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 Less than 2,000 examples were produced between 1934 and 1935 when the model was superseded by the short-lived PB.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 Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019