Lot 242 - 1939 12990 VA Tourer

The MG VA, or MG 1½ litre as it was originally marketed, was manufactured between February 1937 and September 1939 and was the smallest of the three sports saloons produced in the late 1930s by MG; the others being the SA and WA. The car used a tuned version of the push-rod, overhead valve, four-cylinder Morris TPBG type engine that was also fitted to the Wolseley 12/48 and Morris 12. The MG version had twin SU carburettors and offered an impressive 54bhp via a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios. Nineteen-inch wire wheels were fitted and the ten-inch drum brakes were hydraulically operated using a Lockheed system. Suspension was by half-elliptic springs all round with a live rear axle and beam front axle; Luvax shock absorbers were fitted, the rear ones adjustable from the dashboard. In-built hydraulic jacks were standard. Handsomely styled and more useful than their diminutive TA sports cars, the VA was usually fitted with saloon bodywork although a Tickford drophead body was also offered in addition to a four-seat tourer which was the most rakish body with its cut down doors. The British Motor magazine tested a VA tourer which reached a top speed of just over 76mph; with the windscreen folded down the top speed increased to nearly 82mph.

Manufactured on 26th July 1939 and, since 1990, owned by the late vendor who was the Chairman and then President, of the SVW Register for 14 years, this MG VA tourer is accompanied by a host of paperwork and invoices including a V5 document and correspondence from the MG car club. TYJ342 is a car that has been well used and enjoyed rather than tucked away under a cover and, as such, presents in a thoroughly 'working' condition. The interior appears to have been restored some 20 years ago and the VA has been well cared for mechanically. Regularly appearing at rallies and shows, this pre-war MG tourer will always attract attention, be it on the open road or at a classic car meet.