Vehicle Description
The introduction of the T-Type Midget marked a significant turning
point for MG Cars. Up to that time, MG was a somewhat of 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 previously taken a rather dim
view of sports cars and motor racing in general. Thankfully, Kimber
managed to maintain enough control over operations, to continue
developing vehicles in his unique style, though now with a few
"corporate" restrictions. The first model produced under the guise
of the new leadership was the T-Type. The most significant change
was under the bonnet. Gone where Kimber's advanced overhead cam
engines, replaced with a simpler, cheaper Wolseley 10/40-derived
1,292 cc 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 more 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
through the 1940s and beyond, particularly for the TC in the
all-important American market. Following the TA came the TB of
1939, which introduced several improvements. The TB marked the
first appearance of the now-legendary 1,250 c.c. XPAG pushrod
engine. Derived from the Morris Ten, the MG unit had 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, coachbuilt
Tickford drophead coupe body by Salmons & Sons. However, Britain's
involvement in World War II meant production ended after just 379
TBs. Of those 379 cars, a mere 57 received the handsome Tickford
drophead coachwork. We are delighted to offer this gorgeous 1939 TB
Tickford, one of approximately thirty known examples of its kind.
This charming and desirable pre-war MG features a Pebble Beach
award-winning restoration finished in period-correct colors and
with a host of period-correct accessories. According to the
previous owners, chassis TB0335 was first registered in England on
July 10, 1939. It remained in the UK until the late 1970s, when it
was sold by MG specialists Octagon Sports Cars of Kent to an
American from Castro Valley, California. At the time, the car was
purported to have its original engine and coachwork but in need of
refurbishment. The new owner set about restoring the car in the
early 1980s but passed away midway through the project. Mr. Neal
Kirkham purchased the TB from the estate and spent the better part
of a decade carefully researching and collecting rare parts and
accessories in anticipation of a comprehensive restoration. Mr.
Kirkham was the ideal person to restore the MG, as he happened to
be a long-time Pebble Beach participant and an experienced concours
judge. He set out to make the MG as authentic as possible and
worthy of the most prestigious shows in the world. The original
Salmson & Sons coachwork is fastidiously restored and painted in a
beautiful, period-correct shade of dark green, accented with a dark
green top, silver-painted wire wheels, and a subtle tan coach
stripe. The restoration included the addition of an impressive
number of period-correct MG Approved Extra Equipment, including a
Lucas dip-beam headlamps, fog lamp, trafficators, and a
Marshall-Nordec under-bonnet supercharger. In 1999, the
meticulously-restored MG debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance, where it scored an impressive 3rd in class (J-1)
against some serious competition from the likes of Delageand
Hispano-Suiza. Two decades have passed since the restoration, yet
this MG remains in marvelous condition inside and out. As a
testament to the quality of the work, the paint is still lovely,
with only a minor touchup or two found on close inspection.
Likewise, the chrome plating on the bumpers, lamps, and accessories
is excellent. Pairing with the handsome green exterior, the
restorers chose an attractive light tan leather and oatmeal
carpets. The luxurious cabin is a far cry from the spartan
accommodations typically found on standard MG roadsters. Beautiful
burl wood trim features on the dash and door caps, and the
three-position soft top is lined for all-weather comfort. The
workmanship is first-rate, with beautifully stitched seats, door
panels, and rugs. Overall, there is a gentle mellowing with age and
light use, yet the presentation remains superb. Along with the
exterior accessories, the owner also sourced a
Bluemels-Brooklandssteering wheel, Lucas rearview mirror, factory
boost gauge, and water temperature gauge. The superb detailing
continues under the bonnet, with a fully-accessorized 1,250 c.c.
XPAG inline-four beautifully presented in proper MG red and
equipped with a full array of period accessories. In addition to
the Marshall blower, it also features a polished alloy valve cover,
spark plug carrier, original inspection lamp, and a comprehensive
set of hand tools, including the grease gun, jack, and tire pump.
To better handle the healthy boost of power from the supercharger,
the restorers fitted a taller rear axle ratio that vastly improves
high-speed cruising ability. The undercarriage shows signs of light
use and is fully detailed with correct plumbing paint finishes,
leather spring gaiters, and stainless exhaust. Marque experts
estimate that approximately 30 TB TickfordDropheads exist, and it
is safe to say that precious few are restored with such meticulous
attention to detail. This superb example proved its mettle in the
world's most prestigious concours, and thanks to meticulous care in
the time since its restoration, it remains in beautiful condition
today. Slightly mellowed, it is still well-suited to regional
concours and club events, and the welcome power from the
under-bonnet blower makes touring an exciting proposition. The sale
of TB0335 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a
well-known, expertly restored example of MG's sporty and elegant
pre-war touring car. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6552-1939-mg-tb-tickford-drophead-coupe/