Lot 632: 1933 MG Midget J1 Tourer

Descended from the first Midget - the M type - and introduced for 1933, the J-type Midget refined the qualities of the immediately preceding C and D types, reaffirming the classic MG look which would characterise the marque’s sportscars well into the 1950s. The Midget’s 847cc, overhead-camshaft, Wolseley-derived four-cylinder engine was continued on the J-type but benefited from a new eight-port, cross-flow cylinder head fitted with twin SU carburettors. Power increased to 36bhp at 5,500rpm and motoring journalists were able to achieve top speeds in excess of 80mph in their press cars, though this proved beyond the safe reach of most standard production examples, whose maximum was nearer 75mph. The range comprised the J1 four-seat tourer, J2 two-seater and J3 and J4 competition variants, all of which utilised basically the same half-elliptically sprung chassis frame and the newly introduced four-speed gearbox, replacing the old three-speed Morris Minor type. Retardation was entrusted to 8 inch-diameter cable-operated brakes on the road cars, 12 inch diameter units being the order of the day on their competition cousins. Thus equipped, the J-type Midget possessed exemplary handling and steering by the standards of its time and today the model is one of the most sought-after of all pre-war MGs.
This example is featured in Richard Monk’s book The MG Collection - The Pre-war Models (pp79-82) and when pictured was the property of George Baxter. Restored circa 1990 and finished in red with matching leather-upholstered interior, the latter fitted with new carpets, the car is described by the private vendor as in generally very good condition. The vehicle is offered with VSCC eligibility document, sundry invoices, MoT to February 2006, road fund licence to March 2006 and Swansea V5 registration document.