Vehicle Description
The MG P-Type, first introduced in 1934, superseded the J-Type
Midget and formed the foundation on which the marque's famous
T-Series would be built. The P-Type was powered by an 847cc four
cylinder engine - adapted from the Morris Minor and Wolseley Ten -
that was the last road going MG to feature Cecil Kimber's advanced
overhead cam cylinder head. For the P-Type, an additional main
bearing was added to address J-Type's unfortunate tendency to
suffer catastrophic failures at high RPM due to crank deflection.
The addition of the third main bearing now made the engine more
than strong enough to handle the rigors of competition and forced
induction, as MG was still very much a company that built road cars
to support its sporting exploits. In the face of increasing
competition, the MG replaced the PA with the PB in 1935. The
updated PB featured a 939 cc version of the same OHC four-cylinder
engine, now producing a very useful 43 horsepower in standard tune.
Similar versions of the engine was also used in the very rapid
Q-Type (fewer than 10 built), sleeved down to 750cc for racing in
the Voiturette classes, and supercharged with a Zoller or Marshall
blower to produce upwards of 146 horsepower in "Sprint"
specification. Of course, the exotic Q-Type was strictly a
competition machine, but it inspired many owners to upgrade their
P-Types accordingly as many were bought by sporting enthusiasts who
used their road going MGs in casual motorsport events such as
rallies, hillclimbs and road racing. In the never-ending quest for
speed, a number of P-Type owners modified their cars by shedding
accessories and trim, fitting superchargers and even fitting
lightweight bodywork. A number of wonderfully creative and
beautiful pre-war MG Specials still exist and compete today in
vintage hillclimbs and road racing events. This fantastic 1936 MG
PB is a wonderful example of the MG Special concept taken to the
extreme. Its fabulous bodywork is hand made in aluminum, taking
many styling cues from the works Q-Type racing cars. The body,
which was built in Argentina during the car's time there, has been
left in bare alloy for maximum effect, a period touch that would
have been used to save weight (consider the weight of a gallon of
paint!), allowing one to fully appreciate the craftsmanship through
the visible welds, tool marks and exposed rivets. The traditional
MG radiator grille sweeps into a louvered bonnet and to the scuttle
which is faired to accommodate the steering wheel. The cockpit then
flows into a tapered tail, de rigueur for the day. 19-inch wheels
are correct for the car, and finished in an attractive shade of
dark red that complements the interior and provides some color
against the bare polished body. Cycle wings are held in place with
simple steel brackets, and the rear section of the tail is hinged
for access to the battery and fuel cell. The body is adorned with
myriad period details including correct P-type headlamps, twin
quick-release fuel fillers, a single side-mount spare with leather
straps, leather bonnet hold-down straps, a correct-style faired-in
rear view mirror, Brooklands Aeroscreen, mesh radiator stone guard,
and a fabulous period-correct styled supercharger fairing with the
MG octagon logo proudly presented. This PB is indeed supercharged,
fitted with a period appropriate blower. While the unit is
unmarked, it is likely a typical surplus aircraft cockpit
pressurizer that was commonly fitted in the early post-war years.
The 939cc engine is very well detailed with a polished cam cover,
correctly presented ancillaries, and a proper finned alloy inlet
manifold with the MG crest. The engine breathes through an exhaust
system that travels below the car, then up and over the rear axle,
exiting through a Brooklands-type exhaust tip. An upgraded water
pump ensures cool operation and a modern-type S.U. fuel pump keeps
the eager little engine fed. The PB runs very well, emitting a
magnificent bark through the exhaust. The chassis is painted black
as correct for a PB, and it is very well detailed with items such
as correct 9-inch brake drums. The original mechanical brakes have
been upgraded to hydraulic actuation to account for the additional
horsepower and lightened bodywork. The simple cockpit is trimmed in
red leather which appears just broken-in and rather inviting. A
rare period Bluemels steering wheel features a quick-release hub,
and the polished alloy dash is adorned with an array of period
English instruments, a mix of Jaeger and Smith dials. Red carpets
are in excellent condition, and there's just enough room for a
driver and co-driver; so long as the two have a good working
relationship! This fabulous MG PB special is a high quality car,
having been completed in the early 2000s and remaining in a private
collection since. In addition to its rarity (one of just 526
produced) it has loads of fine period detailing and beautiful
craftsmanship that is sure to turn heads. This would be a fabulous
machine for a hardcore vintage rally enthusiast, for use in
hillclimbs and sprints, or to simply savor on the road, enjoying
the positively addicting experience that only a gutsy pre-war MG
can provide.