Vehicle Description
The introduction of the T-Type Midget marked a significant turning
point for MG Cars. Up to that time, MG was essentially a pet
project of W.R. Morris, who had given Cecil Kimber a great deal of
creative leeway in developing his world-class sports cars and
racers. However, in 1935, Morris sold his interest in MG to the
parent company Morris Motors, who had a previously taken a rather
dim view of sports cars and motor racing in general. Thankfully,
Kimber managed to maintain enough control over operations, and he
continued to develop vehicles in his unique style, though now with
a few "corporate" restrictions. The first model produced under the
guise of new leadership was the T-Type. The most significant change
was under the bonnet, where Kimber's advanced overhead cam engines
were replaced with a simpler, cheaper Wolseley 10/40-derived 1,292
c.c. pushrod four-cylinder. While it may have seemed like a
downgrade to some MG loyalists, the new TA could outperform the
overhead-cam PB in most areas, while offering greater space and
comfort to passengers. The TA was very successful in the home
market, and it would set the pattern for MG's future success in the
1940s and beyond, particularly for the TC in the all-important
American market. Following up on the success of the TA, the TB was
introduced in 1939 with a host of improvements. The TB marked the
first appearance of the now-legendary 1,250 c.c. XPAG engine.
Derived from the Morris Ten, the MG unit was in a higher state of
tune and wore dual carburetors. As with the TA, the TB was
available as a standard roadster or with the luxurious and
beautifully-built Tickford drophead coupe body by Salmons & Sons.
However, Britain's involvement in World War II meant production was
cut short after just 379 TBs were produced. Of those 379 cars, a
mere 57 were fitted with the handsome Tickford drophead coachwork.
We are delighted to offer this TB Tickford, chassis number TB 0440;
a charming and important pre-war MG with a rich and well-documented
history from new, and one of fewer than 30 known TB Tickfords in
existence. Fully restored by respected marque experts Safety Fast
Restoration of Mansfield, Ohio, this award-winning example presents
in outstanding condition. According to T-Type registry information,
TB 0440 was first delivered to G. Kitchingman of Leeds, Yorkshire,
England and assigned the registration number HUM 7 on August 3,
1939. Documents including the UK registration booklet show HUM 7
was delivered in red over biscuit with a fawn top. It changed hands
out of the Kitchingman family, and in the late 1960s, was
discovered for sale by Christopher Orr. The teenage Orr and his
father were both avid pre-war car enthusiasts, so they decided to
have a look. They found HUM 7 in a small garage in Swinton, with
the engine out and in the back seat, but otherwise complete and
still in its original red livery. They settled on a price of £40
and towed the car home behind the family's Riley RME. Over the
course of the next year, Christopher and his father sorted the MG
out, eventually passing the MOT test just in time for Christopher
to head to University. A 2006 letter from Christopher describes how
the little TB Tickford served him well through school and how the
car became a well-known fixture around campus. Eventually, using
HUM 7 as everyday transport became too impractical, and Christopher
turned the car back over to his father, who would eventually sell
it on in the mid-1970s. By the late 1970s, HUM 7 left England and
headed for Australia. Purchased by the York Motor Museum, they
began the restoration process before passing the car on to a fellow
Aussie named Harry Pyle in 1983. Mr. Pyle would continue to
carefully research and restore the MG, going so far as to travel to
England to meet with the widow of the original owner. In 2002, Mr.
Pyle sold the nearly-restored HUM 7 to its current owner, an
American MG enthusiast and collector. Upon arrival in the 'States,
HUM 7 was handed over to Tom Metcalf of Safety Fast Restoration,
who would perform a comprehensive, thoroughly researched,
nut-and-bolt restoration to world-class standards. An extensive
history file documents the process and the great lengths that were
taken to ensure the car's correctness and detail. The only notable
deviation from standard was the color choice, changing the car's
original red to an incredibly handsome two-tone Oxford & Cambridge
Blue livery with blue interior and fabric hood. Completed in
late-2005, the newly restored MG TB debuted at the 2006 Amelia
Island Concours d'Elegance where it won its class against stiff
competition that included two Alfa 6Cs and an SS-100 Jaguar. It
would go on to further Concours success in several prestigious
events, scoring a class award at the 2007 Meadowbrook Concours, and
a 2nd in class at the Hilton Head Motoring Festival in 2014. Today,
HUM 7 presents in beautiful condition, the fine restoration having
matured slightly from light use and regular care. The two-tone blue
paintwork is in excellent order with a warm and attractive luster.
It is well-equipped with period correct Lucas King of the Road
headlamps, a single spot lamp, and King of the Road outside mirror.
The large chrome landau irons are a functional component to the
3-position drophead hood and a signature of the Tickford body. The
high-quality coachwork also features details such as an opening
windscreen, semaphores, and roll-up windows for an altogether more
civilized feel compared to the roadster. The cockpit is snug but
luxuriously appointed with supple dark blue leather, finely
restored woodwork, and a fully lined hood. The seats show light
creasing but remain very inviting, attractive and in excellent
condition. The door panels are trimmed in antique-grain blue
leather as correct, and beautiful quality wood trim features on the
door caps, dash top, and instrument panel. Original instruments
were rebuilt, and this car features the very rare addition of a
Philco radio. The engine number, XPAG 706, matches that of the
production records supplied by the T-Type Register. It is fully
detailed with correct hardware, fittings, and wiring used
throughout, and a full complement of original tools reside in the
under-bonnet toolbox. The presentation remains in near-concours
condition, showing only light use since its completion. This rare
and highly desirable pre-war T-Type MG has been maintained in
lovely condition since its exceptional restoration and is ready for
its next keeper to enjoy it on the road or the show field.