Lot 228: 1939 MG TB Tickford Three position Drophead Coupe

In 1936 the MG Midget TA was announced, and to the horror of the purists it had a long-stroke, push-rod, overhead valve engine of 1,292cc based on that of the then current Morris 10; the bodywork was much more civilised and comfortable than that of its predecessors, and Lockheed hydraulic brakes with 9in drums, allied to excellent steering, endowed it with fine handling qualities. It soon became clear that the TA was equal to the PB it replaced in most respects and superior in others: it was not long before non-supercharged TAs were lapping Brooklands at over 90mph and they became very popular, around 3,000 being built before they were replaced by the TB in May 1939. For 1939 Morris Motors Ltd designed a new 1,292cc engine for its Morris 10. Little was it realised that this power unit was to form the basis of the famous, record-bred unit upon which MG fortunes would rely for many years hence. More immediately, though, the engine was the one chosen to power the new Midget, the TB, available from mid-1939. Much modified by the MG engineers, the four cylinder engine still managed to develop 54bhp at 5,200rpm. This was enough to propel the car along at constantly high cruising speeds, with a maximum around the 80mph mark. Most of the TBs had the traditional two seater sports body, but a few chassis (some 57) were fitted with most attractive three position drop-head coupé coachwork by Tickford. These charming special bodied MGs have long been considered among the most attractive of all the magnificent pre-war products of this famous marque. As one of the rarest models of pre-war MGs with only a handful of examples known to exist, the Tickford, three position drop-head coupe is considered to be one of the most desirable and practical of all the MG range. Although originally sold in Great Britain in 1939, this rare motor car found its way to Australia where it was restored by Rob Hiley of Queensland who subsequently sold the motor car to Bill Gilbert in Sydney. In the late 1980s, having been fully restored to concours condition, it was purchased by its last owners in 1989 when it returned to Britain. Accompanying the motor car is an extensive history file with letters, invoices and other documents from both Australian and British owners which includes correspondence with the Salmons/Tickford Enthusiasts Club, insurance details, old MoT test certificates, V5 registration document and an original MG TB instruction manual. This magnificent car has seen little use in the past 20 years and as such would still be considered to be in near concours condition. Attractively finished in two-tone silver and grey with burgundy hide interior and black wood.