of the era. Most famously, 'Eyston's Dancing Daughters' - a six-woman racing team - drove three P-Types in the 1935 24 Hours of LeMans.

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.

by Dan Vaughan