Vehicle Description
1937 MG TA Roadster
The TA was the first of the T type MG's, replacing the P type MG's
in 1936. P series cars would only get to "B" while T's went on to
produce six iterations, ending with the TF that was produced from
1953 to 1955. The TA was wider, longer and could reach almost 80
mph with 0-60 times of 23.1 seconds. While that sounds pitiful now,
in 1937 it was nothing to scoff at.
For consignment, a 1937 MG TA roadster. This is a striking example
made more so by the bright red paint, racing numbers on the side,
and red wire wheels. In a sea of MG's at the next MG gathering,
this one is a standout and has been owned and maintained by an MG
enthusiast. As such, the car will come to you with a folder of
receipts and records that tell the story of this fine
automobile.
Exterior
If red cars get more traffic tickets, get ready to write some
checks because this car absolutely pops. Beautiful glossy red
covers the entire car from the long sweeping front fenders to the
circular rear fenders that end in a point behind the car. The
grille alternates red slats with black ones and looks race and show
ready with a bevy of grille badges strewn across the lower light
bar. You can't miss the large number 3 on the doors, black and bold
in Gothic script and pulling in other black elements of the car
including the tires and interior in a beautifully harmonized
palette. The 19-inch red wire wheels are spectacular, and two
spares are mounted onto the back, just in front of a wedge shaped
gas tank, topped by a gleaming polished cap. Speaking of gleaming,
all the chrome and polished metals are in excellent condition.
Three small imperfections include a touched up scratch, a lower
scuff, and a paint chip.
Interior
Black vinyl door panels cover the small doors which open suicide
style, and a map pocket is a major feature of the doors. The door
sill spells out the manufacturer and leads to a beautiful black
vinyl split bench seat, uniformly stitched and robust with little
sign of usage. Behind the seats is a storage area, deep between the
wheel wells and lined with black carpet. MG is engraved in the
middle of the banjo style right hand drive steering wheel, open
enough to provide views of the dashboard and in particular, the
tachometer that is in direct sightline to the driver. The dashboard
itself is a flowing undulation of wood with a center plate adorned
with gauges, switches, and ignition, while dash plaques are mounted
as they were intended on the dash! There is a small single
windshield in front of the driver and googles are present not just
for period authenticity, but for practical use on the street. The
shifter is floor mounted and straight, and the floors have low pile
black carpeted mats, all in a clean presentation.
Drivetrain
Open the side engine cover and what is revealed is the 1292cc
inline 4 cylinder engine looking period correct and clean, rated at
50 horsepower. Twin SU carburetors feed the four banger and a
4-speed manual transmission sets it into motion, sending power to
the rear wheels and 4.875 gears. Drum brakes are found forward and
aft.UndercarriageFrom this angle, you can see some of the painted
wood construction and simple frame. Zero rust and only a few drops
of oil and beyond that, a clean underside and the single exhaust
flows into a long stock style muffler then sends a tailpipe out
back just behind the single taillight. Leaf springs handle the
suspension at both ends and we note a VW steering box conversion on
the car.
Drive-Ability
Tally-ho my good man. Out of my way so that I may meander the test
loop. This car is 87 years old and runs like it's 87 days old. The
little four sings a nice exhaust note and rolls along, eventually
getting up to speed. More of a sheep in wolf's clothing, it was
plenty fast for 1937 and still holds its own today. That being
said, it runs well, shifts great, and rolls wonderfully while all
functions including gauges and lights work.
This authentic period piece may be numbered with a three, but it's
number one in our book. It has "eyes" as they say, incredible
presence, clean, exciting, and historic. Its caretaker has lovingly
maintained this MG and it will be a fabulous addition to your
collection or as your first foray into the world of classic
cars.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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