Vehicle Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional
example of this extraordinarily rare 1934 MG PA Roadster with it's
original mathcing #'s 847cc 4 cylinder engine, original 4 speed
non-synchromesh transmission, and beautifully presented in it's
original correct factory 'Oxford Blue over Cambridge Blue' color
paint with all body panels obviously removed, stripped and media
blasted prior to re-painting, original chrome and light lenses and
grille and a gorgeous correct matching blue interior!The car has
absolutely no rust and there are no signs or history of any
accidents or rust - one very rare example and one of reportedly
less than 150 left remaining from a total production build of only
1,973! The car has it's seemingly original tan canvas convertible
top and frame with no rips or tears and which is perfectly
functional and the car will be sold with it's original tonneau
cover (boot), original 'Banjo style' steering wheel, factory spare
wheel mounted on the rear, original 'Jaeger' gauges and soon to be
banned in 1935 American Sequoia redwood veneer. All the options are
working as they should including all the gauges and lights.The car
has been garaged and not run regularly in recent years, the engine
starts and the car runs and drives and shifts gear well enough but
please note that the car will be needing some engine work to
perform correctly as it seems that the compression is weak on one
of the cylinders. We have decided to sell the car as is without
starting the work ourselves. The P type Midget was launched in
March 1934 as the replacement for the J2 and was produced from
(about) March 1934 until the late summer of 1935. 1,973 cars of
this type were built and it is reported that no more than 150 MG PA
sports cars remain in existence today! It featured an improved
overhead camshaft, crossflow 847 cc 4-cylinder engine with twin SU
carburetors producing 36 horsepower and it rode on an 87-inch
wheelbase chassis with a 4-speed non-synchromesh transmission.
However, most of the improvements were in styling and creature
comforts. The interior was widened and the instrument panel was in
burled sequoia. Trafficators (British for turn signals) and a
central lubrication system were included. It is well recognised
that the P type had similarities with previous Magnas and Magnettes
and its parentage derived from the M and J types. 'Autocar'
magazine road tested the P type in November of that year and
reported 'This latest model is a marked improvement in all respects
over its forerunners'. Sales literature produced by Abingdon
claimed, 'In all there are over one hundred new and improved
features'. With good reports in the motoring press it was no
surprise that the car sold well, with serious production starting
at the end of January 1934; over two hundred cars a month were
coming off the production lines.Many MG and pre-war classic sports
car enthusiasts consider the MG P- type the purest expression of
classic MG styling and the MG PA model is now considered by many to
be the quintessential pre-war Midget. When introduced in early
1934, its most important new feature was a three-main- bearing
crankshaft. Compared to the previous (two-main-bearing) MG
4-cylinder engines, the P type was fitted with an all new 847cc
engine, with three main bearings supporting the rigid crankshaft.
This allowed higher engine revolutions to be employed with safety.
An improved Tecalemit oil lubrication and filtering system was a
welcome addition to the engine. This system had two filters, one
externally and the other was a gauze mesh in the sump, both of
which ensured thorough filtering of the oil, thus prolonging the
life of the crankshaft and cylinder bores. A "smooth flow" cylinder
head with inlet ports on one side and exhaust on the other had an
overhead camshaft and the new engines were much more robust and
also much smoother running. The transmission was strengthened and
improved to withstand the increased engine power output and
stresses imposed by competition work and a new design heavy duty
clutch was employed to cater for the rigorous stops and starts on
sprints and hill climbs. A four speed non-synchromesh gearbox with
a low ratio first gear for competition purposes transferred the
power to a specially strengthened back axle with a four star
differential. Twelve inch diameter brake drums replaced the
previously used eight inch variety. This move gave far greater
braking efficiency. Hartford friction dampers were fitted to the
front of the car and transversally mounted hydraulic spring
compensated shock absorbers at the rear gave good suspension and a
comfortable ride over most surfaces.There were other changes too:
longer wheelbase, enlarged cockpit, greatly enlarged brake drums.
Styling was refined too with the level of standard equipment
described in the sales brochure of the time indicated that it was
"all the usual equipment that sportsmen demand - supplemented by
the following new extras: Easily accessible tool accommodation;
non-reflecting fascia board; new revolution counter; chromium
plated long range headlamps; new seat adjustment; dual arm electric
windscreen wiper; stop and tail lamp; improved hood and side
curtains; and new fold flat windscreen with toughened
non-discolourable Triplex safety glass."The first cars produced
were all two seaters and following its predecessor the J2 had its
wheels painted to match the car's interior, this was soon dropped
in favor of aluminum paint. P types were available in three
distinctive duo-tone paint schemes, each one came with matching
upholstery. Our feature car is painted in Oxford Blue and Cambridge
Blue, other options were: Ulster Green and Dublin Green and Carmine
Red and Saratoga Red. The most popular single color scheme however
was Black, closely followed by Green and then Red followed by Blue.
Some cars were produced in primer only to allow the prospective
owner to have the car painted to his choice and for an extra ten
guineas the owner could specify the factory to complete the car in
any color leather or bodywork he so desired.Most of the design
knowledge gained from previous involvement in production car trials
and racing proved invaluable to the production of the P type. The
chassis was far sturdier than the J type and the body was less
angular and had more flowing lines. Two variations were available
with either a two or four seater version coming direct from the
factory, however a fixed head coupe was offered on the P type
chassis by specialist coachbuilders such as H W Allingham of
London, University Motors (who were main MG agents) and Cresta
Motors of Worthing. The most popular of these conversions was
undoubtedly the Airline Coupe by H W Allingham but very few of
these attractive cars were produced because they were considered
fairly expensive and larger standard cars could be bought for about
the same price. When introduced the P type two seater sold for 220
compared to 240 for the four seater version. The Airline Coupe was
offered at 290.The P type was never intended as a racing model,
unlike many of its predecessors, however it was seen on the
circuits and in 1935 a three car team of P types was entered in the
24 hour Le Mans race. The team was managed by George Eyston and
consisted of six ladies affectionately known as "The Dancing
Daughters" although they attracted much publicity, they did not
fair particularly well against opposition from Singer's 972cc
sports car. The Singers took 1st, 3rd and 4th places. This, along
with other factors prompted Abingdon to produce a more powerful
model, to be designated the PB which was introduced in 1935. The
engine capacity was increased to 939cc to give more power and a
close ratio gearbox was fitted. Other chan...for more information
please contact the seller.
