Introduced in March 1934, the MG PA Midget was a more sophisticated and durable design than its J-type Midget predecessor. Longer and more rigid, its cruciform-braced chassis was equipped with all round semi-elliptic leaf springs (fixed at their leading edge but held in sliding trunnions at the rear) and twelve inch drum brakes. Featuring a robust three-bearing crankshaft and unorthodox crossflow head (with inwardly inclined valves and oval combustion chambers), its beautifully wrought 847cc four-cylinder over head cam engine drove the rear wheels via a reinforced clutch and four-speed manual gearbox. With an impressive 36bhp on tap (albeit at a high 5,500rpm), the PA was reputedly capable of 74mph. Priced at £222, just 2,500 or so had been made by the time production ceased in 1936. Today, good surviving examples of this archetypal pre-war British sports car are few and far between.
This delightful and early production example was originally registered on 26th September 1934. It was previously purchased by the vendor’s late father in 1951 when he was just 20 years old; His ownership being recorded on the buff logbook which accompanies the car and lists just three other custodians in total. During the next six years it served him as both everyday transport and a steed for long distance Continental touring, including a trip to Switzerland in 1951, over the Alps and via Monte Carlo, before returning to England via Paris – some fantastic photographs documenting this adventure can be found in the car’s impressive history file. Following another trip to Le Mans in 1956, a decision was taken to retire the PA from active service and an MGA took over daily transportation duties. Upon retirement in 1990, a decision was made to carry out a full nut and bolt restoration, with a total disregard for cost. A new ash frame was manufactured by the respected Enrique Llinares and the original panel work was painstakingly transferred across. The rear wings were replaced with new examples, along with the bonnet that was deemed past salvageable, probably due to the heavy ex-army kit bags that had been mounted to it back in Switzerland, ’64! The engine was stripped and rebuilt by Sports and Vintage Motors of Shrewsbury in August 1999, who also installed a new differential whilst the car was in their care. The interior trimwork was replaced in its entirety and now sports a great patina; The paintwork was resprayed in red to a professional standard by our vendor, who’s day job included painting TVRs at the factory and aircraft at BAE!
Still displaying extremely well, albeit now being the subject of an older restoration; The MG ran without fault on our recent photography session and is ready to use and enjoy. Offered with full weather gear in the form of a hood, side-screens and tonneau cover; This heirloom is only being offered for sale due to downsizing and loss of the heated, carpeted garage the car has spent more than three decades in! Offered with one of the most comprehensive history files we’ve ever encountered (a literal box full!), which includes a photograph album, original folding logbook, awards for concours successes, a ream of invoices, receipts and written correspondence, a magazine article on the car and much, much more.
