Lot 217: 1925 MG 14/28 HP SUPER SPORTS SALONETTE

Duo tone maroon and beige, red interior

Engine: four cylinder monobloc, detachable head, 75 x 102mm bore & stroke, 1,802 cc; Gearbox: three speed, central change; Suspension: front, semi-elliptic leaf springs, rear, three-quarter elliptic leaf springs. Brakes: four wheel drum. Right hand drive.

Undoubtedly one of the most rare and interesting cars in the Sharpe Family Collection, this very handsome aluminium-panelled sports saloon is almost certainly the second oldest production MG to survive. The 'salonette' body style was introduced in 1925, listed at £475, and this car is the sole survivor of only 6 of this style made in that year. The same pattern of 2-door sports saloon bodies with 4-panel steeply-veed windscreen set below a pronounced peak, a large area of glass giving a light interior, and oval rear window was avant-garde in 1925, and was becoming popular on quality chassis such as the 12/50 Alvis, and was shortly to be copied by Swallow Coachwork for Swift, Fiat and, most famously, Austin 7 chassis, leading in turn to SS cars and then Jaguar.

The familiar 13.9hp Morris Oxford engine was slightly uprated, and this example has a SU carburettor fitted. The bulkhead maker's plate quotes the original engine number as 103396, so it would appear that a later unit is now in place. The 'Bullnose' radiator, with cap-mounted calormeter, bears the famous MG hexagon badge, but has been fitted with a flat film-pattern core behind a dummy matrix, which gives an original appearance. The magneto is the sought-after Watford FO4. The impressive front wheel brakes feature bolted-on cast aluminium cooling fins, and Andre Hartford shock-absorbers are fitted at the front. Twin side-mounted spare wheels have leatherette covers, and the correct pattern Ace wheels discs hide the original Morris 19 inch steel artillery wheels.

To return to the remarkable body, marine pattern scuttle ventilators are fitted, and the small boot that protrudes at the rear echoes the nautical theme. What appears to be a fuel tank below the tail is in fact a tool locker: the petrol tank is mounted in the scuttle. Inside, the elaborate walnut dashboard carries instruments that appear to be original, with the possible exception of the black-faced Eureka oil gauge, and include a 0-80mph Smiths speedometer and Lucas switchboard: a lidded glove locker is convenient for the driver. An enamelled Morris Garages supplier's plate is attached to the dash, and Morris Garages sill plates are fitted. The interior has been re-trimmed in red alligator-patterned hide, but the rear seat squab is missing.
alligator-patterned hide, but the rear seat squab is missing.
alligator-patterned hide, but the rear seat squab is missing.
alligator-patterned hide, but the rear seat squab is missing.
alligator-patterned hide, but the rear seat squab is missing.
alligator-patterned hide, but the rear seat squab is missing.