Vehicle Description
The mid-1930s were a time of many changes for boutique sports-car
manufacturer Morris Garages, particularly following W.R. Morris'
sale of his interest in MG to parent company Morris Motors.
Thankfully, MG's chief designer Cecil Kimber retained the necessary
autonomy to continue developing new MG models. The first MG model
developed and produced following the company's change of ownership
was the TA Midget, the first of the famed British marque's
definitive T-Series sports cars, produced from 1936 through 1939.
Lower and wider than the previous PB, the two-seater TA proved very
popular with buyers, thanks to its more spacious and comfortable
cockpit, good handling characteristics and smoother ride. In
contrast to the previous overhead-cam MG powerplants engineered by
Kimber, the TA was powered by a newly adopted and very responsive,
pushrod-type OHV 1,292cc engine derived from the Wolseley 10/40.
Upon release, the TA was well received and appreciated for the
style, comfort, and performance it delivered at a most reasonable
price. Importantly, as related by Mike Allison in his book, MG: The
Magic of the Marque, "...even the highly critical trials fraternity
accepted the new T-type Midget as a good car which achieved
everything the P and J-type cars did in standard tune, with a good
deal less fuss." Capable of approaching 80 miles per hour at full
chat, the TA could accelerate from rest to 50 miles per hour in
about 15 seconds - excellent performance for the prewar era. The TA
was a strong commercial success for MG, with 3,002 examples
produced in all, according to published figures. While the
two-seater Roadsters were most numerous, 252 Tickford Coupes were
produced, with handsome coach built bodies supplied by Salmons and
Sons. Featuring elegant and versatile Drophead Coupe coachwork, the
TA Tickford bridged the gap in MG's model range between the TA
two-seater and 1.5-liter VA. Additional features characteristic of
the well-appointed TA included a telescopic steering column, a snug
three-position insulated convertible top with elegant landau irons,
wind-up windows and wood-trimmed full-height doors, a handsome
wooden dash, and a windscreen that could be opened for additional
ventilation as required. The TA's modern 1,292cc OHV inline-four
engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission and the
chassis featured boxed rails up front, a front and rear
sliding-trunnion suspension system, and the stopping power of
four-wheel Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes. Numbered TA/2831, this
1938 MG TA Tickford Drophead Coupe was restored approximately 10
years ago by noted MG specialist Steve Crowley, with only an
indicated 35 miles accumulated since completion. Finished in Grey
with a matching canvas top, the Tickford features a Burgundy
leather interior restored by Mike Collingburn. The engine bay and
inline four-cylinder, twin S.U.-carbureted engine are restored and
finished in keeping with the rest of the MG, including period
correct accessories, components, and finishes throughout. A study
in prewar sporting elegance, this TA Tickford is well accessorized,
consistent with its upmarket stature and presence. In addition to a
chrome horn, single driving light, and body-colored cooling
shutters up front, the TA's radiator is crowned by a striking, Art
Deco-inspired Midge - a factory-approved accessory mascot for the
Midget in period. To the rear are a slab-style fuel tank, spare
wheel and tire, tail lamp, and U.K. registration plate. Of all the
great British sports cars produced, the MG TA is particularly
historic as the foundation of a dynasty that included the
short-lived TB that was halted in 1939 due to wartime, followed
during the postwar era by the progressively updated TC, TD, and TF
- the final classical MG models. Rare, elegant, and well-appointed,
this Tickford Drophead Coupe exemplifies the coach built pinnacle
of the 1936-39 MG TA model range. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7646-1938-mg-ta-tickford-drophead-coupe/