1936 MG TA Midget
In 1936 MG replaced their PB model with the larger TA Midget.It was both wider and longer than the outgoing model and used a modified version of the Morris 10 but engine with twin SU carburettors.
Chassis and engines were mated at the Abingdon factory and. once completed, were shipped to Newport Pagnell for coachwork.
The TA was the first MG to have hydraulic brakes.
One particularly great body was the three-position drophead coupe produced for the factory at Salmons & Sons Carriage Works also know as Tickford. Only 260 were equipped with this luxurious body out of a total production run of 3003 cars.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Abingdon, England |
| production | 3000 |
| engine | MPJG Inline-4 |
| fuel feed | Twin SU |
| displacement | 1292 cc / 78.84 in³ |
| bore | 63.5 mm / 2.50 in |
| stroke | 102 mm / 4.02 in |
| compression | 6.4:1 |
| power | 37.3 kw / 50 bhp @ 4500 rpm |
| specific output | 38.7 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 64.94 bhp per tonne |
| wheel type | 19×2.5 Wire Wheels |
| front tires | 19×4.5 Dunlop |
| rear tires | 19×4.5 Dunlop |
| front brakes | 9-Inch Drums |
| rear brakes | 9-Inch Drums |
| f suspension | Luvax Shock Absorbers |
| r suspension | Luvax Shock Absorbers |
| curb weight | 770 kg / 1698 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2388 mm / 94 in |
| front track | 1143 mm / 45 in |
| length | 139.5 mm / 5.5 in |
| width | 56 mm / 2.2 in |
| height | 53 mm / 2.1 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| tran clutch | Single Plate |
| gear ratios | 3.715:1, 2.2:1, 1.42:1, 1:1 |
| top speed | ~128.72 kph / 80 mph |
| combined fuel econ eu | 7.84 L/100 km or 30 mpg-us |
Auction Sales History
1938 MG TA Drophead Coupe by Tickford – sold for $115,500
The example offered here is certainly the finest one we’ve ever offered. MG expert Gene Roth spent seven years completing a ground-up restoration, which he finished in 1994. He restored the car to be period-correct down to the smallest detail, including the correct and complete tool set. All original and restorable mechanical and body components were retained to assure authenticity. Each component was rebuilt to as-new condition, except the engine block, which was replaced in England. The interior is done in walnut, leather, and with Wilton carpeting, as original, and the body is finished in black acrylic urethane enamel. The brightwork is a triple-plated chrome, which includes the wire wheels.
Auction Source: 2015 Amelia Island by RM Sotheby’s
