Lot 658: 1936 MG Midget TA Roadster

Launched in 1936 as successor to the PB Midget, the TA Midget was an altogether larger and roomier car. The simple chassis design followed established Midget practice with semi-elliptic springing all round, though the use of hydraulic dampers at the front and the adoption of Lockheed hydraulic brakes were new departures. Although styled in a manner MG enthusiasts had come to expect, the new two-seater broke with tradition by employing an overhead-valve engine instead of the previous overhead-camshaft type. Derived from that of the Morris Ten, the 1,292cc four-cylinder engine produced around 50bhp at 4,500rpm, good enough to propel the lightweight TA to within a whisker of 80mph.
Purchased in 2003, this right-hand drive example comes with a large file of restoration invoices and maintenance bills from recognised MG and other specialists including Naylor Bros, M R Collis, Toulmin Motors, A E Witham, NTG Motor Services and Keate Coachworks, of Marsh Barton, Exeter. In April 2005 Keate undertook a major refurbishment that involved completely stripping down the bodywork and repairing the timber frame; replacing both front wings, both running boards and other panels; re-spraying the vehicle and Waxolying the underside. (Keate’s invoice for £6,148 is included). At the same time, the electrical system was modified to accommodate a single 12-volt battery. Finished in green (the above photograph is not an accurate representation of the car’s actual colour) with tan leather interior, ‘JV 4917’ is offered with assorted expired tax discs and MoTs dating back to 1965, old-style logbook, current road fund licence and Swansea V5 registration document. The vehicle is expected to possess a fresh MoT by time of sale.