It's Alive Automotive is pleased to offer this classic 1934 MG PA.
The PA is a very interesting and significant part of MG history.
The P series cars (PA & PB) were the last of MG's overhead cam
engine powered cars until the MGA twin cam of the 1950s. Clearly,
one can see the resemblance to the iconic post-war MG TC that many
casual U.S. fans may assume is where MG began. That's
understandable since GIs who returned to the U.S. after WW2 learned
of the appealing nature of small, light, sports cars during their
service in England and brought a new market for these cars home
with them to North America.
MG however, had a well-deserved reputation prior to the war for its
line of affordable, good performing sporting vehicles. If you're
new to pre-war MGs, then treat yourself to researching the history
of this storied marque. If you're familiar with the MG pre-war
line, you know the P series represented much improvement over its
predecessors while retaining many design elements unique to pre-war
cars. For the person with a serious interest in all things MG,
owning a pre-war MG like the PA opens up a new dimension and
context to the world of early sporting cars. For example, the four
speed gearbox does not have synchromesh on any gear. To shift up or
down, you will need to master the art of double clutching and
matching rpms to the needed gear. Once learned, driving one of
these is quite satisfying knowing that it's not something that just
anyone can do without some practice. The PA's large 12" drum brakes
are mechanically operated via cables. They work surprisingly well
and pointing out the lack of a hydraulic system to your friends is
always fun.
Speaking of interesting design features, the PA's generator is
mounted vertically at the front of the engine and drives off the
crankshaft. The overhead cam is in turn driven by a shaft from the
generator. A water pump was optional on the PA. Ours has none. Hot
coolant rises by convection to the top of the radiator and is
cooled as it flows back down. While the base engine can have the
optional water pump added, we have not had any problems with our
example staying cool.
Our PA is a very solid example without any rust issues. It is an
older restoration and the paint is still holding up very well.
Unless one was looking for a high end concours show car, we don't
feel the finish is in need of any attention. The same can be said
for the chrome work.
We strive to fully disclose any known faults and there are some
things to note with this car. It is in fact a true two seat model,
more stylish and better balanced than the four seater. However, you
will notice from the photos that our car has a small back seat. The
space behind the front seats is for top storage and at some point a
prior owner, fabricated a small rear seat. Both seats are
upholstered in vinyl. We have considered removing the rear seat and
reupholstering the front seats in leather as they should be.
However, we've decided to leave that decision to the next
caretaker. The car does not have a top frame, top, or side
curtains. These cars did not have a fuel gauge but had two pickups
in the tank, one positioned lower for reserve and a dash operated
valve could switch between the two. That dash valve is missing
although the two fuel lines are present. Both trafficator arms
extend and light up but are sometimes sluggish to return home. The
car has a central lubrication system and a fitting for the right
side rear spring is missing from the system.
To sum it up, it's a great little car with a few relatively minor
needs (save perhaps the top). The engine starts and runs well with
strong oil pressure. If your MG interest includes a rather rare car
of which only a couple thousand were built and likely only a few
hundred still survive, contact us for more information.
"It's Alive Automotive" is a full service restoration, service and
sales facility in Bridgeton, Missouri that opened in 2014. While
Jaguar XKEs are our specialty, we restore, service and sell all
types of Classic American and European automobiles. We offer
restorations from full rotisserie, to minor repairs. We carry an
inventory of 100 plus cars ranging from M.G.s to Packards. We
accept trades, offer competitive financing and can help you arrange
shipping anywhere in the world.
To inspect and drive this car, call 314-710-6600 or email
[email protected]. Thanks for looking!
