1938 MG VA 4 Passenger Tourer

The Tupelo Automobile Museum Auction|27 April 2019, 10:00 CDT|The Tupelo Automobile Museum

1938 MG VA 4 Passenger Tourer
Chassis no. VA1999T

1,548cc 4-Cylinder Engine
Dual SU Side Draft Carburetors
58bhp
4-Speed Transmission – Synchros on Three and Four
Front Beam and Rear Live Axle Half Elliptical Sprung Suspension
4-Wheel Lockheed hydraulic brakes

*Classic white over tan color scheme
*Good example of a rare pre-war MG
*Very usable car with great road manners

THE MG VA

Launched at the 1936 Motor Show, the VA was the second all-new MG model to be introduced following the company's acquisition by Morris Motors, the first being the SA. Although based on the Wolseley Super Six and aimed at the luxury car market, the SA received sufficient input from MG founder and designer Cecil Kimber to transform it into a car worthy of the famous octagon badge. Likewise the VA, or 1½-Liter, shared its 1,548cc four-cylinder overhead valve engine with the Morris 12/4 and Wolseley 12/48. As installed in the VA, this unit featured twin SU carburetors and produced 54bhp, which gave the VA spirited performance. The VA could cruise comfortably at 60mph and had a genuine top speed of over 75mph, with more to come from the tourer once the windscreen was folded flat. Synchromesh made its appearance on 3rd and top gears for the first time in an MG saloon. A Tickford-bodied drophead coupé and Charlesworth open tourer completed the range. By the time production ceased in 1939, 2,407 VAs of all types had left the factory.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Mr. Spain's time spent sifting through car classifieds paid off a number of times- The MG VA presented here is one of those lucky finds. Within the file is the original sale advertisement as shown within the Florida Custom Antique & Sportscar Trader in 1995. The vehicle was described as a "Classy rare 4 pass. Touring convertible, cream w/ tan top, tan leather upholstery, restored 1976." Today, the MG can very much be described the same way. Although, the restoration is beginning to show its age and the car is most likely due for a refresh.

An MG VA is a rare sight in America and make for wonderful and attractive touring cars. With a bit of time and work this particular example is sure to delight.

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