1936→1939 MG SA
With its overhead valve six-cylinder engine, top speed exceeding 80 mph and long wheelbase, the MG SA was introduced to great acclaim in 1936. While MG usually supplied chassis to English coachbuilders, ten examples were shipped to J.H. Keller’s Sportcar AG of Zürich.
In Detail
| submitted by | admin |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1936 – 1939 |
| engine | Inline-6 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| fuel feed | 2 SU Carburetors, |
| displacement | 2322 cc / 141.70 in³ |
| power | 58.2 kw / 78 bhp |
| specific output | 33.59 bhp per litre |
| body / frame | Body over Steel Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front brakes | Lockheed Hydraulic Drums |
| rear brakes | Lockheed Hydraulic Drums |
| f suspension | Solid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
Auction Sales History
1935 MG SA Charlesworth Tourer 1771 – sold for €81,200
This splendid MG SA left the Abingdon Motor Works as a Charlesworth sports tourer and is thought to be one of very few original Charlesworth tourers in existence today. Chassis number 1771 was delivered new, in English Cream over red leather, to its first owner, Mr. Alfred Nencini, on 29 May, 1937. In November 1939 he was involved in an accident, after which his beloved MG was sent to Pickwick Motor and Engineering Works in Corsham where the car was repaired and subsequently painted black.
It wasn’t until 2002 that the car was sold to its current owner. That same year it was sent to world-renowned TT Workshops for a total restoration where it was returned to its original colour. It has since covered less than 5,000 miles including a trip to Le Mans in 2004 where it won an award for the best MG. It has been described as a very usable tourer as the owner has taken it on several long runs through Europe, including journeys to France and to the Le Mans Classic.
Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM
1937 MG SA Charlesworth Tourer SA1407 – sold for $209,000
Presented here is the only 1937 Charlesworth Tourer known to exist. Thanks to its lovely swept tail, the 1937 design is distinctly different from both the 1936 and 1938/39 variations, and is widely considered the best of the breed. Surprisingly, this is believed to be the only surviving Tourer of an estimated 18 examples originally built that year.
Having found the perfect candidate, a complete body-off, bare frame, nut-and-bolt restoration ensued, aiming to return this unique MG to its former glory. Once disassembled, it was discovered that the entire car was very healthy and correct with matching-numbers components throughout.
In 1994, the Charlesworth appeared at Pebble Beach where it was awarded First in Class, a strong testament to the quality of the restoration and the significance of this particular example. The MG went on to earn First in Class at Meadow Brook, a first prize at the Gathering of the Faithful and its CCCA Senior Premier badge (1847SP.)
Auction Source: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company
1936 MG SA Charlesworth Tourer SA0432 – sold for $88,000 This handsome 1936 MG SA Charlesworth Tourer displayed minimal wear at the time of its sale in 2007 and has seen little use since. There are a mere five known SA survivors left in the world with this type of Charlesworth coachwork and just seventeen in total. Fully verified by the MG SVW Registry, this fine example is ready for both grand touring and concours events, where it will be fully welcomed.
Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions
1938 MG SA Tickford Drophead Coupe – sold for $84,700 This 1938 MG SA left the factory as a standard four-door saloon, sold through University Motors. It was sold once again before being registered for the first time in the UK as MG 4803, and little subsequent history is known until it was rebuilt in 1987 as a Keller by Peter Ratcliffe and registered as BYS 977. Noted collector Gene Ponder, who had the top and frame completely recreated in the Tickford style at a cost exceeding $12,000, acquired … read more
Auction Source: RM Auctions’ 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey
