Mileage: 39 miles on odometer (mileage since restoration). Vehicle was restored approx. 5 years ago.
4-cylinder 1,250 cc (57 hp) overhead valve in-line engine, dual SU carburetors, 4-speed manual transmission with shifter in the floor, rack-and-pinion steering, independent front suspension with coil springs, four wheel hydraulic drum brakes, rigid rear axle with semi–elliptic leaf springs, upgraded leather interior, folding canvas convertible top, canvas tonneau cover, and upgraded wire spoked wheels.
Engine/Engine Compartment: (Condition Grade: #1-) The engine/engine compartment appeared mostly original, restored, and clean. Engine components; hoses, upgraded braided steel fuel hose, belt, and wiring appeared in excellent condition. The engine oil was clean and at the proper level. The engine underside also appeared clean with no active leaks noted. The engine/engine bay was in excellent condition.
Chassis: (Condition Grade: #1-) The chassis/underside and has been painted in semi-gloss black; no rust noted. Both bumpers were in excellent condition. Front and rear bumper guards were showing some light surface oxidation. Factory replacement 15 inch wire spoked wheels were all in excellent condition (some wear was noted on the wheels spinners edges). Michelin XZX 165 SR15 tires mounted at all 4 positions were in excellent condition and had approx. 95% tread. No seepage or leaks noted underneath the vehicle. The chassis appeared original, restored, well maintained, and in excellent condition.
Interior: (Condition Grade: #1) The original Bakelite “banjo style” steering wheel appeared with a black leather stitched cover (excellent condition). Front bucket seats, upper dash, and door panels were all recovered in black leather (excellent). Original restored gauges/cluster appeared in excellent condition. Newer (period correct) black carpet installed throughout the vehicle was excellent. The canvas tonneau cover and folding canvas convertible top were in excellent condition with no rips or tears.
Exterior: (Condition Grade: #2+) The vehicle’s body was very straight and the paint appeared in excellent condition. Replacement windshield glass appeared excellent. Newer (unused) Michelin XZX matching spare tire mounted on a matching 15 inch wire spoked wheel with “MG” emblem on center spinner was properly attached to the rear of the vehicle; all appeared in excellent condition. The chrome grille (with “MG” emblem) was in excellent condition. The windshield wiper arms and headlight bezels appeared in fine condition. Oxidation was noted on the stainless steel windshield frame and rear view mirrors. “MG” badge on right side of vehicle (on panel just aft of the engine bay and forward of the passenger door) is showing some wear.
Summary/Comments
The engine/engine compartment was mostly original, restored, clean, and in excellent condition. The chassis/underside appeared original, restored, well maintained, and in excellent condition. The interior was in excellent condition. The exterior appeared in very fine condition. The vehicle started easily and idled nicely. My research indicates this vehicle is a 1954 model, not a 1955 as stated on the registration.
Overall Condition Grade: #1-
(Condition code: #1 Excellent, #2 Fine, #3 Very Good, #4 Good/Fair, #5 Poor/Restorable, #6 Parts Car)
