1932 MG Midget J2 Sports

• One of 2,083 produced
• Fewer than 200 miles since restoration circa 2010
• Hydraulic brakes
• Last run in 2018
• Requires recommissioning
• Marshall-type supercharger included but not fitted

General Manager of Oxford-based Morris Garages, Cecil Kimber brought sports car motoring within the financial reach of the man in the street with a succession of affordable MGs. These were, naturally enough, based on existing Morris models, arguably the most famous and certainly the most influential being the Midget, which first appeared at the 1928 London Motor Show. The first – 'M' type - Midget was based on modified Morris Minor running gear and used the latter's 847cc single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine, though it was its delightful two-seater body that set the little MG apart from its humbler progenitor. Manufactured by Carbodies of Coventry, it was narrow, light in weight and adorned with a most attractive boat tail.

Derived from the 'M' type and introduced for the 1933 model year, the two-seater J2 established the classic MG look which would characterise the Abingdon marque's sports cars into the 1950s. With its deeply cutaway doors, fold-flat windscreen and fixed cycle-type mudguards, it revealed its race-bred pedigree in every line and set the British sports car fashion for many years. This new Midget was given the factory designation 'J2' and it was announced simultaneously that a new 'super-sports' J3 model and a racing J4 would quickly follow. The Midget's 847cc, overhead-camshaft, Wolseley-derived engine was coupled to a four-speed gearbox and housed in a simple chassis frame featuring half-elliptic springing all round and cable-operated 8"-diameter brakes. Thus equipped, the lightweight J2 possessed exemplary handling and steering by the standards of the day and was good for 65mph. Today the model is one of the most sought after of pre-war MG sports cars.

One of only 2,083 J2 Midgets produced, chassis number 'J2342' was extensively restored circa 2010, including an engine rebuild, and has covered fewer than 200 miles since completion. Like many of its fellows, this J2 has been fitted with hydraulic brakes, a most sensible upgrade, and it is possible that other improvements have been made.

The car last ran in 2018, following which the coolant was drained and the brakes backed off to enable easy movement; relatively light recommissioning should be required to get it back on the road. 'KG 2128' comes with a history file containing restoration receipts, instruction manuals, books, photographs and a V5C document. Included in the sale is a large selection of spares including two spare wheels; gearbox; engine blocks; crankshafts; front axle; exhaust manifold and more. There is also a new-old-stock Sir George Godfrey & Partners Marshall-type cabin supercharger and its associated fittings, making this a fine prospect for someone wanting an MG J2 with a little more 'go' than standard.