Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; current owner for 29 years; most likely
restored in the early-1990s and lightly used since; full set of weather gear;
one of only 3,003 made; a nice winter project for someone
Launched in
1936, the TA was the first in a series of five sporting roadsters (TA to TF)
that were to keep the MG brand high on the wish list of keen drivers right up
until 1955. Successor to the PB Midget, the TA introduced significant changes
aimed at improving reliability, accessibility, and mass production efficiency
following MG's integration into the Nuffield Organisation.
Visually, the TA retained the classic pre-war sports car styling MG
enthusiasts expected
– long bonnet, cutaway doors, cutaway doors, fold-flat windscreen and
dashing 19-inch wire wheels. The body was built using traditional methods –
steel panels stretched over an ash wood frame. The TA was longer and wider than
its predecessor, providing a much-needed increase in cockpit space and a
smoother ride.
Built at the Cowley plant near
Oxford, the TA used a modified Morris/Wolseley power train, including a Wolseley
Ten-derived overhead-valve 52bhp 1,292cc engine and four-speed gearbox with
synchromesh on the top two ratios. With 75mph potential, it had effective
hydraulic brakes and a large rear-mounted external fuel tank for extended
touring. Only 3,003 TAs were produced in total before it was replaced by the TB
in May 1939.
Dating from 1938, this TA comes with
no early history but the SFF 540 number plate implies that it was first
registered in Merionethshire (now part of Gwynedd). An old V5 shows that by 1995
it was owned by a Mr JM Edwards of Ammanford and it seems likely that he
restored the car which had been off the road for many years beforehand (the V5C
states the date of registration as July 1995).
An
MOT issued in July 1995 records just three miles on the clock, and another 10
old MOTs show this climbing gradually to 6,061 miles in 2005, although the
odometer currently shows 5,775 miles so the true mileage since 1995 isn’t
certain but is probably not too-far-wide of that displayed.
Documents
show that the TA attended the Caldicott Castle Rally organised by the Gwent
Classic Car Club at least twice in the early 2000s, and there are a few invoices
for new parts fitted in 1999 and 2008 (front apron; chassis cross-member; badge
bar; rear-view mirror; new batteries etc). On offer here from a deceased estate,
we are told that it was last driven about three years ago and was in good
running order when parked up.
As you can see in
the photos, this MG TA looks to be in generally good shape for an 87-year-old
although the radiator grille could do with rechroming. It comes with a full set
of weather gear (hood, sidescreens and tonneau cover), all in good condition.
What looks like the original Midget radiator mascot is also present, along with
the original tools in the two lockers either side of the bulkhead.
Coming from the same stable as the Austin 12/4
Fabric Saloon and the Austin 12/4 Windsor elsewhere in this sale (Lots 56 and
57), this rare MG TA is on offer here at no reserve and will make
a great winter project for someone.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – [email protected]