Lot 015: 1934 MG PA SINGLE SEAT RACECAR

Surely the most familiar and best-loved sports cars of their era, the P-type MGs naturally attracted the attention of the clever engineer and enthusiast in search of higher performance. Introduced in 1934, the PA had a redesigned 847cc overhead camshaft engine, now with a three-bearing crankshaft in a slightly lengthened frame compared with its predecessor, the J2. Uprated too were the steering, the differential, clutch and brakes. In standard two-seater form, its classic shape was described by colourful US motoring writer Ken W Purdy as a ægrand piano supported by four harpsÆ! The PB was a 939cc version of the PA, introduced the following year, 526 of which were built. This particular car was assembled in the late 1980s by Les Keeling, using an original PA chassis, a Wade-blown highly-tuned PB engine running on methanol supplied via a single large SU carburettor, an ENV preselector gearbox, axles from a 6-cylinder N-type MG and brakes from a Wolseley æHornetÆ. Purely a competition car, it was built as a single-seater without road equipment and has never been road-registered. The work was carried out to a high standard, and detail finish remains impressive: Keeling enjoyed some ten years of successful speed event competition before parting with his MG. Its competition career has continued in the hands of the present owner, and the MG last appeared on the racetracks at the VSCC Goodwood Sprint on 21 October 2006. Earlier this year, work was carried out on the engine, the supercharger being rebuilt in a new casing with new bearings and other parts by Derek Chinn, and a top end overhaul undertaken by Glen Grindrod, who also attended to the reinstallation of the blower. The paperwork from these reputable specialists reveals a total outlay of some £4480. The engine, bodywork and paintwork are described as æexcellentÆ and the chassis transmission, wheels and tyres as ævery goodÆ. Having the classic appearance of the racing Alfa Romeos and Maseratis of the period, this well-presented MG single-seater will surely provide a new owner with equal measures of satisfaction and excitement. Please note: Items included in the sale of this car include the quick release jacks for the back axle, the towing cover and the battery trolley.